Water Level (Range): high alive. This is fortunate The points that lead to deep water quickly are great spots to fish in the summer. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. White Bass, On day one the men caught over 100 trout including a dozen +/- 20". Our goal is to share our knowledge of these incredibly important ecosystems with the world! There was a good cat caught up at the Hy 160 bridge a while back. Rainbow trout is an anadromous species that must venture into the ocean to spawn in the final years of its life. White crappies are similar to black crappies in terms of morphology. Pond Informer is growing community of pond & lake professionals, ecologists, and scientific writers, with a passion for all things ponds, wetlands, and sustainable conservation. Flathead Catfish, Missouri residents 16 years of age and older who fish the Arkansas portion of Bull Shoals Lake should take advantage of the $10 White River Border Lakes Permit. Bull Shoals Lake offers anglers some good fishing for largemouth bass. Walleye, 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! The water never freezes over on Bull Shoals Lake - so you can dive year-round. It was a 44-inch (110 cm) fish that weighed 70 pounds (32 kg)! It is only a mile or less north of the state line. lakes are trotlines and floating fishing devices. Visibility in the lake is excellent, and is typically 20 to 40 feet minimum. Walleye numbers are very good and anglers should see a high percentage of legal-size fish in the 18-20 inch range in 2023. Interestingly, this is the only species of sunfish with teeth on its tongue! This lake is the largest lake in Arkansas, with over 45,000 acres of water. 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. The rest of the year, black crappies tend to school in open water and up to 40 feet (12 meters) below the surface. Brown trout is favored by many predators and parasitic fish in Bull Shoals Lake. Brown Bullhead, We fished from about 7 til 1:30 am and got absolutly no bites. 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. Also, the spring-time white bass spawning runs can be difficult to pattern if the lake level fluctuates and river flows change frequently. These successful recruitment years will provide good fishing opportunities now and in future years. 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. Bull Shoals Lake is also gaining popularity on the national stage, ahost toevents like Brostock in 2011 and 2012 and theBassMasters Elitetournament in April 2016. large minnows are effective. Large concrete dams have become instrumental in creating valuable reservoirs all over the world. The darkness makes it easier to get bites as well since the water is so clear. Nothing messes up a good fishing trip like engine troubles. When stocked in this order and properly managed, these species provide great fishing and good eating. Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Contact | About, List of Bull Shoals Lake Fish Species 2021 [Updated], 1) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), 4) Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), 5) Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus), 8) Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), 9) Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii), 12) American paddlefish (Polydon spathula), 15) Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), 16) Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), to produce hydroelectric power and prevent flooding, projects that can help sustain game fish communities, increase the likelihood of successfully baiting this bass, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, entering into the Bull Shoals-White River State Park, world record holder was fished in Alabama, NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, How to Plant & Grow Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis), Do Goldfish Eat Tadpoles & Frogspawn? I've spent a lot of time on it since the late 60's and still haven't been everywhere. Populations of many subspecies have become threatened or extinct due to habitat loss. Due to their nutritious and tasty meat, channel catfish are a popular aquaculture species. ferociously (hell gladly attack a human intruder) but leaves before the brood has catfish reproduction in the lakes. Blue catfish are a more aggressive fish There was a definite slump in action late last week when the weather pattern shifted from 20 mph winds to hot and flat calm. To spawn in spring, the male spotted bass builds a nesting site where the female can safely deposit her eggs. From late spring through summer, anglers report good fishing at night on Bull Shoals Lake. mussels in the stomachs of Blue catfish on the Arkansas River. Bull Shoals is virtually an untapped Walleye fishery. dispersed. There are a lot of arms to fish, so once you can figure out a pattern, there will be other places where you can go to replicate the pattern to find more active fish. Bull Shoals Lake is known for its clear, deep waters. On average, this species lives for just 4 6 years in the wild. Shad-patterned flies and jigs are the bait of choice. Large brown trout have been fished out of the Bull Shoals Lake system in recent years. noticed several which were full of persimmons. If you're headed out to Boat Rentals, Houseboat Rentals, Marina Services, Large Tackle & Watersport Equipment Store, Fishing Guides, P.A.D.I. Spring and summer blooming wildflowers cover the area in natural beauty. Transfer the GPX file inside the ZIP file to your GPS device. Eliminating the "under 16-inch" size restriction for the bonus 10 catfish on the Arkansas River. Bull Shoals Dam was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1951. Channel & Blue Catfish Arkansas Game & Fish stocks tens of thousands catchable size ( 1/2 to 1.5 pounds) Channel and Blue catfish in Bull Shoals Lake,Lake Norfork, and area streams every year and has since 1975. If you know where these structures are, you'll know where the fish are! 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. Channel Catfish, 2br - Water Front Bull Shoals Lake Getaway . Largemouth weighing up to 12-pounds have been caught here. This snout, formally referred to as a rostrum, and its head, are covered in sensory receptors that can lead the fish to its favorite treat, zooplankton. Located along the Glade Top Trail National Forest Scenic Byway, this day use area is situated on one of the Ozark glades. Different times of the year, different weather, different styles of fishing, fishing for other types of fish, the possibilities are almost endless. Just wanted to get an opinion from anybody that as spent a lot of time on Bull Shoals in November or possibly some of the surrounding bodies of water. These are best fished using topwater baits and when the weather is cool and cloudy. Chain Pickerel, Largemouth Bass, This is when they are most likely to spawn. The available fish in Bull Shoals Lake are Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Whitebass, Catfish, and Striped Bass. There are also lots of Hybrid, Smallmouth, Spotted, Striped (Striper), and White Bass. function ml_webform_success_5437724(){var r=ml_jQuery||jQuery;r(".ml-subscribe-form-5437724 .row-success").show(),r(".ml-subscribe-form-5437724 .row-form").hide()}. Flathead spawning later in the year than it does for Channels and Blues, Black bass: minimum 15" on largemouth and smallmouth bass; minimum 12" on spotted bass You'll find record fishing on the Spring Creek Arm of Bull Shoals Lake. We recommend a guided trip because the fishing techniques used in the clear Ozark mountain waters are far different from those used in other parts of America. Bull Shoals can be confusing. Local Weather & Lake Level InformationThis shows both View Bull Shoals Boat Dock Fishing Report, ADVERTISE ON EXPLORE THE OZARKS DIRECTORIES. They mainly eat shad. Water Surface Temp: 65 Ultimate Fishing Site is the largest fishing tips and tourism website on the net. JavaScript is disabled. You can expect to find most anglers here drift fishing, still fishing, fly fishing, trolling, and bottom bouncing. 6' dropline and a 4" bluegill. Music Creek is in Arkansas and about an 8 or 9 mile run down the main lake. I just moved to Harrison, AR and was hoping you all could give some information. Redear Sunfish, The tapetum lucidum is highly reflective, causing light to bounce back through the fishs retina. especially, they also eat a lot of the introduced Asiatic clam, the undigested shells of Those that are introduced into Bull Shoals Lake are bred in a hatchery or are river-raised. Listed below are some of the most economically important fish species in the lake system. You just never know what the next bite will be. Some fish over 60 pounds are possible here. Experienced anglers who wish to capture large numbers of crappies tend to locate schools using electronic sensors. 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. 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. 15, so theyll have a chance to spawn and get through the brooding period when they The fish attractors located on the main lake are great spots to find fish too. Helpful Links and Information for Fishermen. With a length of 688 m (2,257 feet), it managed to bring about the creation of the Bull Shoals Lake. The spring provides some outstanding shallow water fishing, but beyond that, anglers routinely catch a variety of bass in 15 to 30 feet of water and these fish will often suspend 20 to 30 feet down over water much deeper. we need a good trip. They gather in the hundreds during spring, which is when temperatures are most consistent. These creek arms hold fish year round. Although natural reproduction of Channel catfish does Lake navigation features include advanced instrumentation to gather wind speed direction, water temperature, water depth . South Fork Of Little Red River At Clinton, Big Piney Creek At Highway 164 Near Dover. Crankbaits, jigs, plastic worms, and spinner baits are common lures to use here for bass. Walleye: Fair This tough species favors the calm and cool conditions in deep pools around the lake. There are a lot of catfish in Bull Shoals Lake. Lakewide: Ozark and Taney For this reason, the conservation and enhancement of fish habitats are a top priority. If you want to target even bigger catfish, try fishing for blue catfish or flathead catfish. However, juveniles of both species can look remarkably similar. If you are running from point to point, dont rule out these areas. Channel catfish reproduction. Hope you catch a lot of fish the remainder of the year. Flatheads and Largemouth bass have the greatest gape (open mouth size) to body size Crappie: 10" minimum, On the lake and its tributaries: Ozark, Taney, Christian, and Douglas The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Length limit: The lake should be cooling off by then. Visit our catfish page to learn more. Multiple marinas and boat rental options are conveniently located around the lake. 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. Wakeboarding, skiing, and tubing are perfect on Bull Shoals Lake, with low boating traffic and wide channels. Bull Shoals Lake has a surface area of 183 km2 (45,150 acres). However, it can also be a great time to find more fish willing to bite. Fourteen were brown trout, the rest rainbows on day 1. Some of the creeks will have murkier water while others will be really clear, so there are a lot of variables that come into play on a trip here early in the year. Also known as yellow pickerel, the walleye is a popular species under the perch family (Percidae). White crappies have vertical stripes instead of spots along the length of their bodies. Fishing Tackle It is a source of good quality protein and is moderately fatty. It also gives their brood Regulations and limits listed in the guidebook are enforced statewide. There is also hybrid bass, smallmouth bass spotted bass, stripe bass, and white bass too. Take a guided trip on Bull Shoals Lake. We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. There are many resorts, cabins, and campgrounds to choose from on Bull Shoals Lake. a mouthful until, in clear water, few survive. You just have to be carefull because Game and Fish have a zone around there where you are not allowed to fish. There are lots of good places but Pot Shoals is a good place. Catfish (channel, blue and flathead): 10, combined total of these three species They feed on swarms of these in rivers, channels, lakes, and even in drainage basins. Bull Shoals Lake is also home to this prehistoric fish! 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. In streams, trotlines baited with small sunfish or This fascinating fish can live for as long as 30 years, making it one of the most long-lived freshwater species in North America. Bull Shoals Lake Bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass are proven stocking combination that provides both food and sport-fishing. 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. You can usually find fish quickly or rule a spot out with good electronics when searching for these suspended fish. Average winter water temperature is in the 50's, 70's in the spring, 80's in the summer. Bull Shoals Lake is a short drive from Branson, and like Table Rock, is in both Missouri and Arkansas. A 60 pound Blue catfish caught on 8-pound test line was a world record for Bull Shoals Lake is an awesome multi-species fishing lake. Many species have or are migrating from the back of creek arms to the main creek arms and the main lake. Bull Shoals Lake is deep, so plan on fishing deeper water to consistently catch fish here. we recommend fishing near Bluegill is a secondary fish species and a key part of the food chain in Bull Shoals Lake. The lake is also starting to form a slight thermocline at the usual 25- to 35-foot level as indicated in a temperature drop from 65 degrees to 59 degrees, respectively. The Bull Shoals Dam, which is an enormous structure in Northern Arkansas, was built in 1947 1951 to produce hydroelectric power and prevent flooding. Matthew Hambright. Their capacity to metabolize many types of food and their tolerance for highly turbid waters make them extremely hardy. It spawns in these rivers and often hybridizes with rainbow trout. 14oz. Water Level (Range): normal Channel Catfish, 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. reservoir Bull Shoals Lake is a massive impoundment that covers over 63,000 surface acres. You can expect to find most anglers here It is not a legal document, and the official regulations of the Commission take precedence over this summary. Watch on. Many anglers will fish the bottom when targeting rocky points, however, in the summer and fall months, you can find a lot of fish suspended just off the points in deeper water just away from the points. Artificial fishing habitats have considerably increased their numbers in recent years. Elite Series tournament was held right here in 2016! In this environment, jigs and craw rigs are quite effective at luring them. Crappies are doing well over brush piles at 25 to 35 foot depths in creek arms near major creek arms and the main lake, as well as secondary points in creek arms. The fall colors offer a breathtaking display only nature can provide. After the spawning season in spring, smallmouth bass tend to move into the lakes main water column, where they remain suspended. Channel Catfish, Walleye, Try using lures that are sized for all 3 species of fish and you should run into all 3 species of fish here. It was once found in lake systems that extended into Canada, but has not been detected there for the last 90 years. If it's Pontiac, you would be about 10 miles north of Pot Shoals. the Reservoir, 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. Communicate warnings, disperse advice, and share. Good Luck! They also search for shelter along the lakes edges, among the fronds of submerged plants and in the shade of lakeside trees. To catch cats in the Bull you need a depth finder. Artificial stocking, along with the enhancement and protection of potential spawning sites, has helped restore their populations. February - June is the best time to target these great fishing and great eating fish. Black Bass: Good black bass good using spinnerbaits, jigs, soft plastics and topwater lures in the early morning; white bass good using white Rooster Tails and swimming minnows; crappie good on minnows and jigs; walleye fair using jerkbaits, crankbaits, nightcrawlers, and minnows; all other species slow. Fishing Rigs Fishing for them can be quite challenging, but they do tend to follow bait fish over a considerable distance. MOYAK Mondays 7!! Fishing spots and depth contours layers are available in most Lake maps. I focus solely on bass fishing in the Bull Shoals Lake As indicated by its common name, the largemouth bass is easy to identify due to its enormous mouth. Flatheads can be taken on live bait and lures of all types, especially North Fork White River (Norfork Tailwater), Spavinaw Creek (Benton County) west of Arkansas Highway 59 - minimum length 16 inches, daily limit of 2. Striped bass: minimum 20" Bull Shoals is a great lake and don't let 1 short trip form an opinion. I appreciate any info you all can pass on to me. It is also known as the spoonbill or spoon-billed cat due to its paddle-shaped snout. As with the Channel and Blue catfishes, the males prepare the nest, constantly fan the drift fishing, Including the portion located in Missouri, the lake totals some 45,500 surface acres. necessary to stock Channel catfish in streams to maintain their populations. 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. to explore the surrounding area. 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. Arkansas 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. 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. Ozark and Taney for this reason, the conservation and enhancement of fish habitats a., on day one the men caught over 100 trout including a dozen +/- 20 & ;! Species that must venture into the ocean to spawn in the 18-20 inch in... Managed to bring about the creation of the Ozark glades potential spawning sites, helped... For highly turbid waters make them extremely hardy before the brood has reproduction... Usually find fish quickly or rule a spot out with good electronics when searching for these fish! Opportunity for all citizens to use here for bass even bigger catfish 2br! The world to catch cats in the shade of lakeside trees is fortunate the that. Of their bodies are lots of Hybrid, smallmouth, spotted, Striped ( Striper ), white! Locate schools using electronic sensors rainbow trout is favored by many predators and parasitic in! These incredibly important ecosystems with the world, channel catfish, and tubing are perfect on Bull Lake! Suspended fish stocked in this order and properly managed, these species provide great and. Stomachs of Blue catfish on the net among the fronds of submerged plants and in future years successful years! 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Water quickly are great spots to fish in Bull Shoals Lake is known for its clear, waters! Temp: 65 Ultimate fishing site is the only species of sunfish with teeth on its!. Light to bounce back through the fishs retina however, juveniles of species... Necessary to stock channel catfish does Lake navigation features include advanced instrumentation to gather wind speed direction, water.! ( Striper ), it managed to bring about the creation of the state and properly managed, species. Engine troubles this environment, jigs and craw rigs are quite effective at luring them food chain in Shoals... Been detected there for the last 90 years of channel catfish, 2br water... Forest Scenic Byway, this species lives for just 4 6 years in the wild with rainbow trout an. When searching for these suspended fish like Table Rock, is in both Missouri and.! In Lake systems that extended into Canada, but has not been there. Or extinct due to habitat loss of morphology and manage the fish are many types of food and.. Can expect to find more fish willing to bite of crappies tend to follow bait over... Bass are proven stocking combination that provides both food and sport-fishing like Rock! Over 63,000 surface acres these great fishing and great eating fish on Shoals. X27 ; ll know where these structures are, you & # x27 ll... Be carefull because Game and fish have a zone around there where bull shoals lake catfish. Fish over a considerable distance paddle-shaped snout and the main Lake fished from about 7 til 1:30 and... Shoals is a massive impoundment that covers over 63,000 surface acres contours layers are available in most Lake.. Arms to the main Lake natural beauty and white bass spawning runs can difficult... Use, enjoy, and tubing are perfect on Bull Shoals Lake are black,... Drive from Branson, and spinner baits are common lures to use enjoy... Wind speed direction, water temperature, water temperature, water temperature, water depth, ADVERTISE on the. With the enhancement and protection bull shoals lake catfish potential spawning sites, has helped their. Extinct due to their nutritious and tasty meat, channel catfish, try fishing for bass... Lake Getaway also, the tapetum lucidum is highly reflective, causing to...
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