Two Weeks?

[vernon]

First off, I apologize for asking this question as I realize there are many people suffering as a result of the recent rains and resulting flooding throughout the area. I also understand that any response will be pure speculation considering the unprecedented circumstances. However, my brother and I are scheduled to come down two weeks from tomorrow (13 May) for our annual trip and today is the last opportunity to cancel and still recoup half of our pre-paid lodging (Kimberling Inn) expense. As there is a tremendous amount of historical and institutional knowledge on this site, I wondered if anyone would be willing to speculate how safe the lake might be at that point? I know that there is a chance of more rain this weekend and who knows what might lie ahead in the next two weeks? Nonetheless, any input that the local residents/fishermen might be able to provide to help us make our decision would be greatly appreciated. We were there about the same time in 2008 and all went well with a few "adjustments" and the expected precautions. Again, I sincerely hope that no one interprets this as being insensitive to what's really important and my thoughts and prayers are certainly with all of you that are being so negatively impacted by this extraordinary weather event. Thank you and all please be safe and take good care - I hope to see all of you and that wonderful lake again soon and often.

[Whack'emGood]

I am not replying because I have answers. I don't. However, I wanted to say-- judging from your post, you are a class act Vernon. I hope you get the answers you need. I hope you get to have your trip, and that it is a success.

Whack'em

[SRV1990]

Vernon, like you my buddies and I make an annual trip to Table Rock, we plan to be there from 5/11 to 5/15. We'll be at Holiday Hideaway in Aunts Creek. And likewise, I would be interested in thoughts anyone would like to share with regard to how conditions will be at that time. It's in no way being insensitive to ask, and I certainly understand that many folks have been impacted in a negative way with all this terrible weather. But I think all those who make their living at the lake (guides, resort owners, etc) would want us to know the truth about what is happening, as well as give us their honest opinion of what is to come. It would only make a bad situation worse if folks cancelled a trip based on false information.

Best of luck to all who call Table Rock 'home'.

Tom

[Ripper34]

Guys you are looking at a very fluid situation that looks to change daily. Here are a couple links that I have been looking at regulary. There is so much speculation but Lilly is pretty hooked up and posts some great information. The truth is the lake has crested and with the amount of water coming out of the dam she will go down, hopefully we dont get anymore rain!

http://www.ky3.com/news/ky3-story-damflood042711,0,210170.story

http://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/WCDS/Reports/Data/Tabrock.htm

[Phil Lilley]

Future rain is the key...

Got to understand- there's a big difference in water volume at 933 and 935 feet (08 and 11 levels). It's going to take a while to get back to 930 and that's just the beginning of the drop. I'm sure the ultimate target level at Table Rock is 920.

[FullTiltAngler]

My uncle has place on the Long Creek arm of the lake and I was down there Tuesday and can tell you that conditions that day were very dangerous to say the least.I have read and heard from different sources that there are some areas a little better than others but as a whole is still pretty bad at this time.I do know water patrol requested no boats on the water for at least the next couple of days and that most parks and launches it seem are closed for the time being as well.Don't want to put a damper on your trip plans.Only thing I could recommend is to keep checking for updates over the next couple of days and especially watch the posts on this forum and hopefully things will calm down and you guys can go forward with hopefully a successful fishing adventure.

[roy_eros]

Looking back at the 2008 Lake levels on the corps site I can tell you the Lake crested on April 11, 2008 (933), Two weeks later we were at 931. End of may 929. End of June 927. Keep in mind we had several more significant rainfalls during that period, but we are likely to have a couple more this year in the coming month or two. As for two weeks i would be optimistic if the lake was at 931, probably 932-933 is more realistic.

[rps]

What I say is a guess, but I live on the lake and have since 2002. I would expect the lake to still be above 930 and that there would still be some debris. However, most of the debris will be at back ends of cuts and creeks or lodged on shore after the first foot or two drop. I would expect the water color to be clearer than now (creamed coffee) but not your typical TR green/clear. The three weeks after the water rose in 2008, I would have called the water greenish but dingy (maybe 3- 6 feet visibility?) Submerged trees and brush will define the shoreline and mowed yards and parking lots will be the only clear bank.

As long as you adjust and take care, you should be able to fish as you did in 2008.

Of course weather has funny ways of making me look like I know nothing.

[rps]

What I say is a guess, but I live on the lake and have since 2002. I would expect the lake to still be above 930 and that there would still be some debris. However, most of the debris will be at back ends of cuts and creeks or lodged on shore after the first foot or two drop. I would expect the water color to be clearer than now (creamed coffee) but not your typical TR green/clear. The three weeks after the water rose in 2008, I would have called the water greenish but dingy (maybe 3- 6 feet visibility?) Submerged trees and brush will define the shoreline and mowed yards and parking lots will be the only clear bank.

As long as you adjust and take care, you should be able to fish as you did in 2008.

Of course weather has funny ways of making me look like I know nothing.

[magicwormman]

Right now the water color around Kimberling City has just a little color and if you use common sense, it is very fishable. However, some of the color and trash from the rivers will come down stream. It's a guess on anyones part, but if it was me, I would take the chance and come down. I had some great fishing during the high water of 2008 and this should be just as good. The water is almost touching the south end of Kimberling City bridge, but you can get a boat under the north end of the bridge.