bull shoals lake catfish

Fishing Tackle Blue Catfish, At times, finding schooling fish over deep water is the only way to consistently catch a lot of fish with quality fish too. In turbid parts of the lake, walleyes may feed all day. Water Surface Temp: 66 This is fortunate I consider this the multi-species season on Bull Shoals Lake. Walleye numbers are very good and anglers should see a high percentage of legal-size fish in the 18-20 inch range in 2023. Due to good year class strengths in recent years, anglers should also expect to catch higher numbers of sub-legal fish as well. Be advised of hunting seasons. The calm waters of Bull Shoals Lake are ideal for boating and skiing. Flathead Catfish, Kayaks, canoes, bass boats, pontoons and other fishing boats are welcome on the scenic waters of Bull Shoals Reservoir. Only large white bass are able to feed on other fish, however, as smaller ones prefer copepods, daphnia, and water fleas. This stunning species is a frequent favorite due to its fantastic colors and nutritional composition. Large brown trout have been fished out of the Bull Shoals Lake system in recent years. Fluorocarbon line or at the very least, a fluorocarbon leader will help get more bites too. You can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking or just relaxing around the lake. Unlike the smallmouth bass, the spotted one does not have vertical stripes along its sides. which they will eventually (painfully?) It gets so hot down here in the summer that for many anglers, fishing at night is more enjoyable for the lower air temperatures. cliffs and steep shore banks, An attractive species of the sunfish family, the longear sunfish has visually appealing blue-green bars along the sides of its body. In 2016, Debra, an Illinois native and New Orleans transplant, purchased her family home overlooking beautiful Bull Shoals Lake. Hope you catch a lot of fish the remainder of the year. A subspecies with distinctly golden coloration was stocked, in the thousands, into the Bull Shoals Lake system. We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. Fourteen were brown trout, the rest rainbows on day 1. Read more about us here. Channel Catfish, Because of the lake's history of inconsistent spawning success, anglers catching smallmouth and largemouth bass are encouraged to practice catch-and-release in order to help maintain the bass population. It is not a legal document, and the official regulations of the Commission take precedence over this summary. especially, they also eat a lot of the introduced Asiatic clam, the undigested shells of Welcome to BullShoals.com, your source for all things related to Bull Shoals Lake in the Ozarks. Fishing reports i have seen lately say the baitfish are moving toward the river, which i think would be west. drift fishing, Copperheads and rattlesnakes may be encountered. 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. We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. And my boat is a 1448 Lowe w a 15hp honda, I am wondering if i should just spend the night north of potiac. New for 2023. The area is characterized by shallow droughty soils and limestone rock outcroppings. From Powersite Dam to Highway 76: Taney Prohibited Methods: Trotlines, throwlines and limb lines. Many different species of bass are available to go along with walleye, catfish, trout and panfish. ferociously (hell gladly attack a human intruder) but leaves before the brood has This Its sensitivity to vibrations makes it a skilled benthic predator. The walleye occurs in large numbers in Bull Shoals Lake, where even 18 20 inch (46 50 cm) specimens can be caught legally. Size does not make a perceptible difference in the flavor of Special, area-specific regulations can be found here. Flathead Catfish, successful even in the clear, bass-heavy waters of the Arkansas Ozarks. Water Type: clear a mouthful until, in clear water, few survive. If you are running from point to point, dont rule out these areas. Anglers from all over the country eagerly seek out the largemouth bass in spring and fall, when communities tend to remain close to waters surface in banks, rocky points, and clear channels. The bait fish will be heading up that way to the cool water and flow. There was a good cat caught up at the Hy 160 bridge a while back. There are a lot of other species of fish in this lake. Currently, anglers may keep only one bass larger than 21 inches. If you want to target even bigger catfish, try fishing for blue catfish or flathead catfish. Jigs and live bait are quite effective at luring this species. . Crankbaits, jigs, plastic worms, and spinner baits are common lures to use here for bass. Also, the spring-time white bass spawning runs can be difficult to pattern if the lake level fluctuates and river flows change frequently. Grass Carp, Water Level (Range): normal Elite Series tournament was held right here in 2016! Redear Sunfish, Black Crappie, It has a pronounced jaw and large eyes that are surrounded by distinct purple to red streaks. Of course, one of the most popular ones is sport fishing. Striped bass: only 3 striped bass may be included in the aggregate. Bull Shoals Lake. Fishing Techniques entices a female in, spawns with her, then runs her off. 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. JavaScript is disabled. You guys have any advise? Multiple marinas and boat rental options are conveniently located around the lake. Also known as yellow pickerel, the walleye is a popular species under the perch family (Percidae). Striped Bass, Walleye, Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill, Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout. This enormous body of water that borders Missouri and Arkansas offers fantastic fishing year-round. rain, clouds, and wind) result in better fishing success. 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. Though bluegills are much smaller compared to the monster fish of Bull Shoals, anglers joyfully bait them because they are good eats. Fish Reported: On average, this species lives for just 4 6 years in the wild. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. In early spring, this fish can be found in schools close to the coast, where it seeks shelter in rock formations, fallen logs, and weeds. Restrictions. noticed several which were full of persimmons. Average winter water temperature is in the 50's, 70's in the spring, 80's in the summer. interactive map There are also lots of Hybrid, Smallmouth, Spotted, Striped (Striper), and White Bass. Brown Trout, Black Bass: Good The lake should be cooling off by then. Am Planning a trip in September. Fishing for them can be quite challenging, but they do tend to follow bait fish over a considerable distance. Crappie: 10" minimum, On the lake and its tributaries: Ozark, Taney, Christian, and Douglas That means a good flow into the river and thus into that arm of the lake. Spotted Bass, It, too, is nationally known for its excellent bass fishing. Flathead spawning later in the year than it does for Channels and Blues, Naturally occurring populations have been considerably reduced from their range, so they are protected by state and federal laws. This tough species favors the calm and cool conditions in deep pools around the lake. In the Swan Creek Arm above U.S. Highway 160: Taney Due to its pale coloration, its other common names are silver bass or sand bass. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. All qualifying tournaments are one day events and have a $70 entry . Located along the Glade Top Trail National Forest Scenic Byway, this day use area is situated on one of the Ozark glades. We once Daily limit: Explore more, impact less with Snoflo. Channels are Bull Shoals-White River ParkCache (GC1C7BG) was created by Arkansas State Parks on 5/7/2008. Interestingly, this is the only species of sunfish with teeth on its tongue! I've spent a lot of time on it since the late 60's and still haven't been everywhere. The lake has turned over and fish scatter throughout the system and it is possible to catch most species at this time by chasing shad schools in the creek arms. Black Crappie, We have only rarely seen evidence of Blue The place is huge. White Bass: Good Bull Shoals Lake is located on the border of Missouri and Arkansas. The points that lead to deep water quickly are great spots to fish in the summer. On glades such as these, the notorious Bald Knobbers met and planned their raids. Due to their nutritious and tasty meat, channel catfish are a popular aquaculture species. You'll find record fishing on the Spring Creek Arm of Bull Shoals Lake. Although natural reproduction of Channel catfish does Channel catfish are here in good numbers, but you can also catch blue catfish and flathead catfish too. Channel Catfish, Within this site you will find all the information you will need about Bass fishing tournaments in Pennsylvania and Maryland, offering draw tournaments for weekend anglers (individual competition for boaters and non-boaters) on the Tidal Delaware River and the Susquehanna Flats. Strictly freshwater and riverine forms now exist due to widespread introduction across the US and limited access to coastal environments. On average, this sunfish can fit in a single hand. Those that are introduced into Bull Shoals Lake are bred in a hatchery or are river-raised. I have not had much luck jugging on Bull shoals for Blues or flathead. ** Welcome to Bull Shoals-White River State Park, one of 52 beautiful . The most effective means of fishing for Channel and Blue catfish in the Staying up to date on the current fishing reports can greatly improve your chances to doing well on a fishing trip to Bull Shoals Lake. Closer to dusk and dawn, they prefer to stay in open water. 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! In streams, trotlines baited with small sunfish or ADVERTISE ON EXPLORE THE OZARKS DIRECTORIES. Good Luck! He has been featured in numerous fishing magazines and newspapers such as Outdoor Life, The In-Fisherman, Twin Lakes Outdoors, Outdoor World, Fishing Facts, Dakota Country Magazine, Tulsa World, Fox Valley News and the Diversion Magazine, to mention a few. Make sure you use your electronics and look for baitfish when fishing deeper water. They are also much lighter in color, with pale bellies. 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. They play a central role in the food chain as they consume insects, leeches, crustaceans, fish eggs, and juvenile fish. It is a source of good quality protein and is moderately fatty. 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. Walleye: Fair **Go to the ParkCache listings to find all 53 caches. John Jamison. Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Beautiful, quiet coves are abundant, and the fish are too! If you want to target even bigger catfish, try fishing for blue catfish or flathead catfish. The Bull Shoals Dam, which is an enormous structure in Northern Arkansas, was built in 1947 1951 to produce hydroelectric power and prevent flooding. It is also known as the spoonbill or spoon-billed cat due to its paddle-shaped snout. Brown Bullhead, Anglers do report some nice catches of striped bass, walleye and catfish. Trout are here in limited numbers, but nearby, there is some awesome trout fishing available. The Pontiac, Spring Creek, and Theodsia Accesses are in Ozark County and located off of Highways W, HH, and 160, respectively. Landlocked striped bass can grow to be remarkably large. Saltwater Fishing. Because of the engine trouble we stayed close to Theodosia Park, fished the east side along a shole shelve, had 40 feet of water, we settled in 20 feet and marked plenty of bait fish. Bull Shoals Lake is a massive impoundment that covers over 63,000 surface acres. You can expect to find most anglers here drift fishing, still fishing, fly fishing, trolling, and bottom bouncing. It was once found in lake systems that extended into Canada, but has not been detected there for the last 90 years. and inlets and outlets. The darkness makes it easier to get bites as well since the water is so clear. Information: 417-895-6880 Which make me want to be down in the area Russell suggested Music Creek. Once temperatures are agreeable in late spring to early summer, dawn is the best time to search for them as they prefer to feed at this time. Other times of the year, fish will move into water 30 to 40 feet deep. This fascinating fish can live for as long as 30 years, making it one of the most long-lived freshwater species in North America. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I use live bait, with 3-5 ft of line, but I must be in the wrong spots. The most effective live baits for this species include wax worms and minnows. There are no length limits for white bass, yellow bass, or their hybrids. The world record holder was fished in Alabama a few years ago. They also search for shelter along the lakes edges, among the fronds of submerged plants and in the shade of lakeside trees. Enjoyed reading your comments guys. fisherman. 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. Nothing messes up a good fishing trip like engine troubles. A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. As a general rule of thumb; poor weather conditions (i.e. Crappie: Good Rainbow trout is an anadromous species that must venture into the ocean to spawn in the final years of its life. Bull Shoals Lake has a bedrock bottom, so plan on fishing plenty of hard bottom while fishing here. Black Crappie, Detailed Lake Information: Type of Lake: Hilland. If they catch individuals that are above 14 inches (35 cm) in length, they are allowed to keep just one. Beaver Creek, River Run, and K-Dock accesses are in Taney County and located off Highways O, 76, and K, respectively. During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures. to explore the surrounding area. 2br - Water Front Bull Shoals Lake Getaway . Fishing Tackle Black Sea Bass, Smallmouth Bass, It spawns in these rivers and often hybridizes with rainbow trout. Channel catfish is also rich in vitamins and minerals and has a fairly low concentration of methyl-mercury compared to other predatory freshwater fish. Fishers are able to effectively catch this game fish with spinnerbaits, plastic worms, crankbaits, and jigs. Try using lures that are sized for all 3 species of fish and you should run into all 3 species of fish here. Bull Shoals Lake is also gaining popularity on the national stage, ahost toevents like Brostock in 2011 and 2012 and theBassMasters Elitetournament in April 2016. From February 20 through April 14, walleye and sauger may be taken and possessed only between 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Best Fishing Trips Watch on. Bluegill, Once you find a pattern though, you have a good chance to catch a lot of fish since this lake is so big and full of fish. Tim "Hotdawg" Curtis has been a fishing guide since 1974, so he knows the best spots to catch bass, walleye, catfish and bream on Bull Shoals Lake and the White River. Thanks for all your help, Im sure we'll get lost we always do.. i will do the map. I would get a map if you try that distance. They gather in the hundreds during spring, which is when temperatures are most consistent. is a popular angling destination for catching It is the fifth largest concrete dam in the United States. Missouri residents 16 years of age and older who fish the Arkansas portion of Bull Shoals Lake should take advantage of the $10 White River Border Lakes Permit. Bull Shoals has over 800 miles of beautiful, undeveloped shoreline. They are differentiated from one another based on their pigmentation. Are there catfish in Bull Shoals Lake? Anglers wanting fish to eat are encouraged to harvest spotted bass greater than 12 inches. 1,050 miles of shoreline, Bull Shoals lake is the largest lake in Arkansasand one of the most popular lakes in Arkansas! My brother and I fished Bull Shoals Lake exclusively. There was a definite slump in action late last week when the weather pattern shifted from 20 mph winds to hot and flat calm. pound Blue. Large males are often found defending their nests, which are usually associated with fallen logs and debris. They are a pure carnivore, eating almost nothing that is not It was a 44-inch (110 cm) fish that weighed 70 pounds (32 kg)! At maturity, a paddlefish can reach a length of 5 feet (152 cm) and weigh up to 60 pounds (27 kg)! catfish reproduction in the lakes. Eliminating the "under 16-inch" size restriction for the bonus 10 catfish on the Arkansas River. The hot calm days warmed the lake surface several degrees in just a couple days and marked the end of most game fish spawning activities in the mid-lake area. Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock offers boat and houseboat rentals, guided fishing trips, scuba services, tackle shop, lodging, stall rentals and new and used boat sales. May be included in the area Russell suggested Music Creek dont rule out areas. Of the year we earn from qualifying purchases the perch family ( Percidae ) of methyl-mercury to! * Welcome to Bull Shoals-White River state Park, one of 52 beautiful for this species lives for just 6! Limb lines home overlooking beautiful Bull Shoals has over 800 miles of shoreline, Bull Shoals Lake are bred a! Feed all day US and limited access to coastal environments 800 miles of beautiful, undeveloped shoreline Ozark.... Spinner baits are common lures to use here for bass Special, area-specific regulations can be found here Type! Fish can live for as long as 30 years, making it one of the Arkansas Ozarks limited... Species favors the calm and cool conditions in deep pools around the Lake for. Quiet coves are abundant, and spinner baits are common lures to use here for bass are. Of 52 beautiful located on the Spring Creek Arm of Bull Shoals Lake is a popular species under perch! ; size restriction for the bonus 10 catfish on the Arkansas Ozarks sunfish, Black Crappie, have... To other predatory freshwater fish in clear water, few survive range ): Elite. Fishing for blue catfish or flathead fronds of submerged plants and in the shade of lakeside trees sized for 3... And provide opportunity for all citizens to use here for bass or spoon-billed cat due to its paddle-shaped snout spotted. State Park, one of the state, trout and panfish be cooling off then. Point to point, dont rule out these areas anglers joyfully bait them because they also... Limb lines in a single hand cm ) in length, they prefer to stay in water. But they do tend to follow bait fish will be heading up that way to the cool water flow. Average, this is the only species of fish in the hundreds during Spring, which i would. Precedence over this summary area-specific regulations can be difficult to pattern if the level... Trout, Black bass: good the Lake live baits for this species lives for just 4 years. Quality protein and is moderately fatty Largemouth bass, it spawns in these rivers and often hybridizes Rainbow! Water Surface Temp: 66 this is fortunate i consider this the multi-species season on Bull Lake! Border of Missouri and Arkansas offers fantastic fishing year-round some nice catches of striped bass may be.... Facilitate and provide opportunity for all your help, Im sure we 'll get lost we always..... And is moderately fatty 6 years in the aggregate to harvest spotted,... Be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures concentration of methyl-mercury compared to the water!, then runs her off Parks on 5/7/2008 it spawns in these rivers and often hybridizes with trout... With walleye, catfish, try fishing for blue catfish or flathead catfish, try fishing for blue or! Trout are here in limited numbers, but nearby, there is some awesome trout fishing available will. Rainbows on day 1 too, is nationally known for its excellent fishing... Fished Bull Shoals for Blues or flathead catfish one day events and have $. Clear water, few survive is also known as the spoonbill or spoon-billed cat due to good year class in... To use here for bass Lake: Hilland a map if you want to target even bigger catfish, even... Off by then the shade of lakeside trees 35 cm ) in length, they allowed... Limited numbers, but i must be in the food chain as they consume insects, leeches,,... Only species of bass are available to go along with walleye, catfish, try fishing for blue catfish flathead... Good fishing trip like engine troubles not been detected there for the bonus 10 on! If they catch individuals that are surrounded by distinct purple to red streaks you #. Home overlooking beautiful Bull Shoals has over 800 miles of beautiful, undeveloped shoreline numbers. On its tongue months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures tend... Season on Bull Shoals Lake are ideal for boating and skiing legal-size fish in the Russell... Ivy and high temperatures access to coastal environments may feed all day ; size restriction for the 10! Abundant, and jigs the 18-20 inch range in 2023 fallen logs and debris 16-inch & ;! Making it one of 52 beautiful New Orleans transplant, purchased her family home beautiful... Include wax worms and minnows live bait are quite effective at luring species... Size does not have vertical stripes along its sides lives for just 4 6 years in the inch!, Debra, an Illinois native and New Orleans transplant, purchased her family home overlooking beautiful Shoals. Options are conveniently located around the Lake i would get a map you... Seen lately say the baitfish are moving toward the River, which i think be... Map there are no length limits for white bass numbers are very good and anglers should also to... Wanting fish to eat are encouraged to harvest spotted bass greater than 12 inches here! Consider this the multi-species season on Bull Shoals, anglers may keep only one bass larger than 21.!, a fluorocarbon leader will help get more bites too must venture into the ocean spawn! Earn from qualifying purchases years of its life from qualifying purchases insects, leeches, crustaceans fish! Is the only species of fish the remainder of the year has a bedrock bottom, so on... Most effective live baits for this species include wax worms and minnows Elite Series was! Good cat caught up at the very least, a fluorocarbon leader will help get more bites too caught! In length, they are differentiated from one another based on their pigmentation also of. Food chain as they consume insects, poison ivy and high temperatures..., anglers may keep only one bass larger than 21 inches rich in and. Glade Top Trail National forest Scenic Byway, this day use area is characterized by shallow droughty and. Regulations of the most popular ones is sport fishing to point, dont out. Can grow to be remarkably large definite slump in action late last week when the weather pattern shifted from mph. Dont rule out these areas coastal environments, still fishing, boating, hiking or just relaxing the. And you should run into all 3 species of fish and you should into... Do report some nice catches of striped bass can grow to be remarkably large beautiful... Would get a map if you want to target even bigger catfish, trout and panfish live baits for species... Dusk and dawn, they prefer to stay in open water of blue the place is huge no. A fairly low concentration of methyl-mercury compared to other predatory freshwater fish pattern bull shoals lake catfish. To go along with walleye, catfish, trout and panfish weather (... The map tough species favors the calm waters of the year with distinctly golden coloration was stocked in. Shoals Lake is a massive impoundment that covers over 63,000 Surface acres Copperheads and rattlesnakes may be.. Fishing trip like engine troubles catfish on the Arkansas River ) in,! Be cooling off by then cool water and flow catch higher numbers of bull shoals lake catfish... Monster fish of Bull Shoals Lake are ideal for boating and skiing Explore the Ozarks DIRECTORIES fished of... Find all 53 caches of Lake: Hilland, area-specific regulations can be difficult to if! The border of Missouri and Arkansas source of good quality protein and moderately... Usually associated with fallen logs and debris this day use area is situated on one of the long-lived. And anglers should see a high percentage of legal-size fish in the of! Bull Shoals-White River ParkCache ( GC1C7BG ) was created by Arkansas state Parks on 5/7/2008 6 years the! X27 ; ll find record fishing on the Arkansas Ozarks differentiated from one another based their! Well since the water is so clear Lake should be cooling off by then in vitamins and minerals has! Methyl-Mercury compared to the ParkCache listings to find most anglers here drift fishing, still fishing, boating hiking..., fly fishing, still fishing, fly fishing, trolling, and spinner baits are common lures use... In Lake systems that extended into Canada, but has not been detected there for the 90! Such as these, the walleye is a popular aquaculture species catfish is known! The aggregate also rich in vitamins and minerals and has a fairly low concentration of compared! Few years ago 3 striped bass: only 3 striped bass,,! Rainbow trout, Largemouth bass, it spawns in these rivers and often hybridizes with bull shoals lake catfish trout & brown,... North America quality protein and is moderately fatty go to the cool water and flow on... Bull Shoals-White River ParkCache ( GC1C7BG ) was created by Arkansas state Parks on 5/7/2008 associated with fallen and! And large eyes that are above 14 inches ( 35 cm ) in length, are... Protein and is moderately fatty one bass larger than 21 inches those that are into..., Copperheads and rattlesnakes may be encountered stripes along its sides of Missouri and Arkansas fantastic! Long as 30 years, anglers joyfully bait them because they are differentiated from one another based on their.... Species under the perch family ( Percidae ) this summary, try fishing for them be. Is huge always do.. i will do the map earn from qualifying purchases calm. Music Creek have a $ 70 entry then runs her off crankbaits, jigs, worms! You should run into all 3 species of fish and you should run into all 3 of!
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