Water Level And Boating

[bigredbirdfan]

I bought a boat and would like to go from Branson Landing up to Dam this weekend. I have not done this before b/c my old boat only had 6 hp and new boat has 80 hp. What concerns should I have boating up there now and at lower water conditions other than coming too close to those in boats like my old little richline? Also what spin casting set up and lure type should I use?

Many Thanks,

Chad

[twosets]

If you have never boated above short creek, you really need to have someone with you who can show you where all of the gravel bars are and how to negotiate the river from fall creek and above in low water. There may also be new gravel bars as a result of the flood.

When you get there, I would say white jigs, white jigs, white jigs.

Good luck

George

[MOBass]

I fished above Fall Creek for the first time this year, but it was under very high flow conditions. There were 5 gates open and most everything had an extra several feet of water on it. I would be careful around fall creek and pay attention to any post made by Phil or Bill Babler on running up towards the dam. Unless they are running 4 or the gates are open I'll stick below Fall Creek, but that's just me.

[Phil Lilley]

If they're running more than 2 units you should be able to go right up the middle of the lake. To be safe, stay on the bluff-side of middle. Lures- jigs and flies. Red San Juan is absolutely a killer right now. Also #10 gray scuds.

[Wayne SW/MO]

If you're concerned don't go past the brick building on the right, just above Lilley's dock. You won't handicap yourself, in my opinion.

[Seth]

I'm assuming you have a prop. My boat runs a 50hp Yamaha jet drive and as long as there's water, I'm good to go whether it's 4' or 4" deep. It like's to drink the fuel though compared to a prop.

[rainbow]

Also, if the water is off stay away from the mouths of the creeks above Branson. There is a gravel shoal coming out from all of them. I have seen a lot of boats bust a prop or lower unit by getting too close to short creek or fall creek.