Outdoor Activities on the Lake | Branson Missouri

The Branson and Tri-Lakes Area offers some of the best freshwater fishing in North America including Trout, Bass, Crappie, Catfish, and Blue Gill. There are more than 200 species of fish that can be found in the area. Trout and Bass fishing are the very best.

Fishing is not all these three lakes are good for! People who find outdoor activities enjoyable find themselves drawn to the lakes for nature hikes, swimming, scuba diving, water skiing and parasailing to name just a few of the favorite lake activities people enjoy while in Branson Missouri.

Learn more about the different Branson area lakes and what each has to offer below.

Lake Taneycomo

If it is Trout or Bass you are after, then Taneycomo is the lake for you. The water supply for Lake Taneycomo comes from the bottom of Table Rock Lake and is a cool 55° all year. The Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery keep the lake stocked with Trout and this makes for great Trout fishing. It is fairly easy to catch Trout off the shoreline, but a Branson fishing guide can always make fishing more enjoyable by doing the dirty work for you.

Branson Missouri outdoor activities would not be complete without a cruise on Lake Taneycomo. Rent a boat from Scotty's Trout Dock or hop on one of the Branson Landing Cruises and enjoy the paddle boat they call the Lake Queen or a yacht cruise on the Landing Princess.  

Table Rock Lake

If you are looking to play at the lake or catch a variety of fish, then Table Rock Lake is the lake you are looking for. With nearly 800 miles of shore line, there is plenty of room for everyone to play and fish at the same time.

You will often see jet skis, ski boats, fishing boats, sail boats, cabin cruisers and house boats on this large body of water. 

Bull Shoals Lake

If you want to be away from all the action and catch anything from Crappie to Walleye to a great tan, head on over to Bull Shoals Lake and enjoy over 1,000 miles of shore line. The water is clean and clear making this a great place to swim, scuba and spear fish.

Fishermen enjoy their time on the lake all year long but find that the best months to fish are in March, April and May. There are trophy size Trout below the dam and good size Walleye all over the lake. Another fun fish to catch are the White Bass that make their way into Swan Creek to spawn in the spring.

This is the best kept secret in the Branson Missouri area.

Branson Missouri Fishing Rules and Regulations

When fishing one of our three lakes or our creeks and rivers in the area you should know:

Anyone who will be fishing must have a Missouri fishing license before you can legally catch fish. The appropriate lifetime, annual or daily fishing permit is required. Regulations change and should be verified with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

· Daily Fishing Permit: $7.00 and may be purchased by residents and nonresidents for multiple days.

· Resident Yearly Fishing Permit: $12

· Resident Hunting and Fishing Permit: $19
Fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish and live bait, birds except turkey, mammals except deer, and to sell furbearers taken by hunting. (The hunting regulations booklet outlines additional permits needed to hunt migratory birds.)

· Non-Resident Fishing Permit: $40

· Trout Stamp: $7
You must also have a fishing permit. A trout permit is not needed where a daily trout tag is required.

· To get a copy of the Missouri Fishing Regulations booklet from the Missouri Department of Conservation, call (800) 781-1989.

Branson Fishing Guides

Stones Guide Service

(870) 741-2029

pgstone200@yahoo.com

Ozark Mountain Guide Service

1933 Swallow Lane

Aurora, MO 65605

(800) 250-3275 Toll Free

River Run Outfitters

2626 State Hwy 165

Branson, MO 65616

(877) 699-3474 Toll Free

Boat Rentals/Wave Runners:

State Park Marina (888) 993-BOAT

Indian Point Marina (866) 218-0417

Outdoor Lake Activities

Diving-

State Park Marina (888) 993-Boat

Scuba Sports on the Lake (417) 334-9073

Parasailing-

State Park marina (888) 993-Boat

Kayaking-

Kayak Branson (417) 336-2811

Outdoor Attractions

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery

Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery is located at the foot of Table Rock Dam off of Hwy 165. The hatchery is operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation that allows trout fishing on Lake Taneycomo year around by stocking this fun to catch and great to eat fish. Special permits are required to fish for Trout, along with your regular fishing license.

At the Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery, there are trails for hiking, nature study, photography and wildlife viewing. Visitors may attend guided tours at the Hatchery located in the Visitors Center 10 AM - 2 PM (Weekdays) from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Self guided tours are available throughout the remainder of the year.

For more information call the Visitor Center at (417) 334-4865.