Guide and tournament fisherman, Eric Prey.
BRANSON, Mo., July 12, 2012. A comprehensive weekly fishing report on Branson, Missouri’s Table Rock Lake. Table Rock Lake covers 43,100 surface acres and has 857 miles of shoreline so this report covers the portion of Table Rock Lake that most people staying in the Branson area would typically be fishing and is submitted under the auspices of the Central Pro- Am Association (CPAA) by guide(s) who are actively involved in guiding on almost a daily basis. The level of Table Rock Lake as of 1000 on July 12 is 911.65. The Seasonal Conservation Pool, level of Table Rock Lake at this time of year is 917.0.
Table Rock Lake by Eric Prey, FocusedFishing.com
Branson Area: Fishing guide trips have been better this past week, cooler air temperatures and about an inch of rain have reinvigorated fish and made the bite much better. Most of the fish are still coming from deep water, drop shot rigged Chompers, ROBO and Tightlines UV worms have been the dominate pattern, look for fish to be on gravel points and flats holding tight to brush and rock piles form 28’ – 35’ deep. The topwater bite in the Branson area has been hit or miss with fish surfacing right at daybreak but only staying up for around 30 minutes.
Kimberling City Area: Cooler temperatures have improved the mid lake of Table Rock, much like Branson fishing guide trips. The topwater bite has been stronger around Kimberling, with schooling bass chasing shad on gravel points and flats from day break till around 8:00 am daily. The deep bite is still your best option once the sun comes up; brush and rock piles on gravel points have been holding large numbers of Spotted and Smallmouth bass. Drop shot Chompers, ROBO and Tightlines worms in and around the brush to be successful.
James River: Summer patterns on the James River are in full swing. Jewel Football Jigs, 10’’ and 12” worms and deep crankbaits are all effective right now. The majority of fish are coming out of brush piles 12’ to 25’ deep, brush that is closer to deep water will hold more fish than those on flats. Work Jewel jigs and J tail combos or the big worms through the brush from different angles to draw strikes, fish will tend to be holing on the shady side and will move throughout the day as the sun moves. The crankbait bite has been better in the afternoon when the Corps is generating current; make sure to hit the brush with the bait to draw strikes.
White River: Much like Branson fishing, guides are catching most fish on the White River deep. Brush and rock piles on gravel points are holding large numbers of fish, drop shot rigs with Chompers, ROBO and Tightlines worms have been drawing strikes in and around the cover. Further upstream from Big M to Eagle Rock jigs and big worms have been a better option. Look for brush and cover 10’ – 20’ deep to be holding better quality largemouth bass, work Jewel jigs and 8”- 12’ worms through the cover to draw strikes.
Submitted by Eric Prey, Focused Fishing for Central Pro-Am Association
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As part of its continuing commitment to serving the community, Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected sellers of vacation planning services, Branson show tickets, attraction tickets and lodging is proud to sponsor this fishing report, the Central Pro-Am Association and K.A.S.T. (Kids Are Special Too). BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or by visiting their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com. The Central Pro Am Association, through such sponsorship and that of Ranger Boats and Mercury Marine,is pleased to participate in furnishing this report to those fishing the Branson Tri-Lakes area.
