Shores of Table Rock Lake

• by Ray Rapalo • Published: June 11, 2007

I can’t tell you exactly how rewarding a first hand experience of the Ozark wilderness is—nor would I want to even if I could. One of the many delights to be had on a trip to Branson, or anywhere for that matter, lies in discovering these kinds of things for yourself. I will tell you, however, that when it comes to immersing yourself in the wondrous land of the Ozark Mountains, a fantastic place to start would be Table Rock Lake. Table Rock Lake connects to Lake Taney Como through a dam. Fishing, water sports, and even scuba diving are popular ways to enjoy its waters for both locals and newcomers. The lake is a great place to rinse off after a hike on one of the many nearby trails, as well as the perfect prelude to a family picnic or romantic lunch of wine and cheese with that special someone.

The shores of Table Rock Lake consist of pristine layers of table rock that are smooth as skin, so called because of the process of erosion they undergo. Many visitors to the lake make a habit of the exploring its banks for specimens of the unique rock formation. Of course, the primary goal of any lake-goer is probably venturing out onto the lake itself. Out on the water you’re likely to encounter a wide variety of people, ranging from lone fishermen to families wakeboarding, to couples taking in the natural beauty of the lake itself. Depending on the time of day and the season, you may be lucky enough to witness one of my favorite phenomena, which is the sight of steam rising off the great lake’s chilled surface: quite an awe-inspiring, even enchanting, spectacle.

Fishing

As for specific thrills to be had on Table Rock Lake—there are many. Let’s begin with fishing. If you are not a seasoned fisherman, or you are more familiar with fishing these kinds of waters, there is a wealth of information you can access and use as a guide. In fact, the secret to learning the local ins and outs of fishing on Table Rock Lake is simple: ask a few locals. Chances are when you strike up a conversation about fishing with a Bransonite you will probably learn more than you even hoped to—whether it regards the kind of bait you should use or even those sections of the lake that contain the BIG fish. Always keep in mind that Branson has some of the friendliest people on earth so, throughout your travels, don’t be shy; don’t ever hesitate to ask someone.

Once you find out where you want to drop your lines, the next step is the food. Your options are many but if you are visiting for the first time my suggestion is to get take out from one of the great local restaurants. If that’s not your style, though, you can of course pack a picnic of items from any grocery or convenience store. Now that food is not an issue it’s time to go fishing!

One last note on fishing Table Rock Lake: Make sure to stop by the information station that is right next to Table Rock Dam to find out about the wildlife in the area as well as any rules and regulations you may need to follow. The station is sort of a mini museum. It is free to the public and intended to be a convenience, not a burden.