First Trip With A Boat, Could Use Some Info.

[Allen R.]

Hey everybody, I realize there is a wealth of information on these forums, but I leave today for Table Rock and just don't have time to research everything, but I and two buddies are heading down there for the weekend. I have fly fished twice and they have never. I am taking my boat with me to fish Table Rock. I was wandering if you guys had any tips or info as far as fishing out of a boat. Which boat ramp to use, where to go, etc. Also, I have waders but they do not. Would be best off fishing the trophy area instead of drifting? Any information or tips would be great. Thanks. By the way, are there smallmouth down there?

[streamer]

I'm headed down there today with my boat. As much water as they are running, and will be running this weekend, you can take your boat up in the trophy area all the way to the cable. While there, the last report I heard was drifting with jigs and san juan worms. Don't know about color of jigs. White was working earlier in the year, but I think the darker colors might work good now. I'll be up there in a 2072 Alumacraft, if you see me, say hello and i'll probably at least be able to tell you what's not working! Hope this helps!

[DoveTail]

Table Rock will be running 4 generators as they are at this moment, so you will not be able to wade the river. Boating is about the only option and fly fishing from that would be good. There is a public ramp just below the hatchery you can launch your boat from.

[perchjerker]

When you get to Taney, a stop by Lilley's Landing will be your best bet for info,hot flies,and any other needs like boat slip rentals. A nice boat ramp is also right below them. Good Luck.

[mosouthpaw]

i really like to use the Cooper Creek Launch that the MDC operates. Its just below lilleys and its free to launch. It has a courtesy dock unlike the ramp at the darn. The ramp is good and wide, lighting at night to help you load or unload. Plenty of parking too. The current isnt as strong as the darn so its slightly easier to trailer IMO. There is a current so just cock your trailer downstream to aide in loading.

Personally id not launch a motor boat at the MDC ramp, Cooper Creek is much better.

There is another ramp, dont know if its public or not but its between cooper creek and the darn. Its across and down from fall creek i think.

http://www.mdc.mo.gov/documents/area_brochures/9901map.pdf COOPER CREEK

[Bman]

I disagree with mosouthpaw about launching at the MDC ramp below the Dam. Even with 4 units running there is a slight backwater there. I launch my 1752 jet boat there by myself regardless of units running...NO problem.

The only problem launching there is if there is no generation, there are a lot of waders there at times. Out of respect for the waders I usually don't launch with no units running.