Table Rock Advice

[slayinhawgsil17]

Hey all! I'm new on this forum, but was wondering if anyone had any advice for table rock lake. I'm a senior in high school from IL and am going to be down there in early June.. Just wondering if anyone could help me with the best way to go about getting into some of the great fishing this lake has to offer. Thanks!

[Bluebasser86]

Do you know what part of the lake you'll be on? June can be tough but if the mild weather we've been having holds on for a little bit longer, you should be in for some pretty good fishing. 

[slayinhawgsil17]

Well we're actually going to be staying on taneycomo, I was just wanting to take a day or so and possibly rent a bass boat. Do you typically target largemouth or smallmouth?

[Bluebasser86]

You don't really get a choice what you're targeting on Table Rock, you can catch all 4 kinds of bass the lake holds from one end to the other. If you fish around the dam (where taney is), you'll mainly encounter spots and smallmouth, but still plenty of largemouths and means there. 

Start as early as you can, an hour or two before sunrise would be great. Jigs or plastic on a swing head before it gets light, topwater if you're feeling adventurous (I don't like trebles in the dark). Once the sun starts to get up I like to cover water with a spook unless the fish aren't coming to the surface. Dragging a jig or swing head again will most likely be productive. A shakyhead or Ned Rig will always catch some fish. Bluff ends are usually a good place to pick up a fish or two. Channel swing banks or points should have some fish on them as well. I usually do better on the banks that don't look as exciting, gravel or clay banks without the big obvious rocks the lake is so famous for. 

[rangerjockey]

As bluebasser said if your close to the dam you will typically see more smallmouth in that area than up the rivers..

 Your close to state park marina  , they probably rent bass boats there.

Honestly , I'd recommend you hire a guide. Table Rock is a fickle place and can change daily.  If you decide to go that route PM me and I'll get you some names.

 You may see a topwater bite in the morning, otherwise it's probably going to be a dragging deal.. ned, shaky head and a football jig..

 I'm a fan of the transitions between bluff wall and chunk rock as a starting point..

[Bluebasser86]

Big Cedar Lodge use to rent out bass boats, but I think I remember hearing they stopped doing that. Honestly, you're probably going to be able to hire a good guide for just a little bit more than you could rent a bass boat for. 

[Onvacation]

I agree that for a few bucks more, hiring a guide is the best way to maximize your time on the water.  I've done this at Kentucky Lake and will be doing the same at Toho this summer. Table Rock is on next years early spring agenda so ranger jockey, I may hit you up for some names.  You pick up so much info with a good guide.  Plus, a guide is going to know the baits that are working and will be well stocked.  

Only thing to be careful of with a guide is that they usually have primo equipment at your disposal. I haven't went on a trip yet that hasn't resulted in me buying a new rod or reel because I fished with something that I really liked.  

[HappyNest]

I recommend Tony Wadle with Rainbow Chasers (417) 294-7335

Tony has put us on many bass and he also took us for trout. He never failed to put fish in the boat with us. He also has a great personality.

[rangerjockey]

Another thing to remember is there is actually a decent Bass population in Taney.. I would think you would want to stay below branson landing.

More toward the gold mine to bull creek..

[evilcatfish]

Check out the table rock forum on ozarkanglers.com

 

Also Pete Wenners posts weekly fishing report videos on YouTube and his site. I think you'll find them very useful 

[Mr. Ranger]

Any updates for recent Fall fishing on TR?

[Bluebasser86]

14 hours ago, Mr. Ranger said:

Any updates for recent Fall fishing on TR?

What part of the lake are you fishing? I just got back from 3 days on Table Rock this last Monday-Wednesday. 

[rangerjockey]

Been catching them pretty good, but size hasn't been great . I've been up the James mostly,good spinnerbait and Squarebill bite.

They will bite a RK crawler and a wart.

[Mr. Ranger]

On 10/22/2016 at 6:56 PM, rangerjockey said:

Been catching them pretty good, but size hasn't been great . I've been up the James mostly,good spinnerbait and Squarebill bite.

They will bite a RK crawler and a wart.

What color wiggle wart is working?   I've heard that some pumpkin/orange color is working on a jig.  The Toyota Tournament up there- 13 pounds won it and 4 pounds drew a check... that's some sad fishing right there. 

 

I'm traveling from Memphis up to TR to weekend fish, and the report on the bite right now is not encouraging.  Any tips will be helpful.  I can put in wherever.

On 10/22/2016 at 0:45 AM, Bluebasser86 said:

What part of the lake are you fishing? I just got back from 3 days on Table Rock this last Monday-Wednesday. 

I'm open to suggestions.  I tend to stay away from Branson/Big Cedar points.  I usually put in at Kimberling City.

[rangerjockey]

On the wart and RK crawler ,either a brown or green craw pattern , I have been throwing the mudbug color on the crawler.

 As far as jig colors some kind of green pumpkin or magic craw and PBJ is about all I throw., I would try a smaller profile like a Jewel spider jig or E&L weapon head .

I won't be back out until Saturday but if we get some clouds or wind I would pick up the spinnerbait. I have heard of some being caught on the whopper plopper and spook.

If all else fails ol ned would be my fall back bait.

[Bluebasser86]

On 10/26/2016 at 4:19 PM, Mr. Ranger said:

I'm open to suggestions.  I tend to stay away from Branson/Big Cedar points.  I usually put in at Kimberling City.

Well, my report won't be of much help then because we only fished around the dam area, but here it is.