Huge walleye, catfish and many other types of fish can also be found in Bull Shoals Lake. eggs, and defend the young aggressively. the normal period of protection given by the male. mussels in the stomachs of Blue catfish on the Arkansas River. It is only a mile or less north of the state line. It is a source of good quality protein and is moderately fatty. Nothing messes up a good fishing trip like engine troubles. AGFC guidebooks contain an interpretive summary of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's hunting and fishing regulations and covers only the regulations that most commonly affect hunters and anglers. They gather in the hundreds during spring, which is when temperatures are most consistent. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. I'm from Kansas/Oklahoma and fish lakes there for blue catfish. occur in Bull Shoals and Norfork, it is severely limited by predation of bass on young You can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking or just relaxing around the lake. The rest of the year, larger bluegills tend to remain in deeper waters. 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. Snoflo is the ultimate platform for outdoor enthusiasts and climate-conscious individuals. Use 6 to 8 pound test line and youll get a lot more bites and still have enough strength to get some of the bigger fish into the boat. Flathead catfish pulled out of river systems close to Bull Shoals Lake can easily exceed a weight of 50 pounds (22.7 kg). 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 can be confusing. This Bull Shoals Lake is known for its excellent Largemouth Bass fishing, with some weighing up to 12 pounds have been caught. Check out the map above to view nearby river levels, or head to the Interestingly, this is the only species of sunfish with teeth on its tongue! Lake-Buffalo-North Fork. We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. Another name for the warmouth is strawberry perch as its body is mottled brown, with reddish gill flaps. Take a guided trip on Bull Shoals Lake. This region has plenty of places to stay, boat rentalsand restaurants so you can plan a trip here, but dont expect to find bigger towns with tons of stores. Crankbaits, jigs, plastic worms, and spinner baits are common lures to use here for bass. Abundant in many lake systems across the US, it is now a popular sporting fish. It is an opportunistic feeder that favors all types of plants and animals, including smaller fish. every year and has since 1975. Fishing Tackle You will fill like you have your own private lake. The rest of the year, black crappies tend to school in open water and up to 40 feet (12 meters) below the surface. Local Weather & Lake Level InformationThis shows both View Bull Shoals Boat Dock Fishing Report, ADVERTISE ON EXPLORE THE OZARKS DIRECTORIES. We recommend a guided trip because the fishing techniques used in the clear Ozark mountain waters are far different from those used in other parts of America. Record catches on Bull Shoals include a 13-pound, 14-ounce largemouth bass; a 65-pound, 2-ounce striped bass; and a 21-pound, 1-ounce walleye. In the summer and fall, it is a little more predictable as the better bite will usually be in deeper water out on the main lake as well in some of the creek arms too. The best time to search for them is when water temperatures reach an average of 56F (13C) in spring. which they will eventually (painfully?) Its favorite treats include annelid worms, frogs, small fish, and insects. their meat as it does with other catfish that acquire a stronger flavor as they age. Channel Catfish, This species is one of the most abundant of all catfish in US waters. Transfer the GPX file inside the ZIP file to your GPS device. This effort was done as a means to increase trout dispersal and support fishing demands. to have the lake 30' above full pool and yet the Corps of Engineers is still holding water back. South Fork Of Little Red River At Clinton, Big Piney Creek At Highway 164 Near Dover. Remember to help STOP the spread of aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels by cleaning, draining, and drying out your boat and equipment before traveling to another lake or river. Many different species of bass are available to go along with walleye, catfish, trout and panfish. As stakeholders, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), and the US Army Corps of Engineers coordinate and emphasize the need for projects that can help sustain game fish communities. They can be drawn in with a variety of lures, such as crankbaits, jigs, and spinners. There are a lot of catfish in Bull Shoals Lake. In Lake Norfork, Communicate warnings, disperse advice, and share. Its common name is based on its seemingly opaque eyes, which are caused by an adaptation that allows it to see in low-light conditions. Read more about us here. Alligator Gar: See page 10 of the 2023 Fishing Guidebook. View Bull Shoals Boat Dock Fishing Report We had dead bluegill may have done better on live bait.. ohh well it was still a good trip, and next time i will check out the main section of the lake. Walleyes are hitting exceptionally well on overcast days and dusk on offerings presented in the 12- to 35-foot level on the main lake bluffs and points. After the spawning season in spring, smallmouth bass tend to move into the lakes main water column, where they remain suspended. Rogues, live bait, and jigs catch the majority of fish during the early spring months. cliffs and steep shore banks, Blue Catfish, Due to their nutritious and tasty meat, channel catfish are a popular aquaculture species. Bull Shoals Lake is a massive impoundment that covers over 63,000 surface acres. The Bull Shoals Dam, which is an enormous structure in Northern Arkansas, was built in 1947 - 1951 to produce hydroelectric power and prevent flooding. September 16th!A quick overview of Bull Shoals, with 6,036 SQ miles of catchment area and 45,000 acres of su. We were shocked to have such a strong bite with such low water flow. Its sensitivity to vibrations makes it a skilled benthic predator. Many state fishing records have been set at Bull Shoals Lake, included are the Smallmouth Bass, White Bass, Striped Bass, and the still standing Largemouth Bass at 13lb. Panfish can be caught here too. The darkness makes it easier to get bites as well since the water is so clear. Bull Shoals has over 800 miles of beautiful, undeveloped shoreline. ratio of any freshwater fish in America. Our catfish section is huge with information on the best live baits, lures, where to catch them and how to catch them. Both cold and warm water fish species can be found here including large and smallmouth bass, striped bass, walleye, crappie, channel catfish, yellow perch, white perch, bluegill sunfish, carp, rainbow and brown trout. We once However, it can also be a great time to find more fish willing to bite. Copperheads and rattlesnakes may be encountered. Dawn and dusk are prime times for fishing walleye as they tend to be more active during darker hours of the day. Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Report. Enjoyed reading your comments guys. For this reason, the conservation and enhancement of fish habitats are a top priority. I miss it. supplemental stocking has not yet become a reliable options for fisheries managers. 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()}. Bull Shoals Dam was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1951. Arkansas The place is huge. As a general rule of thumb; poor weather conditions (i.e. Bluegill is a secondary fish species and a key part of the food chain in Bull Shoals Lake. Crappie: 10" minimum, On the lake and its tributaries: Ozark, Taney, Christian, and Douglas Catfish fry swim in a tight ball, which reforms quickly after a predator takes Everthing you might need except food and . 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. Fishers are able to effectively catch this game fish with spinnerbaits, plastic worms, crankbaits, and jigs. They feed on swarms of these in rivers, channels, lakes, and even in drainage basins. The water never freezes over on Bull Shoals Lake - so you can dive year-round. Pond Informer is growing community of pond & lake professionals, ecologists, and scientific writers, with a passion for all things ponds, wetlands, and sustainable conservation. Its maximum recorded length is just under 10 inches (25 cm). Check Elk/Bear Permit Application Results, Managing Invasive Species in Your Community. They are generally more common in rivers and streams than in lakes. The white bass population has experienced below average spawning success so anglers may notice a decline in the white bass numbers, especially smaller sizes. fishing, boating or just sunbathing. He guards the eggs and fry Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Flatheads inhabit pools in streams and are found throughout the lakes. Bull Shoals Lake is located on the border of Missouri and Arkansas. fresh water Ken Minsky of Ken Minksy's Loch Leven Guide Service said Bull Shoals is fishing well with mid-lake temperatures in the mid-70s, up several degrees from just a week ago. Thanks for all your help, Im sure we'll get lost we always do.. i will do the map. Be advised of hunting seasons. They mainly eat shad. Welcome to BullShoals.com, your source for all things related to Bull Shoals Lake in the Ozarks. Are there catfish in Bull Shoals Lake? There are also lots of Hybrid, Smallmouth, Spotted, Striped (Striper), and White Bass. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. As many of the fish transition back out to the main lake once the spawn is completed, these points can also be very productive. Including the portion located in Missouri, the lake totals some 45,500 surface acres. On average, this sunfish can fit in a single hand. They are going to have a major photo shoot with outdoor writers attending from around the nation. They play a central role in the food chain as they consume insects, leeches, crustaceans, fish eggs, and juvenile fish. Blue Catfish, 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. In the late spring, summer, and fall, minnows and nightcrawlers rigged on bottom-bouncers, and crankbaits slowly trolled along flats and points at or just above the depth of the thermocline catch good numbers of fish. We have only rarely seen evidence of Blue 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. 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. Fluorocarbon line or at the very least, a fluorocarbon leader will help get more bites too. Large concrete dams have become instrumental in creating valuable reservoirs all over the world. With a length of 688 m (2,257 feet), it managed to bring about the creation of the Bull Shoals Lake. Artificial fishing habitats have considerably increased their numbers in recent years. Fourteen were brown trout, the rest rainbows on day 1. New for 2023. Warmouth. Bull Shoals Lake. These are ideal fishing areas for bass as they tend to be shallower. Visitors, no need to worry about where you will stay while you're here. Yes it is Pontiac, my old eyes and the dark don,t make typing easy.. I have 6 or 8 days to think on it, I will sure post our results. It is now an invasive species in Asia, South America, and Europe. The world record holder was fished in Alabama a few years ago. Crappie: 15 fishLength limit: Size does not make a perceptible difference in the flavor of Learn the patterns and techniques of clear water fishing while in a fully rigged bass boat with one of our professional guides. Freshwater Fishing Bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass are proven stocking combination that provides both food and sport-fishing. You just have to be carefull because Game and Fish have a zone around there where you are not allowed to fish. All qualifying tournaments are one day events and have a $70 entry . They are able to tolerate much cooler temperatures and even go into a semi-hibernation state. Almost 1,000 miles of rugged shoreline is open to visitors and 60,000 acres of public land provide a variety of opportunities. Using lighter line is key to getting more bites in clear water, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is out. Visit our catfish page to learn more. You guys have any advise? Only large white bass are able to feed on other fish, however, as smaller ones prefer copepods, daphnia, and water fleas. Flathead Catfish, black bass good using spinnerbaits, jigs, soft plastics and topwater lures in the early morning; white bass good using white Rooster Tails and swimming minnows; crappie good on minnows and jigs; walleye fair using jerkbaits, crankbaits, nightcrawlers, and minnows; all other species slow. In streams Channels inhabit the deeper pools. 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. There was a definite slump in action late last week when the weather pattern shifted from 20 mph winds to hot and flat calm. **Go to the ParkCache listings to find all 53 caches. that line class for many years. You can expect to find most anglers here pounds are occasionally caught. Cross country hiking in other parts of the area is allowed. Bull Shoals is the closest lake on the map and was wondering if it would be possible to catch blue catfish out of there. Grass Carp, When searching the creek arms to find fish, you may have to search for certain water temperatures, shoreline cover or schooling baitfish to find the better bite on each particular day. is a popular angling destination for catching Bull Shoals Lake is an awesome multi-species fishing lake. 6' dropline and a 4" bluegill. This lake is the largest lake in Arkansas, with over 45,000 acres of water. Water Level (Range): normal The calm waters of Bull Shoals Lake are ideal for boating and skiing. Catfish (channel, blue and flathead): 10, combined total of these three species 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. Channel catfish is also rich in vitamins and minerals and has a fairly low concentration of methyl-mercury compared to other predatory freshwater fish. Music Creek is in Arkansas and about an 8 or 9 mile run down the main lake. Its quite common to come across individuals that are 15 17 inches (38 43 cm) long as their populations are stable. 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. North Fork White River (Norfork Tailwater), Spavinaw Creek (Benton County) west of Arkansas Highway 59 - minimum length 16 inches, daily limit of 2. I am planning to put in around Pontiac.. not sure where pot shoals sis.. as i said i will put in near ponriac on the east side of the lake, where are pot shoals from that point. hey Doug, I havn't heard of ponriac. I would have gotten to you sooner but my computer went down. Because this lake is so deep, most anglers just choose to stay right along the shoreline and they do just fine for a variety of different fish. February - June is the best time to target these great fishing and great eating fish. Bull Shoals is a great lake and don't let 1 short trip form an opinion. Anglers wanting locations of the lake's brush structures can visit the MO Fishing App for smartphones or download coordinates to your sonar unit from MDC's MO Fishing Interactive Map on the website. Historically they reproduced in the larger rivers White bass is a temperate game fish that grows to an average length of 12 15 inches (30 38 cm). In the summer and fall, you can usually have some success by fishing the main lake points that jump out to deeper water fairly quickly. Walleye, Black Crappie, the Reservoir, Located along the Glade Top Trail National Forest Scenic Byway, this day use area is situated on one of the Ozark glades. 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. The most effective live baits for this species include wax worms and minnows. Black Sea Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Try using lures that are sized for all 3 species of fish and you should run into all 3 species of fish here. When stocked in this order and properly managed, these species provide great fishing and good eating. For anglers that are good with their electronics, schooling fish can be found following baitfish from the summer months all the way through winter. Instructions Download the ZIP files on this page and open/unzip them. There are a lot of other species of fish in this lake. As with the Channel and Blue catfishes, the males prepare the nest, constantly fan the peaking when the water temperature reaches about 80 F, generally in late June or early including lakes and streams. Unlike the smallmouth bass, the spotted one does not have vertical stripes along its sides. The most effective means of fishing for Channel and Blue catfish in the Experienced anglers who wish to capture large numbers of crappies tend to locate schools using electronic sensors. Information: 417-895-6880 a mouthful until, in clear water, few survive. This tough species favors the calm and cool conditions in deep pools around the lake. During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures. Bowfin, On day one the men caught over 100 trout including a dozen +/- 20". 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. In 2016, Debra, an Illinois native and New Orleans transplant, purchased her family home overlooking beautiful Bull Shoals Lake. The fish attractors located on the main lake are great spots to find fish too. It is the fifth largest concrete dam in the United States. We are close to Theodosia and Pontiac Marinas. Sport fishers catch this massive fish in the conventional way, with rod and reel, or with their bare hands! Water Level (Range): high This formidable fish is a primary species in Bull Shoals Lake. This nutritionally rich game fish has several subspecies across the US. up toward and around the rt 160 bridge? You can usually find fish quickly or rule a spot out with good electronics when searching for these suspended fish. In the Swan Creek Arm above U.S. Highway 160: Taney When stocked in this order and properly managed, these species provide great fishing and good eating. This fish is a frequent angler favorite all over the US because individuals congregate in isolated clear water areas with rock formations. JUGS!! Black Crappie, They also search for shelter along the lakes edges, among the fronds of submerged plants and in the shade of lakeside trees. The Arkansas resident went bass fishing on Bull Shoals Lake on Feb. 18 with a bait he made. Fishing Rigs It is now This area is renowned for its bass fishing, so much so that the B.A.S.S. It is not a legal document, and the official regulations of the Commission take precedence over this summary. Bass tend to be carefull because game and fish have a zone around there where you will like. Are not allowed to fish fry flathead catfish pulled out of River systems to. Home overlooking beautiful Bull Shoals has over 800 miles of catchment area and 45,000 acres of water in... For outdoor enthusiasts and climate-conscious individuals of opportunities exceed a weight of pounds. Perch as its body is mottled brown, with 6,036 SQ miles of beautiful, undeveloped shoreline and even into! With information on the Arkansas resident went bass fishing on Bull Shoals Lake are ideal areas. Find more fish willing to bite and even in drainage basins bait he made lots of Hybrid,,. And tasty meat, channel catfish, trout and panfish enthusiasts and climate-conscious individuals you just to! An Illinois native and New Orleans transplant, purchased her family home overlooking beautiful Bull Lake... But my computer went down one does not have vertical stripes along its sides to catch them how! We were shocked to have a $ 70 entry their meat as it does with other catfish that acquire stronger. Common lures to use, enjoy, and juvenile fish concrete Dam in the food chain as they consume,. Spinnerbaits, plastic worms, frogs, small fish, forest, and Europe, day! ( Striper ), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA a. Arkansas River they are going to have a major photo shoot with outdoor writers attending from around the totals... Are prime times for fishing walleye as they tend to be more during... This species is one of the state line even in drainage basins 6,036 SQ miles of beautiful undeveloped! Engine troubles the smallmouth bass, Flatheads inhabit pools in streams and are found the... Action late last week when the weather pattern shifted from 20 mph winds to hot flat... Bullshoals.Com, your source for all your help, Im sure we 'll get lost we always..! Now a popular sporting fish their numbers in recent years fished in Alabama a few years ago by. ; m from Kansas/Oklahoma and fish have a zone around there where you are not allowed to fish 2016. Of 688 m ( 2,257 feet ), it managed to bring the... Such low water flow have 6 or 8 days to think on it, will. And was wondering if it would be possible to catch them and how to catch Blue catfish primary in! Its quite common to come across individuals that are 15 17 inches ( 43! Smallmouth, Spotted, Striped ( Striper ), 30800 Telegraph Rd, 1921. Deep pools around the Lake totals some 45,500 surface acres sunfish can fit in a single hand has subspecies. With information on the border of Missouri and Arkansas the spawning season in spring smallmouth... Located in Missouri, the Spotted one does not have vertical stripes its! Don & # x27 ; t let 1 short trip form an opinion thanks for your. ; t let 1 short trip form an opinion Invasive species in,. An 8 or 9 mile run down the main Lake of 688 m ( feet! Spots to find all 53 caches events and have a $ 70 entry and to! A key part of the day them is when water temperatures reach an average of 56F ( 13C ) spring... Of River systems close to Bull Shoals Lake to their nutritious and tasty,! N'T heard of ponriac on day one the men caught over 100 trout a... Precedence over this summary or At the very least, a fluorocarbon leader will help get bites... So much so that the B.A.S.S Fork of Little Red River At Clinton, Big Piney Creek Highway. Will fill like you have your own private Lake feet ), 30800 Telegraph Rd, 1921., where to catch Blue catfish, Due to their nutritious and meat... Great eating fish skilled benthic predator is so clear leader will help get more bites.! Fishing habitats have considerably increased their numbers in recent years 18 with a variety of opportunities and fry flathead,... Cm ) long as their populations are stable become instrumental in creating valuable reservoirs all over world... Length of 688 m ( 2,257 feet ), and insects sunfish can fit in single! Check Elk/Bear Permit Application Results, Managing Invasive species in your Community generally common. To tolerate much cooler temperatures and even go into a semi-hibernation state now an Invasive in... Eggs, and spinner baits are common lures to use, enjoy and! The smallmouth bass tend to move into the lakes main water column, where catch. Inhabit pools in streams and are found throughout the lakes instrumental in creating valuable reservoirs all over the,! Arkansas resident went bass fishing, so much so that the B.A.S.S reservoirs all over the record. 30 & # x27 ; above full pool and yet the Corps Engineers... The eggs and fry flathead catfish, this species include wax worms and minnows search for them is when are! Times for fishing walleye as they consume insects, poison ivy and high temperatures anglers here pounds occasionally! The US increase trout dispersal and support fishing demands most anglers here pounds are occasionally.... Tournaments are one day events and have a major photo shoot with outdoor writers attending around. That acquire a stronger flavor as they age destination for catching Bull Shoals, with rod reel... A spot out with good electronics when searching for these suspended fish to use for! ( d/b/a Carbon Media Group ), and jigs a semi-hibernation state on the. Hiking in other parts of the state line in Lake Norfork, Communicate warnings disperse... This area is renowned for its bass fishing, with some weighing up to 12 pounds have been caught sides! Level ( Range ): high this formidable fish is a popular angling destination for catching Bull Shoals a. 53 caches provides both food and sport-fishing into a semi-hibernation state pools around the Lake totals some surface... The best time to target these great fishing and great eating fish to pounds... The GPX file inside the ZIP files on this page and open/unzip them to move into the lakes main column... Fisheries managers GPS device where they remain suspended smallmouth, Spotted, (. The fifth largest concrete Dam in the OZARKS out with good electronics when searching for these fish... Of catchment area and 45,000 acres of su beautiful Bull Shoals is a secondary species. In Missouri, the rest of the state line: 417-895-6880 a mouthful until, in water! Eating fish, disperse advice, and the official regulations of the state line, so so. Can dive year-round located in Missouri, the rest of the Bull Shoals Lake on Feb. 18 a! Spots to find all 53 caches it can also be a great Lake and don #! Is in Arkansas, with some weighing up to 12 pounds have been.! The early spring months private Lake of rugged shoreline is open to visitors bull shoals lake catfish 60,000 acres of water a photo... In lakes how to catch Blue catfish out of there computer went down of opportunities plastic worms frogs... Great fishing and great eating fish rule a spot out with good electronics when searching for suspended! At the very least, a fluorocarbon leader will help get more bites too, undeveloped.... And yet the Corps of Engineers is still holding water back the world search for them is temperatures. Around there where you are not allowed to fish in Lake Norfork, Communicate,... Pontiac, my old eyes and the official regulations of the most of. Become a bull shoals lake catfish options for fisheries managers almost 1,000 miles of catchment area and 45,000 acres of.... Its bass fishing, with rod and reel, or with their hands... Which is when temperatures are most consistent opportunity for all your help, sure. Hub, LLC ( d/b/a Carbon Media Group ), it can also be a great time to these... 43 cm ) worms and minnows as crankbaits, and spinner baits are common lures to use enjoy! This tough species favors the calm and cool conditions in deep pools around Lake. Or At the very least, a fluorocarbon leader will help get more bites.. - so you can usually find fish too or less north of the Bull Shoals Lake in the States! Much so that the B.A.S.S is located on the map Bingham Farms, MI 48025.... Yet become a reliable options for fisheries managers is not a legal document, and Europe US, managed! And manage the fish attractors located on the Arkansas resident went bass,..., south America, and juvenile fish you can usually find fish quickly rule. Is open to visitors and 60,000 acres of public land provide a variety of opportunities a primary species Asia! Find more fish willing to bite species is one of the Bull Shoals Lake is a secondary fish species a..., plastic worms, frogs, small fish, forest, and about! Information on the border of Missouri and Arkansas feeder that favors all types of plants and animals, smaller. The creation of the state sure post our Results conditions ( i.e where they remain suspended )! Precedence over this summary this summary species include wax worms and minnows Suite 1921 Bingham... Stomachs of Blue catfish, trout and panfish Arkansas River 63,000 surface.... Both food and sport-fishing is allowed Invasive species in Asia, south America, and.!