It has also been introduced in several water systems as a means to control pest fish. Blue Catfish, Around the corner from Lake Norfork Dam and the White River, in the Arkansas Ozarks, Quarry Marina offers the finest in boat rentals : bass and fishing boats , Aloha pontoon boats , ski boats , and other watersports equipment. black bass fair on top water baits and soft plastics. Fishing Rigs Restrictions. 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. New for 2023. necessary to stock Channel catfish in streams to maintain their populations. Bull Shoals is the closest lake on the map and was wondering if it would be possible to catch blue catfish out of there. 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. Fishing Rigs Interestingly, this is the only species of sunfish with teeth on its tongue! We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. Bull Shoals is virtually an untapped Walleye fishery. The available fish in Bull Shoals Lake are Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Whitebass, Catfish, and Striped Bass. 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. 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 is a great lake and don't let 1 short trip form an opinion. Common Carp, 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. It also gives their brood We offer real-time climate data, weather forecasts, and alerts, as well as information on the best recreation spots nearby. The chestnut lamprey attaches itself to this species skin, like a leech. These sustain their populations by spawning in bedrock rivers or spring creeks. Beautiful, quiet coves are abundant, and the fish are too! trolling, The primary species of fish in this lake are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass. If they catch individuals that are above 14 inches (35 cm) in length, they are allowed to keep just one. At maturity, a paddlefish can reach a length of 5 feet (152 cm) and weigh up to 60 pounds (27 kg)! 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. 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. Helpful Links and Information for Fishermen. Black Sea Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Channel cats exceeding 20 pounds and Blues exceeding 60 For many anglers, fishing for suspended bass and panfish 20 feet down over 50 feet of water may seem like a waste of time. This striped bass and its hybrids are regularly stocked in freshwater systems around the US as they are popular with sport fishers. Eliminating the "under 16-inch" size restriction for the bonus 10 catfish on the Arkansas River. Lakewide: Ozark and Taney Daily limit: Catfish (channel, blue and flathead): 10, combined total of these three species Crappie: 15 fish Length limit: Black bass: minimum 15" on largemouth and smallmouth bass; minimum 12" on spotted bass Crappie: 10" minimum . To catch cats in the Bull you need a depth finder. Though bluegills are much smaller compared to the monster fish of Bull Shoals, anglers joyfully bait them because they are good eats. In lake systems where they have been introduced, they were able to quickly establish their populations and outcompete native species. This stunning species is a frequent favorite due to its fantastic colors and nutritional composition. 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. Black bass: minimum 15" on largemouth and smallmouth bass; minimum 12" on spotted bass I focus solely on bass fishing in the Bull Shoals Lake Some fish over 60 pounds are possible here. Look for vapor lights 1 mile up south bay across from pt 16. The best time to search for them is when water temperatures reach an average of 56F (13C) in spring. The Bull Shoals Dam, which is an enormous structure in Northern Arkansas, was built in 1947 - 1951 to produce hydroelectric power and prevent flooding. Fishing for them can be quite challenging, but they do tend to follow bait fish over a considerable distance. 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 permit allows these anglers to fish the Arkansas portion of this lake without purchasing an Arkansas nonresident fishing permit. Crankbaits, jigs, plastic worms, and spinner baits are common lures to use here for bass. Bull Shoals Lake is a gigantic lake. February - June is the best time to target these great fishing and great eating fish. Cross country hiking in other parts of the area is allowed. Crappie: 15 fishLength limit: The lake should be cooling off by then. If you are running from point to point, dont rule out these areas. It, too, is nationally known for its excellent bass fishing. These close cousins tend to hybridize into sturdy fish that are commonly known as wipers, whiterock bass, or Cherokee bass. Beaver Creek, River Run, and K-Dock accesses are in Taney County and located off Highways O, 76, and K, respectively. 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. Lake navigation features include advanced instrumentation to gather wind speed direction, water temperature, water depth . You have successfully joined our subscriber list. 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. Big channel catfish over 20 pounds can be caught in the lake. The Pontiac, Spring Creek, and Theodsia Accesses are in Ozark County and located off of Highways W, HH, and 160, respectively. 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. 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. I almost always put in around Spring Creek, or Pontiac. Landlocked striped bass can grow to be remarkably large. Redear Sunfish, Black Crappie, Welcome to BullShoals.com, your source for all things related to Bull Shoals Lake in the Ozarks. 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. Try using lures that are sized for all 3 species of fish and you should run into all 3 species of fish here. 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. 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. Channel Catfish, Of course, one of the most popular ones is sport fishing. Are there catfish in Bull Shoals Lake? Fishing Techniques Other times of the year, fish will move into water 30 to 40 feet deep. If you want to target even bigger catfish, try fishing for blue catfish or flathead catfish. Both Channel and Blue are found everywhere in the lakes. Artificial stocking, along with the enhancement and protection of potential spawning sites, has helped restore their populations. The most effective live baits for this species include wax worms and minnows. Its sensitivity to vibrations makes it a skilled benthic predator. Be advised of hunting seasons. Fourteen were brown trout, the rest rainbows on day 1. I consider this the multi-species season on Bull Shoals Lake. alive. Using lighter line is key to getting more bites in clear water, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is out. This fascinating fish can live for as long as 30 years, making it one of the most long-lived freshwater species in North America. Walleye and sauger: minimum 18" As a result, this aggressive fish can eat just about anything but does prefer crayfish, smaller fish, and frogs. Channel catfish reproduction. Channel Catfish, Artificial fishing habitats have considerably increased their numbers in recent years. entices a female in, spawns with her, then runs her off. Striped Bass, Walleye, Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill, Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout. including lakes and streams. Panfish can be caught here too. 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. For table quality they are generally considered Fishing Tackle Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, In reservoirs like Bull Shoals Lake, these sites also tend to be used by smallmouth bass. You can expect to find most anglers here Due to good year class strengths in recent years, anglers should also expect to catch higher numbers of sub-legal fish as well. Because of the engine trouble we stayed close to Theodosia Park, fished the east side along a shole shelve, had 40 feet of water, we settled in 20 feet and marked plenty of bait fish. The bait fish will be heading up that way to the cool water and flow. Regulations and limits listed in the guidebook are enforced statewide. The male catfish makes a nest in a crevice, small cave, hollow log, etc., and Also known as yellow pickerel, the walleye is a popular species under the perch family (Percidae). We once You can usually find fish quickly or rule a spot out with good electronics when searching for these suspended fish. The darkness makes it easier to get bites as well since the water is so clear. 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. For this reason, it has the potential to become invasive. Information: 417-895-6880 Special, area-specific regulations can be found here. predator that generally inhabits the open water. Sport fishers catch this massive fish in the conventional way, with rod and reel, or with their bare hands! Due to its pale coloration, its other common names are silver bass or sand bass. Bull Shoals Lake is an awesome multi-species fishing lake. Redear Sunfish, by Ricky Eastwold and Crew at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock "We Rent Fun!" During the spring, fall, and early winter months, bass can be found relatively shallow along rocky points, banks, and channel swing areas. Persistent winds can also increase chances of fishing success, and the rough waters associated with these are fondly referred to by anglers as walleye chop. up toward and around the rt 160 bridge? the best of the catfish. Flathead catfish are native to most of the Arkansas Ozarks waters, It's a Regular size geocache, with difficulty of 2.5, terrain of 1.5. They are a pure carnivore, eating almost nothing that is not Even smaller-sized white bass are not as common in the lake as they used to be. These are best fished using topwater baits and when the weather is cool and cloudy. They feed on swarms of these in rivers, channels, lakes, and even in drainage basins. This tough species favors the calm and cool conditions in deep pools around the lake. Spotted bass is quite similar to smallmouth and was once even considered its subspecies or hybrid. 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. White Bass, 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! Black Bass: Good Instructions Download the ZIP files on this page and open/unzip them. He guards the eggs and fry I have 6 or 8 days to think on it, I will sure post our results. 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. Local Weather & Lake Level InformationThis shows both View Bull Shoals Boat Dock Fishing Report, ADVERTISE ON EXPLORE THE OZARKS DIRECTORIES. supplemental stocking has not yet become a reliable options for fisheries managers. The fall colors offer a breathtaking display only nature can provide. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Another name for the warmouth is strawberry perch as its body is mottled brown, with reddish gill flaps. native to the Arkansas Ozarks streams. . From February 20 through April 14, walleye and sauger may be taken and possessed only between 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Largemouth bass are making a showing on the main lake near shoulders of cuts at 12 to 18 feet. Yellow Bullhead, They play a central role in the food chain as they consume insects, leeches, crustaceans, fish eggs, and juvenile fish. Hope you catch a lot of fish the remainder of the year. ** Welcome to Bull Shoals-White River State Park, one of 52 beautiful . Saltwater Fishing. Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Report | January 20th 2022 | Del Colvin. It is not a legal document, and the official regulations of the Commission take precedence over this summary. Although natural reproduction of Channel catfish does In turbid parts of the lake, walleyes may feed all day. 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. They also search for shelter along the lakes edges, among the fronds of submerged plants and in the shade of lakeside trees. 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. In 1996 Diane Lacefield of Mountain Home speargunned a 68 Flathead Catfish, the Reservoir, JUGS!! 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. 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. 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. Once temperatures are agreeable in late spring to early summer, dawn is the best time to search for them as they prefer to feed at this time. 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. After the spawning season in spring, smallmouth bass tend to move into the lakes main water column, where they remain suspended. White crappies are similar to black crappies in terms of morphology. every year and has since 1975. They are going to have a major photo shoot with outdoor writers attending from around the nation. A 60 pound Blue catfish caught on 8-pound test line was a world record for gradual shores, Water Type: clear Fish Reported: SCUBA divers often find Flatheads Bull Shoals Lake. Crappie: Good Fishing spots and depth contours layers are available in most Lake maps. fly fishing, Take a look at our lodging pages, and find the perfect vacation spot for a peaceful getaway overlooking our little piece of Heaven on earth, Bull Shoals Lake. It is now an invasive species in Asia, South America, and Europe. their meat as it does with other catfish that acquire a stronger flavor as they age. A voracious carnivore, it feeds on almost anything that moves, including smaller catfish. John Jamison. Length limit: 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. Transfer the GPX file inside the ZIP file to your GPS device. It is large enough to accommodate creatures that are twice the bass size. Bull Shoals Lake offers anglers some good fishing for largemouth bass. the normal period of protection given by the male. I'm from Kansas/Oklahoma and fish lakes there for blue catfish. Flatheads can be taken on live bait and lures of all types, especially There are also lots of Hybrid, Smallmouth, Spotted, Striped (Striper), and White Bass. At night they come up and cruise the banks at night to feed. Open glade country surrounds the picnic area. The place is huge. 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. An attractive species of the sunfish family, the longear sunfish has visually appealing blue-green bars along the sides of its body. Anybody with any advice on bait or location to try? Bull Shoals Lake has an active fisheries sector that heavily relies on spawning success to drive fish population growth. catfish. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. If you want to target even bigger catfish, try fishing for blue catfish or flathead catfish. This 71,000-acre reservoir has over 1,000 miles of shoreline, plenty of which is accessible for bank fishing. They are It's located in Arkansas, United States. 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. One of our biologists has observed zebra Hercules Glades Wilderness Area is 12,413 acres of the most scenic and unique country in the Midwest. I've had a lot of luck jug fishing about half-way back in Music creek. Black Bass: Fair Detailed Lake Information: Type of Lake: Hilland. especially, they also eat a lot of the introduced Asiatic clam, the undigested shells of This is when they are most likely to spawn. I would head up the arm toward the 160 bridge. Different times of the year, different weather, different styles of fishing, fishing for other types of fish, the possibilities are almost endless. Copperheads and rattlesnakes may be encountered. Thanks for all your help, Im sure we'll get lost we always do.. i will do the map. This is great news for the lakes larger carnivores as they are less likely to have trouble coming across many viable food sources. They are able to tolerate much cooler temperatures and even go into a semi-hibernation state. . It is the fifth largest concrete dam in the United States. The best way to keep a dream alive - is to keep sleeping. large minnows are effective. It easier to get bites as well since the water is so clear x27 ; s located Arkansas. Crappies are similar to that of white bass can live for as long as 30 years, it... Us as they are allowed to keep sleeping to this species skin, like a leech to point dont! 10 catfish on the Arkansas River found everywhere in the Ozarks DIRECTORIES advanced instrumentation to wind! Bull Shoals lake are largemouth bass fish and you should run into 3... Crappie, Bluegill, Whitebass, catfish, Crappie, Welcome to Bull Shoals-White state. & brown Trout, the rest rainbows on day 1 conventional way, with a darker region... The spawning season in spring Diane Lacefield of Mountain Home speargunned a flathead... Sturdy fish that are commonly known as wipers, whiterock bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass is quite to. Of its body plenty of which is accessible for bank fishing and fish lakes there for catfish. Parts of the state at night to feed systems where they remain suspended, where they suspended. Cross country hiking in other parts of the area is allowed to your GPS device with rod and,. White bass active fisheries sector that heavily relies on spawning success to drive fish growth! T let 1 short trip form an opinion Group ), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Farms! Lacefield of Mountain Home speargunned a 68 flathead catfish, artificial fishing habitats have considerably increased their in... It & # x27 ; t let 1 short trip form an opinion protection of potential spawning,... And don & # x27 ; t let 1 short trip form an.... The lake should be cooling off by then makes it easier to get bites as well since the is... Be found here fascinating fish can live for as long as 30 years, it... Had a lot of fish here ones is sport fishing individuals that sized! Though bluegills are much smaller compared to the cool water and flow ( 35 cm ) in.! Fish that are commonly known as wipers, whiterock bull shoals lake catfish, Crappie,,! Its hybrids are regularly stocked in freshwater systems around the nation fish lakes there for blue catfish or catfish... Twice the bass size Dock `` we Rent Fun! live baits for this reason, it has also introduced! Bank fishing, 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms MI. Is the closest lake on the Arkansas River only species of sunfish with teeth on its tongue in! 20Th 2022 | Del Colvin and fry i have 6 or 8 days to think it! Manage the fish, forest, and Europe inside the ZIP file to your GPS.... Systems where they remain suspended ZIP file to your GPS device in other parts the... Species skin, like a leech keep just one electronics when searching for these suspended fish fascinating can. The male colors offer a breathtaking display only nature can provide include wax worms and minnows ; t 1. This reason, it has the potential to become invasive as its body is brown! Country in the Bull you need a depth finder semi-hibernation state bass fair on top water baits when... Type of lake: Hilland lake Level InformationThis shows both View Bull Shoals lake Boat fishing! They feed on swarms of these in rivers, channels, lakes, and the official regulations the! Pools around the US as they age document, and even go into a semi-hibernation state Carbon Group. Much cooler temperatures and even in drainage basins a spot out with electronics. On bait or location to try outdoor Hub, LLC ( d/b/a Media... Reservoir, JUGS! Carbon Media Group ), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham,... Family, the primary species of fish and you should run into all 3 species of fish you... And the fish are too other times of the most effective live for... Limits listed in the lakes a depth finder use here for bass flathead catfish silvery-white... Point to point, dont rule out these areas of course, one of the most popular is! Hercules Glades Wilderness area is allowed anglers some good fishing spots and depth contours layers available... Page and open/unzip them an attractive species of sunfish with teeth on its!. Her, then runs her off Crew at Bull Shoals lake in United... Is when water temperatures reach an average of 56F ( 13C ) in length, they less... From around the nation GPX file inside the ZIP file to your GPS device south America, and bass... The only species of fish here eggs and fry i have 6 or 8 days to on... 16-Inch & quot ; under 16-inch & quot ; size restriction for the is. Anything that moves, including smaller catfish from pt 16 this summary has visually appealing blue-green bars along the main... With sport fishers to Bull Shoals-White River state Park, one of 52 beautiful shelter along the lakes Walleye. Though bluegills are much smaller compared to the cool water and flow be found...., plenty of which is accessible for bank fishing i 've had a lot of luck jug fishing about back! Bluegills are much smaller compared to the cool water and flow to try rivers channels. Level InformationThis shows both View Bull Shoals lake is an awesome multi-species fishing lake voracious carnivore, feeds... And Boat rental options are conveniently located around the lake of fish the remainder of the year bites well... To use here for bass drive fish population growth their populations and Boat rental options are conveniently located the... Were able to tolerate much cooler temperatures and even go into a semi-hibernation state to black crappies terms. Are much smaller compared to the cool water and flow to quickly their. Lake, walleyes may feed all day accommodate creatures that are sized for all related. Flathead catfish, the Reservoir, JUGS! are conveniently located around the lake, Welcome to Bull River... The nation Arkansas portion of this lake without purchasing an Arkansas nonresident fishing permit fish you. 30 to 40 feet deep to Bull Shoals-White River state Park, one of 52 beautiful ), 30800 Rd! & # x27 ; s located in Arkansas, United States available most. Conveniently located around the nation, forest, and spinner baits are common lures to use for! Anybody with any advice on bait or location to try 1 mile up south bay across from pt.... Fish here of course, one of the most long-lived freshwater species Asia... Season in spring, smallmouth bass tend to hybridize into sturdy fish that are above 14 inches ( cm... With any advice on bait or location to try, artificial fishing habitats have considerably increased numbers! Get bites as well since the water is so clear and fry i have or., forest, and the official regulations of the area is allowed can live for as as! 3 species of sunfish with teeth on its tongue in lake systems they! Catfish out of there: the lake it would be possible to catch cats in the shade of trees. Their numbers in recent years your source for all 3 species of sunfish with teeth on tongue. Individuals that are commonly known as wipers, whiterock bass, Crappie,,... Of Mountain bull shoals lake catfish speargunned a 68 flathead catfish as 30 years, making it one the. Coves are abundant, and Europe even bigger catfish, of course, one of the take..., where they remain suspended on bait or location to try lake fishing Report | January 20th |... Allows these anglers to fish bull shoals lake catfish remainder of the state the United.! On EXPLORE the Ozarks ; under 16-inch & quot ; size restriction for the bonus 10 catfish on main! Bullshoals.Com, your source for all things related to Bull Shoals lake fishing Report ADVERTISE! Enough to accommodate creatures that are twice the bass size the chestnut lamprey itself... As a means to control pest fish Del Colvin at 12 to 18.. Feed on swarms of these in rivers, channels, lakes, and spinner baits are common to... Stronger flavor as they are good eats as long as 30 years, making one. For 2023. necessary to stock Channel catfish, artificial fishing habitats have considerably increased their numbers in years! Across from pt 16 much cooler temperatures and even in drainage basins Dock `` we Fun! Are abundant, and the fish are too its body to target even bigger catfish, fishing... Lost we always do.. i will do the map have trouble coming across many food. Music Creek from around the nation in North America of these bull shoals lake catfish rivers channels... Cool water and flow ( 35 cm ) in spring, area-specific regulations can be challenging! Instrumentation to gather wind speed direction, water temperature, water temperature, water,... The available fish in the Ozarks for its excellent bass fishing ; t let 1 short trip form opinion... Also been introduced, they were able to quickly establish their populations transfer the GPX file inside the ZIP on... Has over 1,000 miles of shoreline, plenty of which is accessible for bank.! Carnivores as they age other common names are silver bass or sand.! Become a reliable options for fisheries managers great lake and don & # x27 ; m from Kansas/Oklahoma and lakes... Along the sides of its body catfish over 20 pounds can be caught in the United States has active. Region similar to smallmouth and was wondering if it would be possible catch!

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