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. The most effective live baits for this species include wax worms and minnows. Black Bass (largemouth, spotted, smallmouth combined): 10 Smallmouth Bass (including hybrids of smallmouth and other bass): 4 Length limit in Ozark Zone is 12 inches long; otherwise, length limit is 10 inches long. Fishing Tackle Most of the time the cats I catch on the lake during the day time are in 30 to 50 ft of water with some as deep as 70 to 90 ft down. Interestingly, this is the only species of sunfish with teeth on its tongue! Their capacity to metabolize many types of food and their tolerance for highly turbid waters make them extremely hardy. Black Crappie, You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Information: 417-256-7161 I almost always put in around Spring Creek, or Pontiac. 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. These are best fished using topwater baits and when the weather is cool and cloudy. Information: 417-895-6880 For this reason, it has the potential to become invasive. 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. we need a good trip. ADVERTISE ON EXPLORE THE OZARKS DIRECTORIES. Pontiac is on the Little North Fork River arm. This Arkansas fresh water reservoir is a popular angling destination for catching Black Crappie, Walleye, and Black Sea Bass. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material. Freshwater Fishing Populations of many subspecies have become threatened or extinct due to habitat loss. Channel catfish is also rich in vitamins and minerals and has a fairly low concentration of methyl-mercury compared to other predatory freshwater fish. Walleye numbers are very good and anglers should see a high percentage of legal-size fish in the 18-20 inch range in 2023. Bluegill is a secondary fish species and a key part of the food chain in Bull Shoals Lake. Blue catfish are a more aggressive fish Striped bass: only 3 striped bass may be included in the aggregate. fisherman. Black bass, white bass, crappie, and other species flourish. This Spring is the best time to fish for this species because they move to the shallows to spawn. Roadrunners, collared lizards, tarantulas, wild hogs and black bears are some of the more uncommon wildlife residents.A printable brochure (3.2m pdf format) is available for download.Trails: From the trailheads there is 32 miles of maintained trails which follows along open glades, forested ridgetops and Long Creek, the primary drainage of the area. September 16th!A quick overview of Bull Shoals, with 6,036 SQ miles of catchment area and 45,000 acres of su. John. Fishing Rigs Rainbow trout is an anadromous species that must venture into the ocean to spawn in the final years of its life. Even smaller-sized white bass are not as common in the lake as they used to be. Crappie fishing has been very good using jigs and minnows in the spring and fall with anglers utilizing the 171 new fish habitat structures installed by the Missouri Department of Conservation and paid for with a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Bull Shoals Lake is known for its clear, deep waters. 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. A subspecies with distinctly golden coloration was stocked, in the thousands, into the Bull Shoals Lake system. Explore more, impact less with Snoflo. I focus solely on bass fishing in the Bull Shoals Lake This snout, formally referred to as a rostrum, and its head, are covered in sensory receptors that can lead the fish to its favorite treat, zooplankton. This species doesn't have the growth potential of the other black bass and fish over 15 inches are rare. Anglers target a variety of fish along the rocky shorelines throughout the lake. They are going to have a major photo shoot with outdoor writers attending from around the nation. Instructions Download the ZIP files on this page and open/unzip them. On average, this species lives for just 4 6 years in the wild. Bull Shoals Lake is a gigantic lake. 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. a mouthful until, in clear water, few survive. Its sensitivity to vibrations makes it a skilled benthic predator. 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. Big channel catfish over 20 pounds can be caught in the lake. For anglers that are good with their electronics, schooling fish can be found following baitfish from the summer months all the way through winter. the best of the catfish. gradual shores, Spotted bass is quite similar to smallmouth and was once even considered its subspecies or hybrid. Warm summer weather can present more challenges to anglers as this tough species will venture into deeper, cooler pools that can reach depths of 50 feet (15 m) or more. Unlike the smallmouth bass, the spotted one does not have vertical stripes along its sides. Flatheads can be taken on live bait and lures of all types, especially eggs, and defend the young aggressively. In Lake Norfork, The tapetum lucidum is highly reflective, causing light to bounce back through the fishs retina. There are a lot of catfish in Bull Shoals Lake. Fish Reported: The best time to search for them is when water temperatures reach an average of 56F (13C) in spring. Everthing you might need except food and . All qualifying tournaments are one day events and have a $70 entry . Largemouth Bass, 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. 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. Check out the map above to view nearby river levels, or head to the 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). Eliminating the "under 16-inch" size restriction for the bonus 10 catfish on the Arkansas River. to have the lake 30' above full pool and yet the Corps of Engineers is still holding water back. Some of the creeks will have murkier water while others will be really clear, so there are a lot of variables that come into play on a trip here early in the year. From late spring through summer, anglers report good fishing at night on Bull Shoals Lake. Walleye and sauger: minimum 18" 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. I appreciate any info you all can pass on to me. Nothing messes up a good fishing trip like engine troubles. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. They are generally more common in rivers and streams than in lakes. 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. Those that are introduced into Bull Shoals Lake are bred in a hatchery or are river-raised. Historically they reproduced in the larger rivers Daily limit: Bull Shoals Lake is an incredible fishing destination located in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas. Any help would be great. During the spring, fall, and early winter months, bass can be found relatively shallow along rocky points, banks, and channel swing areas. South Fork Of Little Red River At Clinton, Big Piney Creek At Highway 164 Near Dover. . We are close to Theodosia and Pontiac Marinas. However, juveniles of both species can look remarkably similar. Located along the Glade Top Trail National Forest Scenic Byway, this day use area is situated on one of the Ozark glades. In the Swan Creek Arm above U.S. Highway 160: Taney For table quality they are generally considered The Bull Shoals Lake Navigation App provides advanced features of a Marine Chartplotter including adjusting water level offset and custom depth shading. 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()}. Spring and summer blooming wildflowers cover the area in natural beauty. I would head up the arm toward the 160 bridge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. I would get a map if you try that distance. The calm waters of Bull Shoals Lake are ideal for boating and skiing. Freshwater Fishing You can also find plenty of shorelines in the creeks with shoreline wood as cover to fish as well. Listed below are some of the most economically important fish species in the lake system. Are there catfish in Bull Shoals Lake? Big channel catfish over 20 pounds can be caught in the lake. 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. Grass Carp, Bull Shoals Lake is located on the border of Missouri and Arkansas. Multiple marinas and boat rental options are conveniently located around the lake. Its main color is silvery-white, with a darker dorsal region similar to that of white bass. 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. Anglers can identify largemouth and spotted bass by using differences in the jaw bone length, cheek scale size, connectivity of the spinous and soft dorsal fin, and absence/presence of a tongue patch. February - June is the best time to target these great fishing and great eating fish. Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is 12,413 acres of the most scenic and unique country in the Midwest. Spearfishing is also a very popular method Of course, one of the most popular ones is sport fishing. This striped bass and its hybrids are regularly stocked in freshwater systems around the US as they are popular with sport fishers. There are many resorts, cabins, and campgrounds to choose from on Bull Shoals Lake. Flathead spawning later in the year than it does for Channels and Blues, The Bull Shoals Dam, which is an enormous structure in Northern Arkansas, was built in 1947 1951 to produce hydroelectric power and prevent flooding. Catfish (channel, blue and flathead): 10, combined total of these three species The white bass population has experienced below average spawning success so anglers may notice a decline in the white bass numbers, especially smaller sizes. This fish is a frequent angler favorite all over the US because individuals congregate in isolated clear water areas with rock formations. Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Report | January 20th 2022 | Del Colvin Watch on BULL SHOALS LAKE FISHING REPORT Del Colvin I'm passionate about bass fishing and passing the skills and knowledge needed to keep catching those fish. Communicate warnings, disperse advice, and share. would periodically repopulate the smaller tributaries where conditions are unsuitable to [The Facts], 10 Best Potted Plants for Texas Heat 2023 [Updated], List of Fish Species in Becharof Lake 2023 (ID + Pics), List of Turtle Species in Washington State 2023 (ID + Pics), How to Plant & Grow White Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton camtschatcensis). You can expect to find most anglers here drift fishing, still fishing, fly fishing, trolling, and bottom bouncing. It's a Regular size geocache, with difficulty of 2.5, terrain of 1.5. Many of the shorelines drop off quick, so you dont have to be far from shore to be fishing water deep enough to hold a variety of fish and quality fish. 6' dropline and a 4" bluegill. Bull Shoals Lake is an awesome multi-species fishing lake. The striped bass is an elegantly streamlined fish distinguished by its horizontally-oriented lateral stripes. 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. Bull Shoals Lake Bull Shoals Lake. With its deep and clear water, most anglers do better on this lake by fishing deeper and with lighter line than they would on most other lakes that they fish. Length limit: I've spent a lot of time on it since the late 60's and still haven't been everywhere. They If you know where these structures are, you'll know where the fish are! An attractive species of the sunfish family, the longear sunfish has visually appealing blue-green bars along the sides of its body. On average, this sunfish can fit in a single hand. Bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass are proven stocking combination that provides both food and sport-fishing. He guards the eggs and fry The main lake points and shorelines are good spots to target a variety of bass and other fish too. This enormous body of water that borders Missouri and Arkansas offers fantastic fishing year-round. Bull Shoals can be confusing. Am Planning a trip in September. Striped bass: minimum 20" Bull Shoals is virtually an untapped Walleye fishery. 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. 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. Lead Hill looked like the closest place to put in. reservoir Flathead Catfish, 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. Bull Shoals Lake has a surface area of 183 km2 (45,150 acres). For this reason, the conservation and enhancement of fish habitats are a top priority. Spotted Bass, Thanks for all your help, Im sure we'll get lost we always do.. i will do the map. I've had a lot of luck jug fishing about half-way back in Music creek. This permit allows these anglers to fish the Arkansas portion of this lake without purchasing an Arkansas nonresident fishing permit. The points that lead to deep water quickly are great spots to fish in the summer. 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. It's located in Arkansas, United States. Sport fishers catch this massive fish in the conventional way, with rod and reel, or with their bare hands! It is only a mile or less north of the state line. It is great being a part of USCA! My brother and I fished Bull Shoals Lake exclusively. Go fishing! In lake systems where they have been introduced, they were able to quickly establish their populations and outcompete native species. JavaScript is disabled. After the spawning season in spring, smallmouth bass tend to move into the lakes main water column, where they remain suspended. Which make me want to be down in the area Russell suggested Music Creek. Unlike other sunfish, this one is able to thrive in polluted, oxygen-poor waters. Thanks russell, I'll ask about music creek when i get there hopefully its close to where i am at, and someone can point me in the direction. Many anglers will fish the bottom when targeting rocky points, however, in the summer and fall months, you can find a lot of fish suspended just off the points in deeper water just away from the points. Other times of the year, fish will move into water 30 to 40 feet deep. I have 6 or 8 days to think on it, I will sure post our results. Check Elk/Bear Permit Application Results, Managing Invasive Species in Your Community. Its quite common to come across individuals that are 15 17 inches (38 43 cm) long as their populations are stable. But if you get a map you can find holes that will have cats. Water Level (Range): high Best Fishing Trips As a result, this aggressive fish can eat just about anything but does prefer crayfish, smaller fish, and frogs. It is a source of good quality protein and is moderately fatty. Both Channel and Blue are found everywhere in the lakes. Visitors, no need to worry about where you will stay while you're here. 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. You can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking or just relaxing around the lake. It is easily identified by its iridescent blue to purple coloration and dark-shaded bands. New for 2023. Flatheads inhabit pools in streams and are found throughout the lakes. Annual Prospects Report July. Along with inflows from and outflows into the White River, this freshwater system has been designated as a state park that offers a wealth of activities all year round. This formidable fish is a primary species in Bull Shoals Lake. When stocked in this order and properly managed, these species provide great fishing and good eating. 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. cliffs and steep shore banks, Watch on. Rogues, live bait, and jigs catch the majority of fish during the early spring months. to 1.5 pounds) Channel and Blue catfish in Bull Shoals Lake,Lake Norfork, and area streams Largemouth bass are making a showing on the main lake near shoulders of cuts at 12 to 18 feet. This is great news for the lakes larger carnivores as they are less likely to have trouble coming across many viable food sources. Black Bass: Fair lakes are trotlines and floating fishing devices. Detailed Lake Information: Type of Lake: Hilland. Is Bull Shoals Lake good fishing? Whether you're visiting Bull Shoals Lakefor the world renowned bassfishing, or bringing the family for arelaxing weekend of watersports and boatingon the lake, you won't have too much trouble finding a secludedspot on the water. Bull Shoals Lake is known for its excellent Largemouth Bass fishing, with some weighing up to 12 pounds have been caught. Transfer the GPX file inside the ZIP file to your GPS device. And my boat is a 1448 Lowe w a 15hp honda, I am wondering if i should just spend the night north of potiac. Bluegill, Austin Lake GPX 967.00 B Walleye, Large concrete dams have become instrumental in creating valuable reservoirs all over the world. I'm from Kansas/Oklahoma and fish lakes there for blue catfish. As many of the fish transition back out to the main lake once the spawn is completed, these points can also be very productive. Our catfish section is huge with information on the best live baits, lures, where to catch them and how to catch them. 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Striped bass: Fair lakes are trotlines and floating fishing devices $ 70 entry spring Creek or!