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Location: 7A North BoardwalkBranson, MO 65616
Lake Taneycomo: Branson's First Tourist Destination
Over the past 42 years, numerous stories in magazines and newspapers have chronicled the evolution of Lake Taneycomo, Missouri's largest trout fishery.
Its transformation from a warm-water lake with bass and catfish to a cold-water haven for large rainbow trout made headlines. As Branson grew, encircling the lake with theaters and condos and attracting more anglers, many predicted the decline of Taneycomo as a prime fishing destination.
Lake Taneycomo's history began in 1913 with the construction of the Ozark Beach Dam at Powersite on the White River, making it the first in a series of four reservoirs, including Bull Shoals, Table Rock, and Beaver Lakes. These three gorgeous lakes are great destinations for any water enthusiast who wants to experience a thrilling boat adventure in Branson.
For the initial 38 years, native sport fish from the White River basin sustained a thriving fishery that contributed to the development of one of Missouri's earliest tourist areas on the shores of Rockaway Beach. A significant change occurred in 1958 with the upstream construction of Table Rock Dam.
Before the dam, Taneycomo was essentially a wide section of the slow-moving White River. Post-construction, the lake was fed by water drawn from 160 feet below the surface of Table Rock Lake. This cold, year-round water was unsuitable for most of the White River's warm-water fish, leading to a decline in their populations and the once-popular fishery.
However, hope arrived in the form of rainbow trout, which were well-adapted to the cold waters now filling Lake Taneycomo. The Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery was established to offset the loss of the native warm-water fishery.
This hatchery provided a consistent supply of trout for stocking. Amphipods, or freshwater shrimp, sourced from Ozark spring branches and introduced along with the trout, thrived in the cold water, resulting in large, fast-growing trout that supported a trophy rainbow fishery.
During the "glory years," light fishing pressure allowed many stocked trout to grow large. By 1969, it was common to see stringers of 3- to 5-pound trout, leading outdoor writers to dub Lake Taneycomo the best trophy rainbow trout lake in North America.
As Taneycomo's reputation grew, so did the number of anglers chasing its large rainbows. A voluntary length limit initially helped protect the big fish, but the number of anglers eventually increased too much. Fishing pressure quadrupled from 1970 to 1990, necessitating a continuous increase in trout stocked.
The Branson boom led to more development, introducing sediment into the lake during rainstorms. Additionally, white suckers became common and often outnumbered trout in some surveys. The cold water from Table Rock Lake also had low dissolved oxygen levels in the fall, stressing the fish and their food sources. Consequently, the big rainbow trout disappeared, and freshwater shrimp became less abundant.
By the early 1990s, Taneycomo's trout fishery had declined. Anglers demanded the return of big rainbows, leading to the establishment of a new brown trout fishery. However, brown trout are harder to catch, and the few large browns did not satisfy anglers who remembered the days of large rainbows.
Research by the Missouri Department of Conservation identified insufficient food in Lake Taneycomo to grow large rainbow trout. The lake's freshwater shrimp population had declined, and most trout were harvested before they could grow large.
New fishing regulations were established in March 1997 to protect the rainbows and allow them to grow larger. These rules restricted fishing tackle in the upper lake to artificial lures and flies, reducing hooking mortality.
The new regulations led to an immediate improvement in the fishery. Before the rule change, fewer than 10 percent of the rainbow trout in the upper lake exceeded 13 inches. Five months later, the percentage jumped to 30 percent. Within two years, there was a ten-fold increase in rainbows in the upper lake, with more than half exceeding 13 inches and 10 percent over 16 inches.
Despite ongoing challenges, including Branson's growth, white suckers, and low oxygen levels in late summer and fall, the Conservation Department is working with other agencies to protect Lake Taneycomo and its fishery. Efforts are also underway to improve conditions below the mouth of Fall Creek, where anglers can keep any trout they catch, and to enhance access facilities, making fishing more accessible.
Lake Taneycomo is a testament to the enduring allure of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. From its early days as a hub for native sport fish enthusiasts to its transformation into a favorite vacation destination, Taneycomo has consistently attracted visitors wanting to experience exciting water activities, including a thrilling boat adventure in Branson, which has its pristine waters and scenic surroundings.
As Missouri's first tourist destination, Lake Taneycomo helped lay the foundation for the thriving tourism industry in the Branson area. Despite challenges over the years, Lake Taneycomo has adapted and flourished, offering unparalleled fishing experiences and drawing nature lovers from near and far.
Its rich history and continued success underscore its significance as a cherished landmark and a symbol of the enduring appeal of the Ozark region.
Your Lake Adventure Awaits!
Branson Jet Boats gives you an unforgettable lake adventure. Departing from the world class destination at the Branson Landing, our boats will take you up & down Lake Taneycomo, where you will experience an incredible combination of fantastic scenery, full 360 spinouts, power stops, and slides - all executed by our experienced and knowledgeable captains.
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7A N Boardwalk Branson, MO, 65616
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