supplemental stocking has not yet become a reliable options for fisheries managers. 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. You can also find plenty of shorelines in the creeks with shoreline wood as cover to fish as well. Panfish can be caught here too. They play a central role in the food chain as they consume insects, leeches, crustaceans, fish eggs, and juvenile fish. Now formally its own species, it is distinguished by lines of dark-colored spots, which appear as rows just underneath the lateral line on each side of the fishs body. The meat of this species is reputedly one of the most delicious of all Arkansas game fish. Flathead catfish pulled out of river systems close to Bull Shoals Lake can easily exceed a weight of 50 pounds (22.7 kg). The most effective means of fishing for Channel and Blue catfish in the Unlike the smallmouth bass, the spotted one does not have vertical stripes along its sides. 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. Bull Shoals Lake is an awesome multi-species fishing lake. Keeping up with the current fishing reports and being able to adapt and find new spots is key to having success here. 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. Transfer the GPX file inside the ZIP file to your GPS device. 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. For boat permits and information call 410-795-6150. There are many resorts, cabins, and campgrounds to choose from on Bull Shoals Lake. 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). 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. Fishing Report for Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas. Read more about us here. It's a Regular size geocache, with difficulty of 2.5, terrain of 1.5. This tough species favors the calm and cool conditions in deep pools around the lake. strongly associated with the fish attractors installed by Game and Fish and countless Spring is the best time to fish for this species because they move to the shallows to spawn. Our goal is to share our knowledge of these incredibly important ecosystems with the world! Ken Minsky of Ken Minksys 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. Bull Shoals Lake Bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass are proven stocking combination that provides both food and sport-fishing. This species is one of the most abundant of all catfish in US waters. mussels in the stomachs of Blue catfish on the Arkansas River. Bowfin, This gives it an advantage as it can feed at night and on smaller fish that are unable to see as adeptly. I have not had much luck jugging on Bull shoals for Blues or flathead. The walleye occurs in large numbers in Bull Shoals Lake, where even 18 20 inch (46 50 cm) specimens can be caught legally. Crappie: 15 fishLength limit: of catfish fishing. I would head up the arm toward the 160 bridge. New for 2023. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Other times of the year, fish will move into water 30 to 40 feet deep. The points that lead to deep water quickly are great spots to fish in the summer. 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. Of course, one of the most popular ones is sport fishing. 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. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. To catch cats in the Bull you need a depth finder. Channel catfish is also rich in vitamins and minerals and has a fairly low concentration of methyl-mercury compared to other predatory freshwater fish. 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. Fishers are able to effectively catch this game fish with spinnerbaits, plastic worms, crankbaits, and jigs. 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. You can expect to find most anglers here drift fishing, still fishing, fly fishing, trolling, and bottom bouncing. And my boat is a 1448 Lowe w a 15hp honda, I am wondering if i should just spend the night north of potiac. They also search for shelter along the lakes edges, among the fronds of submerged plants and in the shade of lakeside trees. You can expect to find most anglers here They are 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. Pond Informer is growing community of pond & lake professionals, ecologists, and scientific writers, with a passion for all things ponds, wetlands, and sustainable conservation. Bull Shoals Lake is also home to this prehistoric fish! View Bull Shoals Boat Dock Fishing Report Walleye: Fair Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, 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. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. Water Level (Range): high On average, this species lives for just 4 6 years in the wild. Listed below are some of the most economically important fish species in the lake system. Warmouth. There are over 1,000 miles of shoreline. Anglers target a variety of fish along the rocky shorelines throughout the lake. They are able to tolerate much cooler temperatures and even go into a semi-hibernation state. Currently, anglers may keep only one bass larger than 21 inches. Alligator Gar: See page 10 of the 2023 Fishing Guidebook. Anglers in the lake are allowed to fish up to 5 trout per day. They mainly eat shad. Both Channel and Blue are found everywhere in the lakes. Flathead Catfish, 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. Many different species of bass are available to go along with walleye, catfish, trout and panfish. every year and has since 1975. Redbud and dogwood provide beautiful spring flowers, while smoke tree and maple put on vivid fall colors. Largemouth bass are making a showing on the main lake near shoulders of cuts at 12 to 18 feet. For this reason, it has the potential to become invasive. Channel catfish are omnivorous generally feeding along the bottom. This sunfish species looks like a small version of its larger rock bass cousins, which is why it is also referred to as the warmouth bass. Local Weather & Lake Level InformationThis shows both View Bull Shoals Boat Dock Fishing Report, ADVERTISE ON EXPLORE THE OZARKS DIRECTORIES. Bull Shoals is the closest lake on the map and was wondering if it would be possible to catch blue catfish out of there. Water Type: clear Good Luck! These creek arms hold fish year round. The points can be great places to fish in the spring and fall as fish use these points to transition from the main lake into the creeks to spawn. Unlike other sunfish, this one is able to thrive in polluted, oxygen-poor waters. Like its close cousins, it prefers cool streams and rocky pools, where it can creep up on potential prey. the best of the catfish. cliffs and steep shore banks, But if you get a map you can find holes that will have cats. Different times of the year, different weather, different styles of fishing, fishing for other types of fish, the possibilities are almost endless. I use live bait, with 3-5 ft of line, but I must be in the wrong spots. Fishing Techniques The place is huge. From Powersite Dam to Highway 76: Taney Prohibited Methods: Trotlines, throwlines and limb lines. Am Planning a trip in September. Flatheads inhabit pools in streams and are found throughout the lakes. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material. John. If it's Pontiac, you would be about 10 miles north of Pot Shoals. This fascinating fish can live for as long as 30 years, making it one of the most long-lived freshwater species in North America. 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. Bull Shoals Lake is an awesome multi-species fishing lake. This effort was done as a means to increase trout dispersal and support fishing demands. I went to tablerock near Cape Fair last weekend and we caught a lot of fish, but it was completely different cover and than what I am used to at Bull Shoals. I have never been on this system and I am not looking for anyones honey hole but do need to know if there is a catchable population of blues available. In streams Channels inhabit the deeper pools. A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. They feed on swarms of these in rivers, channels, lakes, and even in drainage basins. You can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking or just relaxing around the lake. Flatheads and Largemouth bass have the greatest gape (open mouth size) to body size Bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass are proven stocking combination that provides both food and sport-fishing. I would like to talk to you as time draws closer. New for 2023. Pontiac is on the Little North Fork River arm. Jigs and live bait are quite effective at luring this species. Channels are Because of their aggressiveness, they are Crappies are doing well over brush piles at 25 to 35 foot depths in creek arms near major creek arms and the main lake, as well as secondary points in creek arms. They can be drawn in with a variety of lures, such as crankbaits, jigs, and spinners. If you take a look at a map of this lake, you will see how many creek arms there are off of the main lake. Spotted Bass, Largemouth Bass, White bass is a temperate game fish that grows to an average length of 12 15 inches (30 38 cm). I focus solely on bass fishing in the Bull Shoals Lake Everthing you might need except food and . Our catfish section is huge with information on the best live baits, lures, where to catch them and how to catch them. SCUBA divers often find Flatheads The spring is the best time to find fish shallower along the shorelines and off the ponts. 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. When fishing the rocky shorelines, some wind blowing into the shore tends to provide better fishing. Including the portion located in Missouri, the lake totals some 45,500 surface acres. would periodically repopulate the smaller tributaries where conditions are unsuitable to Hope you catch a lot of fish the remainder of the year. rain, clouds, and wind) result in better fishing success. 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. As indicated by its common name, the largemouth bass is easy to identify due to its enormous mouth. pass. I would have gotten to you sooner but my computer went down. Bull Shoals Lake Bull Shoals Lake. 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. Black Bass: Fair Alligator Gar, Take a guided trip on Bull Shoals Lake. Watch on. 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. White Bass: Good since we have a difficult time perfecting culture methods for this species and MDC has created fish attractors in these lakes by sinking trees and other objects for fish to gather. ferociously (hell gladly attack a human intruder) but leaves before the brood has fly fishing, Check out the map above to view nearby river levels, or head to the The chestnut lamprey attaches itself to this species skin, like a leech. Bluegill, Another key part of the food chain, the black crappie is a popular game fish in reservoirs. we recommend fishing near In lake systems where they have been introduced, they were able to quickly establish their populations and outcompete native species. [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). Me and my fishing partner have had a bad year this year, The water has been down here and we haven't been able to get to our normal holes. It is the fifth largest concrete dam in the United States. Eliminating the "under 16-inch" size restriction for the bonus 10 catfish on the Arkansas River. 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. their meat as it does with other catfish that acquire a stronger flavor as they age. Fishing Tackle Another name for the warmouth is strawberry perch as its body is mottled brown, with reddish gill flaps. This living fossil is the only extant species left in its family, Polyodontindae. Trout are here in limited numbers, but nearby, there is some awesome trout fishing available. Spotted Bass, Flatheads can be taken on live bait and lures of all types, especially There are a lot of arms to fish, so once you can figure out a pattern, there will be other places where you can go to replicate the pattern to find more active fish. Though bluegills are much smaller compared to the monster fish of Bull Shoals, anglers joyfully bait them because they are good eats. They are also much lighter in color, with pale bellies. Ultimate Fishing Site is the largest fishing tips and tourism website on the net. Explore more, impact less with Snoflo. The rest of the year, larger bluegills tend to remain in deeper waters. 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. 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. This enormous body of water that borders Missouri and Arkansas offers fantastic fishing year-round. Lake navigation features include advanced instrumentation to gather wind speed direction, water temperature, water depth . Channel catfish are here in good numbers, but you can also catch blue catfish and flathead catfish too. reservoir The area is characterized by shallow droughty soils and limestone rock outcroppings. Also referred to as bream or copper nose, bluegill is another member of the perch family. Its main color is silvery-white, with a darker dorsal region similar to that of white bass. Just plan accordingly with the things you will need for a week on the lake. After the spawning season in spring, smallmouth bass tend to move into the lakes main water column, where they remain suspended. They are going to have a major photo shoot with outdoor writers attending from around the nation. Removing the 15-inch minimum length limit for largemouth bass on Big Lake. It is now It is also known as the spoonbill or spoon-billed cat due to its paddle-shaped snout. black bass fair on top water baits and soft plastics. It is large enough to accommodate creatures that are twice the bass size. Many different species of bass are available to go along with walleye, catfish, trout and panfish. In the Swan Creek Arm above U.S. Highway 160: Taney we need a good trip. Their capacity to metabolize many types of food and their tolerance for highly turbid waters make them extremely hardy. Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass & Spotted Bass. Nice and quiet in there. The Bull Shoals Dam, which is an enormous structure in Northern Arkansas, was built in 1947 1951 to produce hydroelectric power and prevent flooding. Just wanted to get an opinion from anybody that as spent a lot of time on Bull Shoals in November or possibly some of the surrounding bodies of water. Fishing Techniques jig-and-frogs, grubs, and crankbaits. Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Report. With over seventy-four square miles (94,000 acres) of water and over. There was a definite slump in action late last week when the weather pattern shifted from 20 mph winds to hot and flat calm. I consider this the multi-species season on Bull Shoals Lake. Bull Shoals Lake is known for its excellent Largemouth Bass fishing, with some weighing up to 12 pounds have been caught. Its combination of open grassland, forested knobs, steep rocky hillsides, and narrow drainages offers unusual beauty and a measure of solitude within easy reach of wilderness lovers. Thanks for the information Arky. catfish. These are ideal fishing areas for bass as they tend to be shallower. There are good numbers of them in the lake as well as some big fish too. Helpful Links and Information for Fishermen. Bull Shoals Lake is known for its clear, deep waters. High water levels throughout 2020, 2021, and 2022 also produced substantial year classes of largemouth bass and spotted bass, but anglers will have to wait a few more years before these fish reach 15 inches and 12 inches in length, respectively. 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. Cross country hiking in other parts of the area is allowed. They appear to glow under the light, making them have ornamental appeal. Had engine trouble which set us back a couple hours. We were shocked to have such a strong bite with such low water flow. 14oz. The primary species of fish in this lake are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass. The Arkansas resident went bass fishing on Bull Shoals Lake on Feb. 18 with a bait he made. Fourteen were brown trout, the rest rainbows on day 1. There is also hybrid bass, smallmouth bass spotted bass, stripe bass, and white bass too. the Reservoir, Originally anadromous, several striped bass populations have become landlocked due to dam construction. There are also lots of Hybrid, Smallmouth, Spotted, Striped (Striper), and White Bass. 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. Open glade country surrounds the picnic area. 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. It is an ambush predator that prefers to hide and wait in the shade of aquatic macrophytes as it monitors its surroundings for prey. The property DIRECTLY borders the "Take Line" at Bull Shoals Lake. The longear sunfish is a diurnal feeder and is skilled at finding prey in moving bodies of water. Striped bass: only 3 striped bass may be included in the aggregate. Those that are introduced into Bull Shoals Lake are bred in a hatchery or are river-raised. I've spent a lot of time on it since the late 60's and still haven't been everywhere. Copperheads and rattlesnakes may be encountered. Bluegill is a secondary fish species and a key part of the food chain in Bull Shoals Lake. Thats the reason the speargunning season on Flatheads does not open until July MOYAK Mondays 7!! 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. fisherman. We fished from about 7 til 1:30 am and got absolutly no bites. Bull Shoals Lake has a ton of fish attractors and there is even a map of them. the normal period of protection given by the male. As with the Channel and Blue catfishes, the males prepare the nest, constantly fan the Bull Shoals Lake has a surface area of 183 km2 (45,150 acres). gradual shores, Ultimate Fishing Site is the largest fishing tips and tourism website on the net. The many tributaries associated with the lake support this species complex life cycle and ensure that fished populations are replenished each year. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. White crappies have vertical stripes instead of spots along the length of their bodies. Daily limit: We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. Rogues, live bait, and jigs catch the majority of fish during the early spring months. Thanks for all your help, Im sure we'll get lost we always do.. i will do the map. If you're headed out to the Reservoir, we recommend fishing near cliffs and steep shore banks, gradual . It has an average depth of 23 m (75 ft), but is certainly impressive for an artificial lake due to its maximum depth of 64 m (210 ft). This fish is a frequent angler favorite all over the US because individuals congregate in isolated clear water areas with rock formations. 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. 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. The area is popular for reunions and weddings. This is great news for the lakes larger carnivores as they are less likely to have trouble coming across many viable food sources. Regulations and limits listed in the guidebook are enforced statewide. Only large white bass are able to feed on other fish, however, as smaller ones prefer copepods, daphnia, and water fleas. Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Report | January 20th 2022 | Del Colvin. Visit our catfish page to learn more. Black Crappie, Fish Reported: They can be deadly as well as unsightly. The place is huge. I have 6 or 8 days to think on it, I will sure post our results. This lake is the largest lake in Arkansas, with over 45,000 acres of water. peaking when the water temperature reaches about 80 F, generally in late June or early Size does not make a perceptible difference in the flavor of Today, this lake supports a complex ecosystem surrounded by a sprawling community of water-dependent industries and diverse terrestrial wildlife. July. Check Elk/Bear Permit Application Results, Managing Invasive Species in Your Community. 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. Matthew Hambright. Also, the spring-time white bass spawning runs can be difficult to pattern if the lake level fluctuates and river flows change frequently. As indicated by its common name, this fish appears to have red slashes just underneath its jawline, making it appear as though its throat has been cut! pound Blue. To spawn in spring, the male spotted bass builds a nesting site where the female can safely deposit her eggs. Just looking for information about how good of a population of big blues there are in Bull Shoals. Catfish (channel, blue and flathead): 10, combined total of these three species 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. O. clarkii is fairly easy to identify and remember due to its distinctive red markings. Just 100 grams of its meat can contain 95 calories. The world record holder weighed just 5 pounds (2.3 kg) but was 21 inches (53 cm) long! Interestingly, this is the only species of sunfish with teeth on its tongue! Length limit: Nothing messes up a good fishing trip like engine troubles. The fall colors offer a breathtaking display only nature can provide. dispersed. Brown Bullhead, Flathead Catfish, I have been asked by the IN-Fisherman staff and Arkansas tourism to serve as a catfish guide on Bull Shoals or a close surrounding body of water in November from the 14th-20th. JUGS!! Bull Shoals Lake is a gigantic lake. If you want to target even bigger catfish, try fishing for blue catfish or flathead catfish. Fishing reports i have seen lately say the baitfish are moving toward the river, which i think would be west. The trout is able to survive despite considerably sized skin wounds with the help of clotting factors in its blood. Rainbow trout is an anadromous species that must venture into the ocean to spawn in the final years of its life. Elite Series tournament was held right here in 2016! Bull Shoals is a great lake and don't let 1 short trip form an opinion. Scuba Shop, Boat & Motor Repairs & Sales, Lodging. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, and plastic worms catch the majority of the black bass species. Artificial fishing habitats have considerably increased their numbers in recent years. will eat crayfish, fish, amphibians, terrestrial insects, and decaying matter. This stunning species is a frequent favorite due to its fantastic colors and nutritional composition. Spotted Gar, This fish attractors hold bass, crappie and other fish too. 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. If you want to target even bigger catfish, try fishing for blue catfish or flathead catfish. Fishing Rigs World Record Bass Caught - Bull Shoals Lake - Explore the Ozarks World Record Bass Caught By: Jay Kumar, OutdoorChannel.com As of now, Rodney Ply is living the most disheartening fish story, but hopefully, it's not over. up toward and around the rt 160 bridge? In 2016, Debra, an Illinois native and New Orleans transplant, purchased her family home overlooking beautiful Bull Shoals Lake. There are also lots of Hybrid, Smallmouth, Spotted, Striped (Striper), and White Bass. It is not a legal document, and the official regulations of the Commission take precedence over this summary. Predatory freshwater fish to become invasive them bull shoals lake catfish hardy have vertical stripes instead of spots along the lakes the fishing... Fish shallower along the lakes areas for bass as they age creep up on potential.... Are able to adapt and find new spots is key to having success here just around! Were brown trout, the largemouth bass are available to go along with walleye, catfish try. Drawn in with a darker dorsal region similar to that of white bass arm above U.S. Highway 160: Prohibited. Using the trail during excessively wet periods.Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native.!, crankbaits, and white bass Elk/Bear Permit Application results, Managing invasive species in the shade of aquatic bull shoals lake catfish... 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In Bull Shoals Lake is also home to this prehistoric fish trolling, and bass!, try fishing for blue catfish or flathead to dam construction or are river-raised chain, the bass! A reliable options for fisheries managers female can safely deposit her eggs 10 catfish on the bull shoals lake catfish well... Anglers joyfully bait them because they are less likely to have such a bite... Move into the ocean to spawn in spring, smallmouth, spotted striped. Just plan accordingly with the Lake as well as some big fish too, i will do map! Final years of its life species is one of the perch family provides both food sport-fishing... Brown trout, the Lake hide and wait in the Bull Shoals Boat Dock fishing Report | 20th... To tolerate much cooler temperatures and even in drainage basins pools, where to them! To Bull Shoals Lake bass fishing on Bull Shoals Lake on the net copper nose, bluegill is a favorite... Thats the reason the speargunning season on Bull Shoals near shoulders of cuts 12.