Planning October Trip To Bull Shoals Tailwaters (White River)

[Ben Gillispie]

Hi, 

I have never fished the White, but am a local in Branson, MO and live minutes from the MDC hatchery and access to Taneycomo, so if anyone has any advice for me I can surely return the favor if you have any questions about my neck of the Woods. 

My fishing buddies and I are planning on heading to the White River below Bull Shoals Dam (at least we assume this would be best, another thing we may need advice on) in October for some fishing and fun. We don't own a boat so we'd need a place that either has boats available or is decently close to the State Park where we can rent a boat. We are very aware of the high water levels and releases from all the Corp dams, they've been running four units from Table Rock it seems all year, although they've recently slowed that some since TR is back down to 917. 

We've been doing research, but we'd like some suggestions on where to stay, where not to stay, and just any advice you may have to offer us on this virgin trip to the White River. 

Any replies are appreciated, 

Ben

[hoglaw]

I've stayed at a bunch of places over there. Gastons caters to a little different experience than I'm after. Stetsons is a little better. I'm a fan of sportsmans. It's not the nicest in terms of amenities, but I like the property and sitting out by a fire at night. Super nice folks, and you can run to the dam from there and float back. It's probably 8 or 9 miles down from the dam I'm guessing. Farther down on the river, norfork river resort is cool. It's one of my favorites and you can run up both rivers if they're running out of norfork as well. The other bonus is the river is a little wider down there and you may find some more slack water. The downside is you're a long way from the dam, and you're below two rivers that can run muddy if you get a bunch of water. 

 

Norfork river resort had fantastic accommodations though. 

[Ham]

I live local so I have not had a lot of personal experience with staying at the resorts. I have a friend at work who is the sister of the lady that owns Stetsons. It would be my choice on the upper River.

I know Gary and Paula Flippin at Rim Shoals a little bit. I know several ppl that have stayed with them multiple times. They have some nice accommodations and will help you any way they can. They have boats for rent. They would be my choice mid River.

the OA group has stayed at Rikey's Station. They have boats for rent and are good people. The cabin the group stayed in was very nice. Certainly nice enough for me. I would recommend them as well. 

I've posted a lot of fishing trip reports. If you can catch fish at Taneycomo, you can catch them on the White. You will have flowing water. I jig fish and I struggle in >15000 CFS flows. I have to find reduced flow ares and concentrate my efforts there. 

By struggle ! I mean 5 fish an hour of fishing instead of 10-20 fish an hour. Better shot at pigs though. I've been seeing some beasts. 

 

[snagged in outlet 3]

I've been going down for years and have stayed all over the place.

What ham said covers the rooms and resorts but I would like to add camping.

Campgrounds at both dam are great!!!

I'll be down October 21 to 24 this year with my buddies.

Staying at Gene's out of tradition.

Plus 1 on Norfork River Resort and Rim Shoals.

Pete

[joeD]

I stay at Gaston's every year. But I'm only there Jan thru Mar. And the rates are 40% off, which is a main selling point, as is rooms with big fireplaces and free firewood, and the proximity to the park. Newlands is an option, as are various houses that can be rented by the day or the week. There's a cheesy motel in Lakeview if a bed is all you want.

Don't know how long you plan to stay or how much money you are willing to spend on lodging, on watercraft (or guides) or your fishing goals. In other words, ask a general question, you'll get general answers.

[ruthead]

We stayed at Rim Shoals was very happy. Good people and conveniently located. Haven't stayed anywhere else.

[Chef of the Sea]

Wildcat shoals in flippin has good rates, Jon boats and several options of lodging and the owners are very hands on and nice. Not to mention its in some pretty prime trout waters 

[BFTMASTER]

Look into RiverCliff Cabins.  They now have a two bedroom and then if you rent the little house on the river with the dock, you are set. Fishing is good off the dock and eddys from the two wing walls. State park is a 2 minutes by car.  We stay there at least once a year and it feels like home when we pull up. Great location with dock and firepit.

[BFTMASTER]

Next, rent a wide shawnee from the State Park. Really sweet boat with electric start yammie.