Tr Next July--What Do I Need To Know For Fishing And Camping?

[Flyfisher for men]

My Father and I are thinking of spending some time there next July. We like anything that swims, but would focus most likely on bass and crappie. We have basic spin tackle and a 14 foot aluminum boat with a 5-10 HP motor. We'd probably have a trolling motor and one of the simpler depth finders.

I'm hearing the lake has a thermocline and is clear. I'm guessing we'd need to fish deep with fluorocarbon???

We'd like a federal campground (My father's senior citizen's discounts apply to those). Ideally, we'd like a campsite that's shaded where we can have the boat anchored for easy access and even fish offshore when we're back at camp.

If we came in the middle of the week would we still need reservations?

[Champ188]

I'll let others more knowledgable about such things answer the camping questions, but I have one observation and one suggestion.

First, be darn careful out there in July in a small aluminum boat. Even on weekdays, the ski and wakeboat crowd can swamp you in a hurry. And don't think they won't be out early in the morning ... daybreak and sunset have gotten to be very popular times with some of them.

Second, since you're a year out from your trip, you might give some serious thought to putting some money back to hire a guide. Even if just for a half-day outing, you'd make some lifetime memories of this trip with your dad. Fishing Table Rock is generally darn tough in July, even for us locals. You'd be wise to seek out some expert help. I would suggest you consider Bill Babler of White River Outfitters, who moderates this forum. His reputation as a top-shelf guide extends far and wide.

[dblades]

I'd really try to come other than July, June is usually a better month for fishing and a little cooler. You'll need reservations for any of the campground.

[dblades]

I'll let others more knowledgable about such things answer the camping questions, but I have one observation and one suggestion.

First, be darn careful out there in July in a small aluminum boat. Even on weekdays, the ski and wakeboat crowd can swamp you in a hurry. And don't think they won't be out early in the morning ... daybreak and sunset have gotten to be very popular times with some of them.

Second, since you're a year out from your trip, you might give some serious thought to putting some money back to hire a guide. Even if just for a half-day outing, you'd make some lifetime memories of this trip with your dad. Fishing Table Rock is generally darn tough in July, even for us locals. You'd be wise to seek out some expert help. I would suggest you consider Bill Babler of White River Outfitters, who moderates this forum. His reputation as a top-shelf guide extends far and wide.

One more week and I can get back on the lake, went last week and noticed a significant reduction in jet ski's and wake boats.

[Champ188]

Glad to hear it, dblades. Hope the little hot spell that's coming on now isn't an indication of a late summer. I've seen some awfully hot Septembers. Ready for those fall cool fronts to start rolling in.

[Bill Babler]

On my trip Monday, I did not see a boat of any kind. Launched at Baxter and fished till 10 AM and had it solely to myself.

Champ was pretty correct on what you should do as far as the boat size you will be fishing in. Couple of suggestions for you that should work out well. Here are 3 parks that will more than work. Eagle Rock up the White River. You can fish upstream from the 86 bridge and be just fine. Cricket Creek on the Long Creek arm fishing either Cricket or LongCreek up stream from the campground. And lastly if you go up stream is Viola Camp Ground. I would really hesitate to go to any of the other main lake faculities including Viney as the Big boat traffic is just to severe in your time frame.

Monitor the forum for fishing information and you will have a nice trip.

Good Luck

[rps]

Bill nailed it , as always and the other comments are good too. Come to the skinny water part of the lake where fewer big boats roam and a small boat can carry you to likely spots. Eagle Rock, where 86 crosses the White is ideal. You can work upstream from there toward my Holiday Island locations, or you can fish in the Roaring River arm. Post or message me 2 or 3 weeks before you come and I will tell you what I know.

[Smalliebigs]

hahahahahaha.....I love the Table Rock forum.....listen to these guys they are all masters in their own right about this lake. Honestly Bill gave you the goods on where to go with that type of rig and still be safe. Champ's advice is spot on, if you have a year advance then hire a guide.....a day on the water with a guide like Bill, if you pay attention could increase your fishing IQ by years.

Kudos brothers.....kiler advice, this is what I was talking about with the Table Rock forum.....you guys are friendly and informative.

Bill I only dream about being the only one at the Baxter ramp....your the man...still planning on living here but, now it's looking more like Springfield possibly.

[Bill Babler]

hahahahahaha.....I love the Table Rock forum.....listen to these guys they are all masters in their own right about this lake. Honestly Bill gave you the goods on where to go with that type of rig and still be safe. Champ's advice is spot on, if you have a year advance then hire a guide.....a day on the water with a guide like Bill, if you pay attention could increase your fishing IQ by years.

Kudos brothers.....kiler advice, this is what I was talking about with the Table Rock forum.....you guys are friendly and informative.

Bill I only dream about being the only one at the Baxter ramp....your the man...still planning on living here but, now it's looking more like Springfield possibly.

Your getting closer. I know you said you were looking in the Indian point area. I would try some other area if you don't have to go to SPFG to work everyday. Really hard to beat that Holiday Island to Baxter part of the lake.

Good Luck

[abkeenan]

I would 2nd the comment about possibly thinking of another date. July fishing on the Rock is tough. Throw in boat traffic and it makes the already difficult fishing worse. If you could come late April through mid to late May that is the idea time to catch a bunch of fish and also having a chance at bigger fish. This also applies for crappie fishing as well.....they are just about impossible to catch anytime after June 1st in my experience so if you want a shot at both bass and crappie April-May is going to be your best bet.