Water Patrol Authorizes Idle Speed Area

[jlpatton1]

WATER PATROL AUTHORIZES IDLE SPEED AREA ON LAKE TANEYCOMO

The Missouri State Water Patrol recently authorized placement of “Idle Speed, No Wake” buoys across the entire channel on Lake Taneycomo at Scotty’s Trout Dock and Marina. This marina is located adjacent to the Branson public boat ramp and railroad trestle bridge, and upstream from the Branson Landing project.

A "funnel" was created in the main channel of Lake Taneycomo when Scotty's Dock and Marina was relocated and moved to it’s present location. The channel at that location was subsequently reduced to only 235' wide (distance to dock on opposite side of channel). This relocation was necessary due to the Branson Landing development, but the reduced width of the channel has now created a hazardous condition. This narrow channel has made it dangerous for boats approaching from opposite directions as they enter that funnel. Boat operators will now be required to reduce to idle speed when entering the area around Scotty’s Trout Dock and Marina. A line of controlled area buoys were authorized to be placed across the channel on either side of the marina to mark this idle speed area.

This area will be monitored by officers of the Missouri State Water Patrol. Enforcement action will be taken, as necessary, in order to ensure compliance in this idle speed area

[Phil Lilley]

Sounds like a good idea.

[rainbow]

Sounds like a good idea.

They should put one on the bend and up past short creek. Also it is not much wider in front of Lilley's. Sure would help banging the boats around.

[Trav]

I have always thought that the Scotty Dock should have been moved down stream instead of up. Seemed kind of mindless to choke the channel.

And as far as the the areas around short and Lilleys, pretty much that whole area from cooper creek ramp and up to the dam should be a no wake zone. If anything but to force people to be courteous to those that are fishing. I dont go up there often, but when I do it never fails that a minimum of 4 boats will fly past me at a maximum 50 foot from my boat. Ive had people actually run over my rapala. Its ludicris.

[Chief Grey Bear]

And as far as the the areas around short and Lilleys, pretty much that whole area from cooper creek ramp and up to the dam should be a no wake zone. If anything but to force people to be courteous to those that are fishing. I dont go up there often, but when I do it never fails that a minimum of 4 boats will fly past me at a maximum 50 foot from my boat. Ive had people actually run over my rapala. Its ludicris.

I just don't believe there is a thing called common courtesy. I don't know if it is the way children are taught. If it is TV, Video games or what. It's all about me, me, me. I'm not to sure some of it may not be the fact that we make more money now and are not afraid to spend it. It must be some power rush to have everything bigger, better, faster, whatever.

It is sad, but I seem to be part of the generation that started this. It has now seemed to spread to other generations. There is no rhyme or reason for this as I see it. I will never be a part of that. But I will warn you, if you do it to me, even if you don't realize it, I will return the favor. Nothing personal.

I remember when I was just a young fry on the water and watching those boys of yesteryear flying by in those fancy boats. I'll admit that I was envious. I wanted the fasted Bass boat on the lake. I can remember telling myself I would have one. Funny how age changes some of us.

Now what I would like to have is a vintage Ranger or Stram or Crosby Sled or the like. Just one of those oldies from the era of the early 70's or late 60's. With a vintage Merc in the 90 or 115 range. Heck I wouldn't really mind an even a 40 or 65. I love to view pics or film from those days.

Why do I need to run down the lake at 60+? I'm there to fish. Last I knew fast boats didn't catch fish.

[Trav]

Hey Chief,

You would like my rig with its '61 evinrude!

[mwfischer]

I agree, I usually only spend two weekends a year at Taney, we were down last weekend, but with the warm weather, the boat count went way up, These guys that fly by at 30+mph no matter what is floating around them is just way too much. We were in a small 14ft and nearly took water over the sides several times, not from the wake, but spray!

[Phil Lilley]

MWP doesn't patrol Taney much simply because there are few serious incidents on our lake compared to Table Rock. If they did patrol Taney more you'd see a decline in these infractions.

Education, enforcement and consequences are the keys. There's very little of any I'm afraid.

[perchjerker]

I fish a 1982 Bass Tracker with a 25H.P. merc. I belive it is the perfect boat for Taney. I'll never give it up unless it sinks. Part of the problem is that there are'nt many lakes as thin as Taney so you cant give a whole lot of room between boats while running. I usally throttle down in the congested areas but on a weekend from Lilleys to above Fall Creek,I'll go by 30 boats. I would like to put more room between us but the shore line doesnt move at all. I just try not to put anyone in a dangerous situations. This also includes those crazy kayakers.Keeping a cool temper helps also.

[smokey]

I have been coming down to taney for over 25 years know and love to fish there,I am bringing my 10 year old son down for his first trip in two weeks, i have always boated taney and i agree that a majority of the boaters on the lake just don't look behind them to actually see what kind of wake they are putting out, My dad and I used to joke that you could just anchor your boat on some weekends and walk from boat to boat from lilleys all the way to fall creek, he taught me to be a courteous boater from a young age, I have idled many times from lileys to fall creek just so you dont make it rough for others. what's the rush your going fishing to relax. I get my coffee out and take my time and enjoy the beauty of the lake.