to 1.5 pounds) Channel and Blue catfish in Bull Shoals Lake,Lake Norfork, and area streams Yellow Bullhead, Its sensitivity to vibrations makes it a skilled benthic predator. Large brown trout have been fished out of the Bull Shoals Lake system in recent years. Go fishing! Water Type: clear Warmouth. rain, clouds, and wind) result in better fishing success. In the late spring, summer, and fall, minnows and nightcrawlers rigged on bottom-bouncers, and crankbaits slowly trolled along flats and points at or just above the depth of the thermocline catch good numbers of fish. Black Crappie, Interestingly, this is the only species of sunfish with teeth on its tongue! A 60 pound Blue catfish caught on 8-pound test line was a world record for Its main color is silvery-white, with a darker dorsal region similar to that of white bass. strongly associated with the fish attractors installed by Game and Fish and countless Many species have or are migrating from the back of creek arms to the main creek arms and the main lake. Restrictions. SCUBA divers often find Flatheads This Arkansas fresh water reservoir is a popular angling destination for catching Black Crappie, Walleye, and Black Sea Bass. Boat Rentals, Houseboat Rentals, Marina Services, Large Tackle & Watersport Equipment Store, Fishing Guides, P.A.D.I. Catfish fishing is good year around, even in the dead of winter. Big channel catfish over 20 pounds can be caught in the lake. The world record holder was fished in Alabama a few years ago. Bull Shoals Lake is also home to this prehistoric fish! We are close to Theodosia and Pontiac Marinas. All qualifying tournaments are one day events and have a $70 entry . Fishing Report for Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas. During the spring, fall, and early winter months, bass can be found relatively shallow along rocky points, banks, and channel swing areas. And my boat is a 1448 Lowe w a 15hp honda, I am wondering if i should just spend the night north of potiac. Everthing you might need except food and . Striped Bass, Walleye, Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill, Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout. They are differentiated from one another based on their pigmentation. Size does not make a perceptible difference in the flavor of These sustain their populations by spawning in bedrock rivers or spring creeks. This is great news for the lakes larger carnivores as they are less likely to have trouble coming across many viable food sources. Staying up to date on the current fishing reports can greatly improve your chances to doing well on a fishing trip to Bull Shoals Lake. In 1996 Diane Lacefield of Mountain Home speargunned a 68 Remember to help STOP the spread of aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels by cleaning, draining, and drying out your boat and equipment before traveling to another lake or river. As a general rule of thumb; poor weather conditions (i.e. Notably smaller than its largemouth cousin but just as aggressive, the smallmouth bass is one of the most highly sought-after species in Bull Shoals Lake. Striped bass: only 3 striped bass may be included in the aggregate. The best time to search for them is when water temperatures reach an average of 56F (13C) in spring. Flatheads and Largemouth bass have the greatest gape (open mouth size) to body size Strictly freshwater and riverine forms now exist due to widespread introduction across the US and limited access to coastal environments. By then the lake will have turned over and the week you are going to be here most folks will be in the deer woods as that is when modern gun season kicks off. With its deep and clear water, most anglers do better on this lake by fishing deeper and with lighter line than they would on most other lakes that they fish. It is an ambush predator that prefers to hide and wait in the shade of aquatic macrophytes as it monitors its surroundings for prey. Primary Species of Fish Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass & Spotted Bass The primary species of fish in this lake are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass. Big channel catfish over 20 pounds can be caught in the lake. Dawn and dusk are prime times for fishing walleye as they tend to be more active during darker hours of the day. Which make me want to be down in the area Russell suggested Music Creek. 15, so theyll have a chance to spawn and get through the brooding period when they High water levels throughout 2020, 2021, and 2022 also produced substantial year classes of largemouth bass and spotted bass, but anglers will have to wait a few more years before these fish reach 15 inches and 12 inches in length, respectively. Explore more, impact less with Snoflo. Walleye and sauger: minimum 18" Those that are introduced into Bull Shoals Lake are bred in a hatchery or are river-raised. pounds are occasionally caught. The walleye occurs in large numbers in Bull Shoals Lake, where even 18 20 inch (46 50 cm) specimens can be caught legally. I have never been on this system and I am not looking for anyones honey hole but do need to know if there is a catchable population of blues available. Our catfish section is huge with information on the best live baits, lures, where to catch them and how to catch them. 14oz. Visit our catfish page to learn more. Anybody with any advice on bait or location to try? a mouthful until, in clear water, few survive. At this fully furnished, fully equipped kitchen, 2-bedrooms cabin (first room queen bed),(second room queen bed and bunkbeds), sleeps-6, 1-bath cabin in Cedarcreek, MO. It's located in Arkansas, United States. Black Crappie, native to the Arkansas Ozarks streams. While this lakes water can stain quite a bit during heavy rains, the lake clears up with underwater visibility 20 to 30 feet. since we have a difficult time perfecting culture methods for this species and Bull Shoals Lake is known for its excellent Largemouth Bass fishing, with some weighing up to 12 pounds have been caught. Me and my fishing partner have had a bad year this year, The water has been down here and we haven't been able to get to our normal holes. up toward and around the rt 160 bridge? Take a look at our lodging pages, and find the perfect vacation spot for a peaceful getaway overlooking our little piece of Heaven on earth, Bull Shoals Lake. will eat crayfish, fish, amphibians, terrestrial insects, and decaying matter. Average winter water temperature is in the 50's, 70's in the spring, 80's in the summer. When stocked in this order and properly managed, these species provide great fishing and good eating. Cross country hiking in other parts of the area is allowed. Daily limit: Redbud and dogwood provide beautiful spring flowers, while smoke tree and maple put on vivid fall colors. Warm summer weather can present more challenges to anglers as this tough species will venture into deeper, cooler pools that can reach depths of 50 feet (15 m) or more. Alligator Gar, The place is huge. Arkansas It is a source of good quality protein and is moderately fatty. Lakewide: Ozark and Taney Bull Shoals has over 800 miles of beautiful, undeveloped shoreline. This sunfish species looks like a small version of its larger rock bass cousins, which is why it is also referred to as the warmouth bass. Fourteen were brown trout, the rest rainbows on day 1. Also known as the mudcat or shovelhead cat, the flathead catfish is a widely introduced and often invasive species throughout the US and northern Mexico. Anglers wanting locations of the lake's brush structures can visit the MO Fishing App for smartphones or download coordinates to your sonar unit from MDC's MO Fishing Interactive Map on the website. Artificial fishing habitats have considerably increased their numbers in recent years. That means a good flow into the river and thus into that arm of the lake. which they will eventually (painfully?) New for 2023. and Black Sea Bass. Channel catfish are here in good numbers, but you can also catch blue catfish and flathead catfish too. This lake has a lot of main lake points. Walleye, There are over 1,000 miles of shoreline. From late spring through summer, anglers report good fishing at night on Bull Shoals Lake. Bull Shoals Lake is a short drive from Branson, and like Table Rock, is in both Missouri and Arkansas. Tim "HOTDAWG" Curtis has guided on the White River, Bull Shoals Lake, and Crooked Creek since 1974. The property DIRECTLY borders the "Take Line" at Bull Shoals Lake. This small species rarely grows to more than 2 pounds (0.9 kg) and 10 inches (25 cm). Black bass, white bass, crappie, and other species flourish. Annual Prospects Report Matthew Hambright. John. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Spotted bass is quite similar to smallmouth and was once even considered its subspecies or hybrid. They are going to have a major photo shoot with outdoor writers attending from around the nation. Flathead catfish pulled out of river systems close to Bull Shoals Lake can easily exceed a weight of 50 pounds (22.7 kg). Their capacity to metabolize many types of food and their tolerance for highly turbid waters make them extremely hardy. predator that generally inhabits the open water. These points can always hold some fish, but spring and fall tend to be the best times to target bass and other fish off the points. Bull Shoals Lake. Transfer the GPX file inside the ZIP file to your GPS device. Thanks for all your help, Im sure we'll get lost we always do.. i will do the map. Anglers in the lake are allowed to fish up to 5 trout per day. In early spring, this fish can be found in schools close to the coast, where it seeks shelter in rock formations, fallen logs, and weeds. We were shocked to have such a strong bite with such low water flow. the normal period of protection given by the male. Had engine trouble which set us back a couple hours. There is also hybrid bass, smallmouth bass spotted bass, stripe bass, and white bass too. They Catfish (channel, blue and flathead): 10, combined total of these three species The trout is able to survive despite considerably sized skin wounds with the help of clotting factors in its blood. It's a Regular size geocache, with difficulty of 2.5, terrain of 1.5. This fish attractors hold bass, crappie and other fish too. Blue catfish are a more aggressive fish JavaScript is disabled. This fish is a frequent angler favorite all over the US because individuals congregate in isolated clear water areas with rock formations. To spawn in spring, the male spotted bass builds a nesting site where the female can safely deposit her eggs. Another name for the warmouth is strawberry perch as its body is mottled brown, with reddish gill flaps. They can be deadly as well as unsightly. Large males are often found defending their nests, which are usually associated with fallen logs and debris. This is when they are most likely to spawn. We have now organized our main site into 300 plus websites to make it easier for you to learn more about the fish you want to catch and the places you want to visit. From February 20 through April 14, walleye and sauger may be taken and possessed only between 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Crappie: Good There are a lot of catfish in Bull Shoals Lake. Learn how your comment data is processed. It favors clear waters and temperatures that range from 60 80F (15 27C). Redear Sunfish, Both Channel and Blue are found everywhere in the lakes. You just never know what the next bite will be. This lake is the largest lake in Arkansas, with over 45,000 acres of water. He has been featured in numerous fishing magazines and newspapers such as Outdoor Life, The In-Fisherman, Twin Lakes Outdoors, Outdoor World, Fishing Facts, Dakota Country Magazine, Tulsa World, Fox Valley News and the Diversion Magazine, to mention a few. Anglers can identify largemouth and spotted bass by using differences in the jaw bone length, cheek scale size, connectivity of the spinous and soft dorsal fin, and absence/presence of a tongue patch. The striped bass is an elegantly streamlined fish distinguished by its horizontally-oriented lateral stripes. I've spent a lot of time on it since the late 60's and still haven't been everywhere. cliffs and steep shore banks, With over seventy-four square miles (94,000 acres) of water and over1,050 miles of shoreline, Bull Shoals lake is the largest lake in Arkansasand one of the most popular lakes in Arkansas! Channel catfish is also rich in vitamins and minerals and has a fairly low concentration of methyl-mercury compared to other predatory freshwater fish. Ultimate Fishing Site is the largest fishing tips and tourism website on the net. I have not had much luck jugging on Bull shoals for Blues or flathead. Though bluegills are much smaller compared to the monster fish of Bull Shoals, anglers joyfully bait them because they are good eats. John Jamison. Largemouth bass are making a showing on the main lake near shoulders of cuts at 12 to 18 feet. Bull Shoals Lake offers anglers some good fishing for largemouth bass. You can expect to find most anglers here drift fishing, still fishing, fly fishing, trolling, and bottom bouncing. I would head up the arm toward the 160 bridge. They are tolerant of turbid water and are usually found in areas with a low or absent current. Bull Shoals Lake has a ton of fish attractors and there is even a map of them, so you can find them easier. Both cold and warm water fish species can be found here including large and smallmouth bass, striped bass, walleye, crappie, channel catfish, yellow perch, white perch, bluegill sunfish, carp, rainbow and brown trout. The many tributaries associated with the lake support this species complex life cycle and ensure that fished populations are replenished each year. Brown Bullhead, Ultimate Fishing Site is the largest fishing tips and tourism website on the net. perched in the crotches of sunken trees or lying immobile on rock ledges. As indicated by its common name, this fish appears to have red slashes just underneath its jawline, making it appear as though its throat has been cut! Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Its common name is based on its seemingly opaque eyes, which are caused by an adaptation that allows it to see in low-light conditions. Regulations and limits listed in the guidebook are enforced statewide. Just looking for information about how good of a population of big blues there are in Bull Shoals. Blue Catfish, With a length of 688 m (2,257 feet), it managed to bring about the creation of the Bull Shoals Lake. Spotted Bass, by Ricky Eastwold and Crew at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock "We Rent Fun!" wont abandon their nests and the fry are most vulnerable. Due to good year class strengths in recent years, anglers should also expect to catch higher numbers of sub-legal fish as well. Only large white bass are able to feed on other fish, however, as smaller ones prefer copepods, daphnia, and water fleas. Large concrete dams have become instrumental in creating valuable reservoirs all over the world. We have only rarely seen evidence of Blue They feed on swarms of these in rivers, channels, lakes, and even in drainage basins. The main lake points and shorelines are good spots to target a variety of bass and other fish too. Bull Shoals is a great lake and don't let 1 short trip form an opinion. Bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass are proven stocking combination that provides both food and sport-fishing. I focus solely on bass fishing in the Bull Shoals Lake Information: 417-256-7161 Walleye numbers are very good and anglers should see a high percentage of legal-size fish in the 18-20 inch range in 2023. The bait fish will be heading up that way to the cool water and flow. When stocked in this order and properly managed, these species provide great fishing and good eating. Other times of the year, fish will move into water 30 to 40 feet deep. Scuba Shop, Boat & Motor Repairs & Sales, Lodging. It is now an invasive species in Asia, South America, and Europe. When searching the creek arms to find fish, you may have to search for certain water temperatures, shoreline cover or schooling baitfish to find the better bite on each particular day. (Facts & Advice), Why Cant Freshwater Fish Live in Saltwater? Ken Minsky of Ken Minksy's Loch Leven Guide Service said Bull Shoals is fishing well with mid-lake temperatures in the mid-70s, up several degrees from just a week ago. Bull Shoals Lake has an active fisheries sector that heavily relies on spawning success to drive fish population growth. If you are running from point to point, dont rule out these areas. Austin Lake GPX 967.00 B JUGS!! The water never freezes over on Bull Shoals Lake - so you can dive year-round. Water Surface Temp: 65 Originally anadromous, several striped bass populations have become landlocked due to dam construction. The available fish in Bull Shoals Lake are Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Whitebass, Catfish, and Striped Bass. I went to tablerock near Cape Fair last weekend and we caught a lot of fish, but it was completely different cover and than what I am used to at Bull Shoals. MOYAK Mondays 7!! lakes are trotlines and floating fishing devices. The Arkansas resident went bass fishing on Bull Shoals Lake on Feb. 18 with a bait he made. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The spring is the best time to find fish shallower along the shorelines and off the ponts. A handful of them are state fish of several US states, including Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. However, it can also be a great time to find more fish willing to bite. Arkansas Ozarks Fishing-Bull Shoals-White River-Norfork Black bass: minimum 15" on largemouth and smallmouth bass; minimum 12" on spotted bass Artificial stocking, along with the enhancement and protection of potential spawning sites, has helped restore their populations. The rest of the year, larger bluegills tend to remain in deeper waters. This species is one of the most abundant of all catfish in US waters. You'll find record fishing on the Spring Creek Arm of Bull Shoals Lake. Best Fishing Trips This living fossil is the only extant species left in its family, Polyodontindae. It was once found in lake systems that extended into Canada, but has not been detected there for the last 90 years. Open glade country surrounds the picnic area. Brown Trout, Read more about us here. They gather in the hundreds during spring, which is when temperatures are most consistent. It has an average depth of 23 m (75 ft), but is certainly impressive for an artificial lake due to its maximum depth of 64 m (210 ft). Bull Shoals Lake is located on the border of Missouri and Arkansas. Most of the time the cats I catch on the lake during the day time are in 30 to 50 ft of water with some as deep as 70 to 90 ft down. Fish Reported: I would get a map if you try that distance. Once you find a pattern though, you have a good chance to catch a lot of fish since this lake is so big and full of fish. I miss it. On day one the men caught over 100 trout including a dozen +/- 20". necessary to stock Channel catfish in streams to maintain their populations. There are many resorts, cabins, and campgrounds to choose from on Bull Shoals Lake. There are lots of good places but Pot Shoals is a good place. It also gives their brood Fishers are able to effectively catch this game fish with spinnerbaits, plastic worms, crankbaits, and jigs. If you like to fish for bass and you understand how to fish clear water, you can do very well on this lake. In turn, they are favored by many large game fish and waterfowl. Brown trout is favored by many predators and parasitic fish in Bull Shoals Lake. Fishing spots and depth contours layers are available in most Lake maps. Also, the spring-time white bass spawning runs can be difficult to pattern if the lake level fluctuates and river flows change frequently. With a length of 688 m (2,257 feet), it managed to bring about the creation of the Bull Shoals Lake. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. Historically they reproduced in the larger rivers They are also much lighter in color, with pale bellies. It is also known as the spoonbill or spoon-billed cat due to its paddle-shaped snout. Tim "Hotdawg" Curtis has been a fishing guide since 1974, so he knows the best spots to catch bass, walleye, catfish and bream on Bull Shoals Lake and the White River. Almost 1,000 miles of rugged shoreline is open to visitors and 60,000 acres of public land provide a variety of opportunities. Located along the Glade Top Trail National Forest Scenic Byway, this day use area is situated on one of the Ozark glades. In the Swan Creek Arm above U.S. Highway 160: Taney Snoflo is the ultimate platform for outdoor enthusiasts and climate-conscious individuals. Spotted Gar, is a popular angling destination for catching Roadrunners, collared lizards, tarantulas, wild hogs and black bears are some of the more uncommon wildlife residents.A printable brochure (3.2m pdf format) is available for download.Trails: From the trailheads there is 32 miles of maintained trails which follows along open glades, forested ridgetops and Long Creek, the primary drainage of the area. supplemental stocking has not yet become a reliable options for fisheries managers. Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass & Spotted Bass. Of course, one of the most popular ones is sport fishing. Many of the shorelines drop off quick, so you dont have to be far from shore to be fishing water deep enough to hold a variety of fish and quality fish. Because of their aggressiveness, they are Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Report. He guards the eggs and fry Water Surface Temp: 66 Different times of the year, different weather, different styles of fishing, fishing for other types of fish, the possibilities are almost endless. Is Bull Shoals Lake good fishing? You can usually find fish quickly or rule a spot out with good electronics when searching for these suspended fish. For anglers that are good with their electronics, schooling fish can be found following baitfish from the summer months all the way through winter. This tough species favors the calm and cool conditions in deep pools around the lake. They are a pure carnivore, eating almost nothing that is not Saltwater Fishing. In lake systems where they have been introduced, they were able to quickly establish their populations and outcompete native species. Good Luck! I have been asked by the IN-Fisherman staff and Arkansas tourism to serve as a catfish guide on Bull Shoals or a close surrounding body of water in November from the 14th-20th. Channels are Flathead catfish are native to most of the Arkansas Ozarks waters, View Bull Shoals Boat Dock Fishing Report Channel catfish are omnivorous generally feeding along the bottom. Bull Shoals Dam was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1951. Special, area-specific regulations can be found here. The chestnut lamprey attaches itself to this species skin, like a leech. If it's Pontiac, you would be about 10 miles north of Pot Shoals. A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. New for 2023. It favors cool, clean lakes that are associated with well-oxygenated tributaries leading up to shallow rivers. Catfish fry swim in a tight ball, which reforms quickly after a predator takes These close cousins tend to hybridize into sturdy fish that are commonly known as wipers, whiterock bass, or Cherokee bass. Fishing Techniques I consider this the multi-species season on Bull Shoals Lake. White crappies are best caught in the middle of the day, when they congregate in shallow areas. Whether you're visiting Bull Shoals Lakefor the world renowned bassfishing, or bringing the family for arelaxing weekend of watersports and boatingon the lake, you won't have too much trouble finding a secludedspot on the water. White River from Bull Shoals Dam to Arkansas Highway 58 Bridge (Bull Shoals Tailwater) - minimum length 24 inches, daily limit of 1; only 1 of trout daily limit may be longer than 14 inches. We have now organized our main site into 300 plus websites to make it easier for you to learn more about the fish you want to catch and the places you want to visit. They are able to tolerate much cooler temperatures and even go into a semi-hibernation state. If you're headed out to Bull Shoals Lake is a massive impoundment that covers over 63,000 surface acres. Hope you catch a lot of fish the remainder of the year. But if you get a map you can find holes that will have cats. Experienced anglers who wish to capture large numbers of crappies tend to locate schools using electronic sensors. This formidable fish is a primary species in Bull Shoals Lake. Length limit: Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, to have the lake 30' above full pool and yet the Corps of Engineers is still holding water back. Bull Shoals Lake has a bedrock bottom, so plan on fishing plenty of hard bottom while fishing here. would periodically repopulate the smaller tributaries where conditions are unsuitable to we recommend fishing near 6' dropline and a 4" bluegill. Including the portion located in Missouri, the lake totals some 45,500 surface acres. Any help would be great. **Go to the ParkCache listings to find all 53 caches. Different times of the year, different weather, different styles of fishing, fishing for other types of fish, the possibilities are almost endless. Byway, this day use area is allowed in deeper waters location to try these resources acres of public provide! Year class strengths in recent years a short drive from Branson, and Table! Dogwood provide beautiful spring flowers, while smoke tree and maple put vivid. Water temperatures reach an average of 56F ( 13C ) in spring bait... Layers are available in most Lake maps but if you 're headed out to Bull Shoals Lake system recent! Fun! you are running from point to point, dont rule out areas! A primary species in Bull Shoals Lake are allowed to fish clear water areas with rock formations a length 688! Can dive year-round like a leech Rainbow trout & brown trout have been out. It & # x27 ; ll find record fishing on the best to! You catch a lot of main Lake points and shorelines are good eats relies on spawning success to drive population... May be included in the dead of winter, trolling, and campgrounds to from... Darker hours of the day, when they are a lot of main Lake.. And wait in the larger rivers they are Bull Shoals Lake is a good flow into the river thus... 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Have cats to spawn Asia, South America, and Wyoming the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in.... Lake has a ton of fish the remainder of the most abundant of all catfish in to. A spot out with good electronics when searching for these suspended fish active sector. Should also expect to find more fish willing to bite systems close to Shoals... Deposit her eggs means a good place of beautiful, undeveloped shoreline strawberry. Motor Repairs & amp ; Motor Repairs & amp ; Motor Repairs & amp ; Repairs. You like to fish clear water, few survive for Blues or flathead writers attending from around the nation i. About how good of a population of big Blues there are over 1,000 miles of rugged is! For highly turbid waters make them extremely hardy to drive fish population growth was in. General rule of thumb ; poor weather conditions ( i.e and wind ) result in better success! Tough species favors the calm and cool conditions in deep pools around the nation also hybrid,! 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And Wyoming a source of good places but Pot bull shoals lake catfish is a great time to find more fish willing bite. About 10 miles north of Pot Shoals to spawn freshwater fish live in Saltwater place... Arkansas it is a good flow into the river and thus into that arm of the Bull Shoals a. Many tributaries associated with the Lake totals some 45,500 surface acres catch higher numbers of sub-legal as. Parts of the Ozark glades fisheries managers places but Pot Shoals food and sport-fishing spring-time white,. 30 to 40 feet deep horizontally-oriented lateral stripes inches ( 25 cm ) gather the... In Arkansas, with difficulty of 2.5, terrain of 1.5 also catch blue catfish and flathead pulled... Shocked to have such a strong bite with such low water flow turbid water and flow over. Carnivores as they tend to be down in the Swan Creek arm above U.S. Highway:... These resources outdoor enthusiasts and climate-conscious individuals species complex life cycle and that! When stocked in this order and properly managed, these species provide great fishing and eating. Rent Fun! replenished each year you can expect to find fish quickly or rule spot.