Guide and tournament fisherman, Eric Prey.
BRANSON, Mo., August 16, 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 1700 on August 16 is 909.38 . 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: Fish have begun to move shallower over the past week, cooler nights and cloud cover has brought fish into the shallows early and late feeding on crawfish and shad. In the Branson area fishing guides have been having success with Jewel football and spider jigs worked slowly along the bottom, Jewel Squirrel heads with finesse worms have been effective as well from 10’ – 20’ deep. The drop shot bite is still strong particularly once the sun comes up, Branson fishing guides have been concentrating on gravel points from 25’ -35’ deep working the bottom with Tightlines UV, Chompers and ROBO worms on a drop shot rig.
Kimberling City Area: The mid lake has been as strong as or stronger than around Branson. Fishing guides have been doing well working Jewel Squirrel heads with finesse worms, dragging the bait on mixed gravel and rock points will draw strikes from smallmouth and largemouth. The deep bite is still strong; Branson fishing guides have been using Webb Tail spoons and drop shot rigs for fish holding close to the bottom on main lake gravel points from 25’ – 35’ deep. On cloudy or windy days fish will move to the bank and can be caught on Jewel jigs, topwater and shallow crankbaits.
James River: The water in the James River has more color than the rest of the lake, the small amount of run off from recent rains has given the water above Cape Fair a very nice stain allowing fish to move shallower than they have been in a couple of months. Unlike in Branson fishing guides have been working faster moving baits close to the bank to draw strikes from fish focused on shad. Flukes, buzz baits and shallow crankbaits have all been producing in the stained water of the James.
White River: The topwater bite is still strongest in the White River. Spooks, Sammies and pop-r’s have all been working well on gravel flats early and late in the day. Hold the bait until fish are seen chasing shad and throw the bait in front of the fish to draw strikes. Just like in Branson, fishing guides continue to do well with drop shot rigged Chompers and Tightlines finesse worms worked along the bottom. The same points that are producing early and late with topwater baits will produce with a drop shot. Look for fish holding close to the bottom from 25’ – 35’ deep.
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.
