Guide and tournament fisherman, Eric Prey.
BRANSON, Mo., September 27, 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 1600 on September 27 is 907.84. 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 guides are confronting typical fall patterns on the lower end of the lake. Branson fishing guide trips have been very good as long as you can stay with the fish. Most fish are still coming from relatively deep water, drop shot rigs with Tightlines UV, Chompers and ROBO worms fished in and around brush or rock piles on gravel points and flats. Most of the fish will be holding between 25’-35’ deep tight to cover and the bottom.
Kimberling City Area: Mid lake Branson fishing guide trips have been a little more productive and diverse than Branson. Fishing guides have found fish holding on ledge rock banks and points in the larger creek arms as shallow as 10’ deep. Jewel Spider and football jigs have been the best presentation, brown purple and PB&J are top colors with green pumpkin J Tail or Paca trailers. Look areas where a ledge drops from around 5’ deep to 10’ – 12’ deep to be holding most of the fish.
James River: The small amount of rain has added some color to the James River, the color is much better than the mid lake and Branson. Fishing guide trips have been productive as long as you are willing to move throughout the day. Start shallow with; buzzbaits, shallow crankbaits and spinnerbaits concentrate around shallow wood cover to draw strikes from bass waiting to ambush bait fish. As the day wears on move out to 10’-20’ deep and use Jewel football jigs or Tightlines brush hogs in and around brush or rock piles.
White River: The topwater bite continues to be best in the White River. Look for surfacing fish from Campbell Point through Eagle Rock and cast Sammies, spooks and pop-rs to fish chasing shad. As the sun comes up move out a little deeper and cast Jewel football jigs, Tightlines Beavers and brush hogs in and around brush or rock piles. The deep bite is still strong in the Baxter area; just like in Branson fishing guides are targeting brush and rock piles from 25’ -35’ deep on gravel points and flats. Drop shot rigged Tightlines, Chompers and ROBO worms have been the best choices.
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.
