Looking for guide week of July 13th

[brosborough]

Never been to this lake before.  My friend and I were informed by our wives that we are going to be renting a condo and I think it even has a dock on this lake.  So i'm bringing my boat up.  Will be there for the week of July 13th.  Figures the start of the dog days of summer.  I'm sure the pro's catch whatever they want whenever they want, but for the first time ever visit, what should I be chasing for this time of year?  There anything at all during mid July that is easier than something else?  Bass?  Spider Rig Crappie?  Walleye?  I'm not set up for down rigging stripper unfortunately.

Also, I figure for my very first morning, i want to hire a guide.  You locals know the best ones i should go hunting?  Just looking at Internet pages, everyone looks good, Same thing in my area but we have a couple who are top notch and the rest just don't compare.  If you wanted crappie, you call these 2 guys, if you wanted bass, it's this guy, etc etc.  Or maybe one of you on here doesn't mind taking me and my friend out, show us some hot spots that we could fish for the next 3-4 days and be gone.  Just want some fun every morning before the wives then drag us to Branson for the day, and who knows what at night.

Thanks in advance,

Brian

[Fishrman]

Easy call on this one.   Bill Babler.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Yep.  @Bill Babler

[top_dollar]

Don't even consider crappie, or for that matter walleye.  Your guide question has already been answered.  It depends where on the lake you'll be staying, but in mid July spotted and smallmouth bass are fairly easy to target on main lake points with live nightcrawlers 20-30 feet down depending on where the thermocline sets up.  Look for long gravel points where it slopes gently out to about 25 feet, then drops off sharply to over 100.  Any point like that will have fish on that break.  You'll probably catch a few bluegills and catfish doing that as well, possibly even a walleye.  If you've got a graph that will help tremendously.  Keep a small spoon handy in case you see schooling fish come up, especially early in the morning.  Those will be bass and white bass chasing threadfin shad.  Trolling crankbaits that get down at least 20 feet is another great way to find fish.  Its the only way Ive ever caught walleye there.  If you catch a few fish trolling cranks over the same place, go back over that spot with worms and spoons. 

[abkeenan]

As others have said give Bill Babler at White River Lodge a call. Class act, best boat and gear you could ask for in a guide and flat out knows every nook and cranny of Table Rock. If the bass are tough he also does Trout trips on Taneycomo. Always a good option in the heat of the summer. Give him a call and he can tell you what you can expect for your seasonal trip.

https://www.whiteriverlodgebb.com/fishing.html

[Devan S.]

At a month out....you better get to calling around. My guess is most guides are already booked. If their not its probably due to Corona virus cancellations and you just got lucky. 
 

[Hunter53]

Brosborough: I sent you a pm.

[brosborough]

Thanks everyone. 

[96 CHAMP]

If you can’t find a guide throw bluegill imitating crankbaits in the 8-12’ depth,  up in the bushes near main lake points, that could encompass a lot of water so be ready to cover a bunch of water. The results could be worth your time, and don’t be afraid to fish up in the day a bit also. JMO and good luck!!

[Champ188]

BABLER!