Bull Shoals can be confusing. In the spring, you have a variety of bass and other fish that move into the creek arms to get ready to spawn, but lake levels and water clarity can change quickly here in the spring. During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures. Fishing Tackle For table quality they are generally considered Channel & Blue Catfish Arkansas Game & Fish stocks tens of thousands catchable size ( 1/2 to 1.5 pounds) Channel and Blue catfish in Bull Shoals Lake,Lake Norfork, and area streams every year and has since 1975. I would have gotten to you sooner but my computer went down. The calm waters of Bull Shoals Lake are ideal for boating and skiing. Rainbow trout is an anadromous species that must venture into the ocean to spawn in the final years of its life. Make sure you use your electronics and look for baitfish when fishing deeper water. I've had a lot of luck jug fishing about half-way back in Music creek. Well I have been looking at the map and considering that we are probably only gonna be there from about 5pm til 11am the next morning. This fishing guide can handle 1 to 40 people, which means families of any size can go on the water and catch a big one. Crappie: 15 fishLength limit: Notably smaller than its largemouth cousin but just as aggressive, the smallmouth bass is one of the most highly sought-after species in Bull Shoals Lake. The fish attractors located on the main lake are great spots to find fish too. Pond Informer is growing community of pond & lake professionals, ecologists, and scientific writers, with a passion for all things ponds, wetlands, and sustainable conservation. If you take a look at a map of this lake, you will see how many creek arms there are off of the main lake. These are best fished using topwater baits and when the weather is cool and cloudy. You can expect to find most anglers here drift fishing, still fishing, fly fishing, trolling, and bottom bouncing. This Arkansas fresh water reservoir is a popular angling destination for catching Black Crappie, Walleye, and Black Sea Bass. The world record holder weighed just 5 pounds (2.3 kg) but was 21 inches (53 cm) long! the normal period of protection given by the male. Tim "HOTDAWG" Curtis has guided on the White River, Bull Shoals Lake, and Crooked Creek since 1974. At maturity, a paddlefish can reach a length of 5 feet (152 cm) and weigh up to 60 pounds (27 kg)! Bull Shoals Lake. I use live bait, with 3-5 ft of line, but I must be in the wrong spots. A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. Water Level (Range): high Go fishing! Today, this lake supports a complex ecosystem surrounded by a sprawling community of water-dependent industries and diverse terrestrial wildlife. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Brown trout is favored by many predators and parasitic fish in Bull Shoals Lake. Bull Shoals Lake is an incredible fishing destination located in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas. Primary Species of Fish Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass & Spotted Bass The primary species of fish in this lake are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass. Average winter water temperature is in the 50's, 70's in the spring, 80's in the summer. Bull Shoals Lake has a ton of fish attractors and there is even a map of them, so you can find them easier. Arkansas Ozarks Fishing-Bull Shoals-White River-Norfork especially, they also eat a lot of the introduced Asiatic clam, the undigested shells of Walleye and sauger: minimum 18" Chain Pickerel, Largemouth Bass, There was a good cat caught up at the Hy 160 bridge a while back. Special, area-specific regulations can be found here. I would like to talk to you as time draws closer. Spearfishing is also a very popular method Around the corner from Lake Norfork Dam and the White River, in the Arkansas Ozarks, Quarry Marina offers the finest in boat rentals : bass and fishing boats , Aloha pontoon boats , ski boats , and other watersports equipment. Try using lures that are sized for all 3 species of fish and you should run into all 3 species of fish here. Panfish can be caught here too. All qualifying tournaments are one day events and have a $70 entry . Redear Sunfish, There are over 1,000 miles of shoreline. Channel catfish are omnivorous generally feeding along the bottom. (Facts & Advice), Why Cant Freshwater Fish Live in Saltwater? However, juveniles of both species can look remarkably similar. To spawn in spring, the male spotted bass builds a nesting site where the female can safely deposit her eggs. Bull Shoals Lake is known for its clear, deep waters. Fishing Rigs Bluegill is a secondary fish species and a key part of the food chain in Bull Shoals Lake. Big channel catfish over 20 pounds can be caught in the lake. Crappie: Good It was a 44-inch (110 cm) fish that weighed 70 pounds (32 kg)! The walleye occurs in large numbers in Bull Shoals Lake, where even 18 20 inch (46 50 cm) specimens can be caught legally. Originally anadromous, several striped bass populations have become landlocked due to dam construction. Due to the large 2017 and 2019 year classes, bass anglers should experience good catch rates of largemouth bass greater than 15 inches and spotted bass greater than 12 inches in 2023. ferociously (hell gladly attack a human intruder) but leaves before the brood has Look for vapor lights 1 mile up south bay across from pt 16. We have now organized our main site into 300 plus websites to make it easier for you to learn more about the fish you want to catch and the places you want to visit. Fish Reported: Channel Catfish, lakes are trotlines and floating fishing devices. Welcome to BullShoals.com, your source for all things related to Bull Shoals Lake in the Ozarks. White River from Bull Shoals Dam to Arkansas Highway 58 Bridge (Bull Shoals Tailwater) - minimum length 24 inches, daily limit of 1; only 1 of trout daily limit may be longer than 14 inches. and Black Sea Bass. Redbud and dogwood provide beautiful spring flowers, while smoke tree and maple put on vivid fall colors. function ml_webform_success_5437724(){var r=ml_jQuery||jQuery;r(".ml-subscribe-form-5437724 .row-success").show(),r(".ml-subscribe-form-5437724 .row-form").hide()}. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, and plastic worms catch the majority of the black bass species. Some of the creek arms will be much better in the spring as fish move into the shallows to spawn and then again in the fall as bait fish move into the creeks. Crankbaits, jigs, plastic worms, and spinner baits are common lures to use here for bass. Austin Lake GPX 967.00 B We were shocked to have such a strong bite with such low water flow. Rogues, live bait, and jigs catch the majority of fish during the early spring months. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is 12,413 acres of the most scenic and unique country in the Midwest. Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Report & Lake Conditions by Ricky Eastwold and Crew at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock "We Rent Fun!" Boat Rentals, Houseboat Rentals, Marina Services, Large Tackle & Watersport Equipment Store, Fishing Guides, P.A.D.I. Flathead Catfish, Catfish are also biting well on trotlines along the main lake bluffs, as well as stretched across larger main lake cuts that drop to the 25 to 35 foot level. Our goal is to share our knowledge of these incredibly important ecosystems with the world! At night they come up and cruise the banks at night to feed. The world record holder was fished in Alabama a few years ago. Striped Bass, Walleye, Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill, Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout. black bass fair on top water baits and soft plastics. You guys have any advise? On glades such as these, the notorious Bald Knobbers met and planned their raids. Crappie: 10" minimum, On the lake and its tributaries: Ozark, Taney, Christian, and Douglas Flathead spawning later in the year than it does for Channels and Blues, Yes it is Pontiac, my old eyes and the dark don,t make typing easy.. There is also hybrid bass, smallmouth bass spotted bass, stripe bass, and white bass too. Common Carp, Music Creek is in Arkansas and about an 8 or 9 mile run down the main lake. Spotted bass is quite similar to smallmouth and was once even considered its subspecies or hybrid. (which are now dominated by the cold tailwaters of several large Corps dams) and the young mussels in the stomachs of Blue catfish on the Arkansas River. Strictly freshwater and riverine forms now exist due to widespread introduction across the US and limited access to coastal environments. South Fork Of Little Red River At Clinton, Big Piney Creek At Highway 164 Near Dover. Bull Shoals Lake is also home to this prehistoric fish! Those that are introduced into Bull Shoals Lake are bred in a hatchery or are river-raised. ** Welcome to Bull Shoals-White River State Park, one of 52 beautiful . Its quite common to come across individuals that are 15 17 inches (38 43 cm) long as their populations are stable. They appear to glow under the light, making them have ornamental appeal. New for 2023. If you are running from point to point, dont rule out these areas. These points can always hold some fish, but spring and fall tend to be the best times to target bass and other fish off the points. As a general rule of thumb; poor weather conditions (i.e. White crappies have vertical stripes instead of spots along the length of their bodies. Spotted Bass, John Jamison. Welcome to BullShoals.com, your source for all things related to Bull Shoals Lake in the Ozarks. By then the lake will have turned over and the week you are going to be here most folks will be in the deer woods as that is when modern gun season kicks off. 2br - Water Front Bull Shoals Lake Getaway . Nothing messes up a good fishing trip like engine troubles. Walleye, The lake is also starting to form a slight thermocline at the usual 25- to 35-foot level as indicated in a temperature drop from 65 degrees to 59 degrees, respectively. Channels are Enjoyed reading your comments guys. Lead Hill looked like the closest place to put in. In 2016, Debra, an Illinois native and New Orleans transplant, purchased her family home overlooking beautiful Bull Shoals Lake. Dawn and dusk are prime times for fishing walleye as they tend to be more active during darker hours of the day. I focus solely on bass fishing in the Bull Shoals Lake The lake should be cooling off by then. I've spent a lot of time on it since the late 60's and still haven't been everywhere. They are to have the lake 30' above full pool and yet the Corps of Engineers is still holding water back. Fourteen were brown trout, the rest rainbows on day 1. Bull Shoals Lake is a massive impoundment that covers over 63,000 surface acres. When stocked in this order and properly managed, these species provide great fishing and good eating. With over seventy-four square miles (94,000 acres) of water and over 1,050 miles of shoreline, Bull Shoals lake is the largest lake in Arkansas.and one of the most popular lakes in Arkansas! High water levels throughout 2020, 2021, and 2022 also produced substantial year classes of largemouth bass and spotted bass, but anglers will have to wait a few more years before these fish reach 15 inches and 12 inches in length, respectively. The best way to keep a dream alive - is to keep sleeping. They also search for shelter along the lakes edges, among the fronds of submerged plants and in the shade of lakeside trees. Spotted Bass, Largemouth Bass, . Thanks so much all of you guys for your help, Its sure going to make my short trip a lot easier, and hopefully a lot more productive. White crappies are best caught in the middle of the day, when they congregate in shallow areas. They are also much lighter in color, with pale bellies. Visit our catfish page to learn more. Bluegill, You will fill like you have your own private lake. occur in Bull Shoals and Norfork, it is severely limited by predation of bass on young Striped bass: only 3 striped bass may be included in the aggregate. Premier trout fishing is offered not only at the world-class trout fishery near Bull Shoals Dam, but also where the lake's headwaters cross the tailwaters of Lake Taneycomo. The Pontiac, Spring Creek, and Theodsia Accesses are in Ozark County and located off of Highways W, HH, and 160, respectively. Eliminating the "under 16-inch" size restriction for the bonus 10 catfish on the Arkansas River. Bull Shoals is a great lake and don't let 1 short trip form an opinion. Trout are here in limited numbers, but nearby, there is some awesome trout fishing available. Trotlines and set poles are effective in streams. wont abandon their nests and the fry are most vulnerable. The meat of this species is reputedly one of the most delicious of all Arkansas game fish. catfish. native to the Arkansas Ozarks streams. The tapetum lucidum is highly reflective, causing light to bounce back through the fishs retina. Like its close cousins, it prefers cool streams and rocky pools, where it can creep up on potential prey. We have now organized our main site into 300 plus websites to make it easier for you to learn more about the fish you want to catch and the places you want to visit. It is also known as the spoonbill or spoon-billed cat due to its paddle-shaped snout. The state record was fished in the lake in 1969 and was a sturdy specimen that weighed 7 pounds and 5 ounces (3.3 kg). New for 2023. This species is one of the most abundant of all catfish in US waters. You can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking or just relaxing around the lake. Of all Arkansas game fish rocky pools, where it can creep up on potential prey and a... Water-Dependent industries and diverse terrestrial wildlife nearby, there are over 1,000 of. Are omnivorous generally feeding along the length of their bodies, Debra an. By many predators and parasitic fish in Bull Shoals Lake are great spots to find most anglers here drift,. Good eating dawn and dusk are prime times for fishing Walleye as they tend to be active! They appear to glow under the light, making them have ornamental appeal anglers here drift,... Low water flow experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before.... Went down Knobbers met and planned their raids is a massive impoundment that over! And high temperatures redbud and dogwood provide beautiful spring flowers, while smoke tree and maple on... Good eating more active during darker hours of the most delicious of all in. Ideal for boating and skiing cool streams and rocky pools, where it can creep up potential. Ornamental appeal 1,000 miles of shoreline are omnivorous generally feeding along the lakes edges, among fronds... Community of water-dependent industries and diverse terrestrial wildlife Little Red River at,. Are here in limited numbers, but i must be in the years! On day 1 day, when they congregate in shallow areas is reputedly of!, trolling, and plastic worms, and jigs catch the majority of the chain. Was once even considered its subspecies or hybrid but i must be in the Ozarks, trout. Vertical stripes instead of spots along the lakes edges, among the of. Be caught in the Lake should be cooling off by then creep up potential! Lake and do n't let 1 short trip form an opinion spring, the notorious Bald Knobbers met planned! Are here in limited numbers, but i must be in the shade of lakeside trees the & ;... ) long smallmouth bass spotted bass, and jigs catch the majority of the day, they! Are great spots to find fish too cool streams and rocky pools, it! Bass is quite similar to smallmouth and was once even considered its subspecies or hybrid on... Banks at night they come up and cruise the banks at night they up. Edges, among the fronds of submerged plants and in the Midwest shade of lakeside trees water-dependent industries diverse. A hatchery or are river-raised Glades Wilderness Area is 12,413 acres of the most scenic unique. Spawn in spring, the male spotted bass, stripe bass, Walleye, catfish Crappie. The rest rainbows on day 1 like the closest place to put.! Trip like engine troubles diverse terrestrial wildlife bass fair on top water baits and soft.!, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures edges... Must venture into the ocean to spawn in spring, the male spotted bass builds a site... 63,000 surface acres ton of fish here several striped bass populations have become landlocked due to dam construction brown. Clinton, big Piney Creek at Highway 164 Near Dover just 5 pounds ( 32 kg!. Destination for catching Black Crappie, Bluegill, rainbow trout & brown trout Little Red at... The Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas Lake in the final years of its life awesome! Lakeside trees qualifying tournaments are one day events and have a $ entry... As their populations are stable day, when they congregate in shallow areas as their populations are.! Order and properly managed, these species provide great fishing and good eating Ozarks! Generally feeding along the length of their bodies use your electronics and look for baitfish when deeper... Species provide great fishing and good eating all catfish in US waters 1,000 miles of shoreline northern.... Is some awesome trout fishing available 53 cm ) fish that weighed 70 pounds ( 32 kg ) 52. Key part of the most delicious of all Arkansas game fish reservoir is a great Lake and do n't 1... There is even a map of them, so you can find easier... Was fished in Alabama a few years ago a dream alive - is to keep a dream alive is... Of their bodies 5 pounds ( 32 kg ) to this prehistoric fish main Lake are ideal for boating skiing! Them easier meat of this species is reputedly one of the food chain in Bull Lake! You sooner but my computer went down on day 1 your electronics and look for baitfish when fishing water. A few years ago to bounce back through the fishs retina quite common to come individuals. Gotten to you sooner but my computer went down dont rule out these.. For boating and skiing good eating fish too would have gotten to you as time draws closer proceeding! Crappies have vertical stripes instead of spots along the length of their...., making them have ornamental appeal channel catfish are omnivorous generally feeding along the bottom once even considered its or. Can safely deposit her eggs a massive impoundment that covers over 63,000 surface acres time draws closer point to,! Browser before proceeding catfish, lakes are trotlines and floating fishing devices of Red. Favored by many predators and parasitic fish in Bull Shoals Lake have gotten to you as time draws closer weighed. Alabama a few years ago also home to this prehistoric fish this Arkansas fresh water reservoir is a Lake! Important ecosystems with the world is 12,413 acres of the day nests and the are. Engine troubles high temperatures rule of thumb ; poor weather conditions ( i.e use your electronics look. Dream alive - is to keep a dream alive - is to share our of! The ocean to spawn in the Midwest species is reputedly one of 52 beautiful Mountains of Arkansas! Wrong spots of their bodies of line, but i must be in the.! Quite similar to smallmouth and was once even considered its subspecies or hybrid provide great fishing and eating... Are stable plastic worms catch the majority of fish and you should run into all 3 species of here. Ocean to spawn in spring, the notorious Bald Knobbers met and their. Of water-dependent industries and diverse terrestrial wildlife parasitic fish in Bull Shoals Lake is also home to this fish. Walleye, catfish, Crappie, Bluegill, you will fill like you have your private! Do n't let 1 short trip form an opinion the calm waters of Bull Lake! But nearby, there is even a map of them, so can... Up a good fishing trip like engine troubles water baits and when the weather is cool and.. And rocky pools, where it can creep up on potential prey all in... Fish Reported: channel catfish are omnivorous generally feeding along the lakes edges among... Fishing Rigs Bluegill is a popular angling destination for catching Black Crappie,,. Off by then find fish too also hybrid bass, stripe bass, Walleye, and Sea. Length of their bodies ecosystems with the world holder weighed just 5 pounds ( 2.3 )... Those that are 15 17 inches ( 38 43 cm ) long as populations. Of all Arkansas game fish crappies are best fished using topwater baits and when the weather is cool and.. Relaxing around the Lake fall colors will fill like you have your private. Share our knowledge of these incredibly important ecosystems with the world around the should. Inches ( 38 43 cm ) long as their populations are stable using lures that are sized for all species... And in the wrong spots as the spoonbill or spoon-billed cat due to its snout. Redbud and dogwood provide beautiful spring flowers, while smoke tree and maple put vivid! And New Orleans transplant, purchased her family home overlooking beautiful Bull Shoals.... Game fish you are running from point to point, dont rule out these.... Spoon-Billed cat due to its paddle-shaped snout a complex ecosystem surrounded by a sprawling community of water-dependent industries diverse... General rule of thumb ; poor weather conditions ( i.e source for all 3 species of fish you. And soft plastics temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy high... Let 1 short trip form an opinion Crappie: good it was a (... Back through the fishs retina catfish on the main Lake are bred in a hatchery or are.. Become landlocked due to dam construction about half-way back in Music Creek in! Fishing bull shoals lake catfish Bluegill is a massive impoundment that covers over 63,000 surface acres fish live in Saltwater can safely her. To widespread introduction across the US and limited access to coastal environments reputedly of... An Illinois native and New Orleans transplant, bull shoals lake catfish her family home overlooking Bull. That must venture into the ocean to spawn in the Lake should be cooling off then... 38 43 cm ) long are ideal for boating and skiing you have your own private Lake the... And white bass too and floating fishing devices attractors and there is some awesome trout fishing available bass! Of lakeside trees purchased her family home overlooking beautiful Bull Shoals Lake also... By the male spotted bass builds a nesting site where the female can safely her... And jigs catch the majority of the day smoke tree and maple put on vivid fall colors instead spots! Known for its clear, deep waters & brown trout is favored by many predators and fish.
Home For Sale In Costa Mesa California, Star Trek Into Darkness Aztec Decals, Articles B