Lake Taneycomo was created in 1913 when the White River was impounded by the completion of the "Power Site" Dam, at White River Mile Marker 506.8 near Forsyth, Missouri. Unlike the Table Rock and Bull Shoals Dams and Lakes, which are owned by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Power Site Dam is privately owned by Empire Electric Company. This company holds a license to continue operating the Dam and its hydroelectric plant until 2022.
From 1913 until 1958 it was a "warm water" lake. The completion of Table Rock Dam in 1958, 22 miles upstream at White River Mile 528.8, created a physical southern boundary for the Lake which now consists of over 2,080 surface acres. Virtually overnight, a "cold water" fishery was created because of the temperature of water coming through the "generators" of Table Rock Dam as its water is used for the generation of power. To take advantage of this change the Missouri Department of Conservation constructed the "Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery" at the foot of the Dam. Today Lake Taneycomo is one of the best trout fisheries in the nation. A State Record Brown Trout was caught in the Summer of 1994.
When power is not being generated Lake Taneycomo has the characteristics of both a river and a lake for anglers to enjoy. The shallow colder water, at Lake Taneycomo Mile Marker 22, located adjacent to the Junction of State Highways 165 and 265 near the Table Rock Dam, averages 48 degrees F, resembles a river and permits wading and bank fishing for trout. The average temperature of the water gets warmer and the depth of the Lake deepens to depths in excess of 50 feet near Lake Taneycomo Mile Marker 1 and the Power Site Dam in Forsyth. When Table Rock Dam is generating power its current is very strong throughout its whole length, its water temperature drops, and for all practical purposes it becomes a very deep, cold, fast running river. Exactly how deep, cold, and fast depends on how many generators are being used to generate electricity at Table Rock Dam.
Warning: When fishing near the Table Rock Dam from the Bank or particularly when wading pay attention to the horn when it blows. This is a warning indicating that they are going to start generating power. This will cause a sudden increase in the speed of the current and depth of the water. The water can rise feet in a matter of minutes.
Lake Taneycomo offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, sightseeing, hunting, skin diving, fishing, and water sports such as swimming, boating, water skiing etc. People accessing Lake Taneycomo from the Branson area will have be able to enjoy all that Lake Taneycomo has to offer plus the Activities Food, Lodging, and Shopping and Shows that are available within the Branson Tri-Lakes Area.
Boat Launching- Convenient access to Lake Taneycomo is provided for boat launching at the North End of the Branson City Campgrounds in Historic downtown Branson and near Table Rock Dam from of State Route 165 through the Access to the Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery. The Hatchery is located on State Route 165 between the Lawrence Welk Center and the Junction of State Route 265. Enter for the Hatchery and follow the signs to the Launching Ramp.
Pedestrian Access Near the Table Rock Dam- The banks along the Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery include a Nature Trail and provide excellent access to the Lake for hiking, strolling, or fishing. Information and maps as well as information on the operation of the Trout Hatchery may be obtained from the Visitor's Center for the Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery. The Hatchery is located on State Route 165 between the Lawrence Welk Center and the Junction of State Route 265. Access to the Lake and the Hatchery for wheelchairs is excellent.
Pedestrian Access From Down Town Branson- Easy access to the Lake is provided along the Lakefront in Down Town Branson from the Highway 65 Bypass Bridge north to the mouth of Roark Creek. The City of Branson has provided fishing docks where one can sit and fish or just sit and relax. Branson Trout Dock, located near the Boat launching Ramp also has cold drinks, other refreshments, and Lake information. Starting at the foot of Main Street and the Lake at Dimitri's, Branson's only floating gourmet restaurant, and continuing along the Lake Front to Roark Creek at the north end of the City Park is paved access. The City Park provides an excellent view of the Lake and places to sit down and relax or fish. Restrooms are located in the City Park and at the north end of the City Camp Grounds.
Main Street Marina - (417) 334-2263
Lake Queen Cruise- 417-334-3015
Nature Walk- 417-334-4865
Sammy Lane Pirate Cruise- 417-334-3015
Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery- 417-334-4865
Main Street Marina - (417) 334-2263
Branson Trout Dock - 417-334-3703
Fall Creek - 417-336-4937
Main Street Marina- 417-334-2263
Scotty's Trout Dock - 417-334-334-4288
Branson City Campgrounds- 417-334-2915 or 334-8857
Cooper Creek- 417-334-5250
[Current Fishing Reports] [Non-Resident Permit Information]
Lake Taneycomo is one of the finest trout fisheries in the country. It cold waters provide excellent fishing for both Rainbow and Brown Trout. Although the fishing condition change on an almost hourly basis because of the generation of power from both Table Rock Dam and the Power Site Dam excellent fishing is available throughout its 22 mile length providing the angler is willing to adjust their method of fishing to accommodate the current Lake conditions. When power is being generated the most common method of fishing is to use a standard drift rig with a bonze #8 short shank hook and drift using artificials such as "Flat Fish" or other baits such as worms, salmon eggs, or Berkley Power Bait. When they are not running water excellent wading and fly rod fishing is available in the headwaters of Taneycomo, near Table Rock Dam and all methods of fishing work well. Popular methods of fishing are worms or salmon eggs fished off the bottom with 2-4 pound diameter line, green tint suggested, artificials, and fly rods with 1/00th or 1/80th ounce jigs and a strike indicator.
The sources listed below should be able to provide up to date information on the current fishing conditions, applicable regulations, and other information necessary to have an enjoyable fishing trip Lake Taneycomo.
Sources of Fishing Services and Information on Lake Taneycomo
Briarwood Resort - 417-334-3929
Del Mar Resort - (417) 334-6241
Fish Connection - 1.417.335.4655 (Fly Fishing Information)
Lakeshore Resort - 800-583-6101
Main Street Marina - (417) 334-2263
River Lake Resort - 417-334-2800
Sammy Lane Resort - 417-334-3253
Trout Hollow Lodge - 1-800-328-1246
Dimitris Restaurant- 417-334-0888
*Trout Hollow Lodge - 1-800-328-1246
*Main Street Marina - 417-334-2263
* Limited basically snacks but restaurant within easy walking distance. Must have permission of Dock Operator to dock and leave boat while eating.
Briarwood Resort - 417-334-3929
Del Mar Resort - (417) 334-6241
Lakeshore Resort - 800-583-6101
River Lake Resort - 417-334-2800
Sammy Lane Resort - 417-334-3253
Trout Hollow Lodge - 1-800-328-1246
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Answer to The Dimitri's Page Question:
Answer: Table Rock Dam