[Editors Note: Branson, Missouri’s Table Rock Lake’s 43,100 surface acres has 857 miles of shoreline. This report covers that portion of Table Rock Lake that most people staying in the Branson area would typically be fishing. The level of Table Rock Lake as of 2400 April 28 was 916.00 down from 917.73 a week ago]

Table Rock Lake, Main Body

Water Temperature: 58 - 60 F
Water Clarity: Clear

Normally, when largemouth start moving into spawn, you can go to the pea gravel and catch spotted and smallmouth bass. For some unknown reason, this has not happened yet this year. There are some nice largemouth shallow, which can be caught on flukes, split-shot rigs, and salty sinkers. The smallmouth and spotted bass will show up, and when they do the action will be fast and furious.

Tablerock Rivers, including the James River

Water Temperature: 60 - 65 F
Water Clarity: Stained

The rivers are producing large numbers of fish, but few keepers. The spotted bass are showing up on the gravel, and can be caught on centipedes and grubs in 10 - 15 feet of water. The largemouth are shallow, and are hitting spinnerbaits, spooks, and flukes.

The crappie fishing is good. They are in brush piles and laydowns in 5 - 8 feet of water. Small jigs and live minnows are working the best.

Now that the water has reached 60 F, the fishing will be good for several months. Along with the warm water comes more boating and fishing pressure. The number of boats will greatly increase so be careful and aware of what is going on around you.

Submitted by Buster Loving for Central Pro-Am Association