Table Rock Mid August

[nwmohunter]

Hey guys im new here and am planning on coming down to table rock to fish for the first time in 10 years. We are planning on staying 5-7 days. Where do you recomend we stay? we are not looking to spend alot but would like a place were i could leave my boat in the water. Do you recomend me hiring a guide for a day?

Thanks

[mobass88]

If you are wanting proximity to Branson for any reason, I would definately check out Rockview Resort in Hollister (very close to the Dam). It is a little dated but always clean and comfortable. Jackie and Greg (the owners) are fabulous people. I've had boat/waverunner issues in the past and Greg has always went out of his way to help me get my problem fixed. Also has a free launch less than a 1/4 mile from the resort and a nice newer dock. Their website is rockviewresort.com.

[rps]

Several good TR guides post on this forum - Bill Babler, Don House, Captain Joe among others - and hiring one would be a really wise move. TR in August can be tough, very tough. One day with any of them will make the entire rest of the trip more enjoyable.

[magicwormman]

It really depends on what part of the lake that you want to fish. Table Rock is loaded with resorts that have docks on the water. Let us know what you are interested in, besides fishing, and we can help you out.

RPS is right on with the info on Guides. August is a very tough month and you may have to use crawlers. Keep reading this forum and you will learn a wealth of information. I've fished this lake for over 40 years and I still learn from this forum. Great people, who are willing to share information and try to help everyone catch fish.

[nwmohunter]

We are thinking the kimberling area. Might have to make it a fall trip when fishing picks up. Do the fish tend to stay deep then?

[rps]

In a normal year, by mid August, the thermocline will be deeper than 22 feet and maybe even as much as 29 feet. That doesn't mean you can't catch fish, or even lots of fish. It just means that after 7:00 AM and before 7:30 PM throwing anything at the bank is counterproductive. To fish the right depth, you might have to be 100 yards from the bank fishing a hump on a flat point that falls into the old river channel.

That is why a guide is a good idea. He will show you the right depth range, the kinds of structure to look for, and a method or two to effectively fish that depth and structure.

BTW, the thermocline does not disappear Labor Day. It usually holds up until well into October. Book your visit for when you can and trust the guides to show you how fish whatever mother nature will present us.

[magicwormman]

If your schedule is flexible, I would come down around the middle of October. The kids are back in school, the weather is cooler, the trees are turning, and fishing is normally much better. If I can be of any help, call me at 417-739-5381, or Email at magicwormman@yahoo.com. I live in Kimberling City and may be able to help out.

Ken Spaanem

[gitnby]

We are thinking the kimberling area. Might have to make it a fall trip when fishing picks up. Do the fish tend to stay deep then?

You might try Schooner Creek Resort.

http://www.schoonercreekresort.com/

Hard to beat for location.

Dock is in a no-wake cove.

Bill Beck lives right next door to

Schooner Creek Resort and is a very good guide.

http://www.tablerockguideservice.com/

[nwmohunter]

Thanks for the help may still come down in august. Would love to make it down in october but going into senior year of college may hinder that. During the week is boat traffic bad on the lake? I have stratos 201 pro xl, im used to LOZ traffic, but its a death trap in the summer.

[Dutch]

I'd get in touch with Bill Babler. His not only is a guide he has a bed and breakfast if my memory is correct.