Looking to hook some tasty table fare on Table Rock Lake? Then there’s one freshwater fish in particular you should be setting your sights on – Crappie! Although it may be small in size, this little critter packs a seriously huge punch when it comes to taste. A family-friendly staple, this species is also the perfect introduction to angling for children and newbies. Why not head to the Ozarks with the whole family for a Table Rock Lake Crappie fishing adventure?
What to Expect
Table Rock Lake spans both Missouri and Arkansas. Despite covering 43,000 acres, there’s only really one departure point you should be heading to when it comes to starting your adventure. Branson, located in southwest Missouri, is home to a whole host of local fishing guides. Whether you just want to explore the shallows on your first fishing trip, or target Crappie as well as the other fish this lake holds, you’ll find plenty of charters to choose from.
Table Rock Lake has a year-round fishery, so you’ll find varying amounts of Crappie here no matter when you choose to travel. The most fruitful time of year to catch them might surprise you, however – head to the lake in winter, and you’ll be in for a Crappie bonanza! White and Black varieties inhabit the lake, and both are equally as tasty as each other.
If you’re a new angler, or want to introduce your kids to fishing, opt for a half day trip on the lake. As Crappie tend to flock to shallow shoreline waters, this will give you plenty of time to cast off for your target species without your little ones getting tired out. As they’re not too feisty, Crappie are a great fish for kids and newbies alike to test their budding angling skills against!
More experience under your belt? A longer trip is your best bet. It's common for guides and charter captains to have you targeting a mixed bag of species, including Crappie. Table Rock Lake is home to a trio of Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted Bass, as well as Catfish, Bluegill, and even the odd Paddlefish. Your charter captain will usually have you casting your line for Crappie at the beginning and end of your trip, when you’re near the lake’s shoreline.
Need to Know
Table Rock Lake’s fishing guides are well-prepared when it comes to showing visitors around the lake, which means they’ll provide all the fishing gear you need for a successful day on the water. You’ll need to bring your own fishing license, though. You should purchase this before your trip, and local captains recommend getting a Missouri Fishing License with a “White River Border Permit.”. This gives you full run of the entire lake, including the Arkansan side.
You’ll be able to keep up to 30 Crappie on your trip, which is more than enough to stock a few coolers with. Get ready to fill ‘em up on your Table Rock Lake Crappie fishing adventure!
