Table Rock Lake is the Place to be for Summer Fishing
Table Rock Lake is set the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas and was constructed by the US Army back in the 1950’s. Since then it has been a popular location for fishermen to visit in the hope of going home with a trophy catch. In this article we wanted to look at some tips that you can take with you next time you visit the artificial lake, in the effort that you will be more successful in catching Largemouth Bass and Walleye that occupy the 174km of water in that area.
Now, Summertime can be a frustrating time for anglers that come to fish for bass as they do tend to lurk about in deeper waters and due to the nature of the structure of the Table Rock Lake is can be difficult to fish if you don’t know the hidden tips that the lake has to offer.
Why Most Anglers Fail to Catch Bass
The truth is, fishing at Table Rock Lake takes a lot of experience and knowledge because its unlike any other lake around the country. You have to take into account the depth of the lake in certain areas and the general shape of the lake (which includes the shelters and open waters).
Most anglers come to the lake with the same fishing techniques as other lakes or reservoirs but they fail to get even a bite at Table Rock and that all comes down to experience. The best thing to do is speak to seasoned pros that are regular at Table Rock and ask them what methods they use in catching big bass.
How to Catch Bass at Table Rock Lake
The best time to catch Largemouth Bass is right after they have spawned as they instinctively move back into deeper waters to help them recover after a busy Spring period. As with most bass they shelter themselves near submerged trees as they feel protected by the shelter that structures like this give. Look at the 20 feet around this area and you are going to have Largemouth Bass coming up on your radar.
Now, most of the time you won’t be able to feel a bite, especially if you are using worm or grub on the end of your line so it’s important not to pay close observation to any line movements otherwise you could miss the perfect chance to reel one in.
If you are heading to Table Rock Lake in the depth of summer then look for the deeper parts of the lake where tress are 80 feet deep (where at least the tops of the trees are 20-40 feet below the surface). This is where skill and experience really comes in as Largemouth Bass become a master of disguise as they blend in with the submerged trees.
What Equipment is Best at Table Rock Lake?
Equipment is just as important as having the experience and know-how of the lake, and for many successful fishermen in the area they tend to use a 7-foot medium-action spinning rod complimented with a large spool reel. A 6-8 pound test line is also best, along with a drag that is set tight to avoid any slippage.
What About Fall and Winter Periods?
The lake is still active during the colder climates but the type of fish you are going to see will vary due to the temperature conditions of the lake. In Fall you can expect to see fish moving out of the deeper waters and towards the backs of creeks. They tend to move here with schools of shad which allows the bass to be easier to catch because of the crowding up.
Wood and rock cover are the areas you need to be searching in if you want to stand a chance of bagging yourself either Smallmouth or Largemouth Bass.
With Winter comes a season that Smallmouth Bass are probably the easiest catch to make as they follow threadfin shad into creek arms up and down Table Rock Lake. However, you will need some graphs or sonar equipment in order to locate and catch these fish.
What Bait is Best?
There are a number of baits that have been reported as successful baits for catching fish at Table Rock Lake. The main three are Football Jigs, Grub and Jerk Baits. The football jig has only really been popular in the last 10 years at Table Rock Lake, and looks like an oblong headed bait that are ideal for all seasons of the year. The grub is also popular bait that is used for all types of fish, whilst the jerk bait is a bit of hit and miss bait, with added constraints in terms of the equipment that you are going to be using. It should also be pointed out that with Jerk bait its only ideal for those anglers that have a good level of patience, so if you don’t like trial and error then you are best looking at the other types of bait we have mentioned.
However, for Table Rock Lake it pays to have some level of patience so it’s worth looking into all three types of bait. So next time you head out to the lake make sure your tackle box is stocked up with these types of baits to help improve your success rates.
Summary
We have spoken about the seasons and the type of fish you are going to spot at Table Rock Lake, we have also given you advice on the type of equipment you are going to need along with the best types of bait to use in order to make your trip more enjoyable and more importantly that little bit more successful, the rest is down to you. Good luck at Table Rock Lake, and don’t forget to get some extra tips and tricks from the locals who will be able to guide you in the right direction when it comes to catching fish on this man-made lake.