The History of Lake Taneycomo

Neil Sawford • July 26, 2023

This History of Lake Taneycomo


Lake Taneycomo is one of three beautiful lakes in Branson, along with Table Rock Lake and Bull Shoals Lake.


This renowned Branson Lake with calm waters offers water sports opportunities for people of all ages, including boating, fishing, swimming, and even scuba diving. Lake Taneycomo is an artificial lake formed from a section of the White River in Taney Country, Missouri. Many thrill seekers visit this famous lake, which offers clean and crystal blue waters, even coming to enjoy an exciting trip on the Branson Jet Boat.


The White River was a warm-water lake from the early 1900s through 1958. Lake Taneycomo's water supply comes from the bottom of Table Rock Lake after the Table Rock Dam was finished in August 1958. Since then, the lake temperature has maintained in the mid-50s.

As you might expect, swimming near the Rockaway Trout Fishing on Lake Taneycomo Beach area has fallen due to this adjustment. Many tourists who wanted to get in the lake have instead moved on to other activities in Branson. Swimming in a frigid lake was not appealing.

Because the water at Lake Taneycomo is chilly, fishermen quickly discovered that the lake had become a premier destination for trout fishing. Whether you prefer to fly fishing or other tactics, you will need help finding a better place to catch Trout.

Lake Taneycomo became a premier year-round trout fishing destination when the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery was completed in 1957. Discovering the lake devoid of fishermen at any time of year is unusual. Lake Taneycomo combines the best river and lake features, making it an ideal place for fishing, hiking, boating, sightseeing, and other activities.


Lake Taneycomo is well-known for its trout fishing, but it also provides various recreational opportunities such as hiking, sightseeing, hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, and water skiing. Visitors visiting Lake Taneycomo can visit the Branson area's restaurants, motels, shopping, and shows. The lake has also become famous for visitors looking to continue their aquatic experience following an exciting trip on other Branson Adventures.


Lake Taneycomo was formed when the White River was dammed by the Powersite Dam in Forsyth, Missouri, in 1913. It was a warm water lake from 1913 to 1958. Tourists began to flock to the lake and its surrounding settlements, Branson and Rockaway Beach, in the 1920s and 1930s.

Water skiing, boating, fishing, tanning, and swimming lured visitors to Lake Taneycomo's beautiful crystal-clear waters. In lakeside communities, restaurants, accommodation, and amusement facilities like bumper cars and see balls were available.


The water source of Lake Taneycomo shifted after the Table Rock Dam was constructed in 1958. The White River's flowing waters flowed from the dam spillway to the bottom tailwater of Table Rock Lake, transforming it into a cold water lake known as Lake Taneycomo. The dam releases clean, cold water from Table Rock Lake's deep tailwaters into Lake Taneycomo. Swimming and water sports were made difficult by Lake Taneycomo's frigid water. Tourism shifted away from Rockaway Beach and toward Branson and Table Rock Lake.


Although tourism at Lake Taneycomo had fallen significantly, fishermen discovered that the lake's cold water made it one of the best trout fishing lakes in the country. The Missouri Department of Conservation built the Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery in 1957. All types of trout fishing, including fly fishing, artificial bait, and live bait fishing, are permitted year-round at Lake Taneycomo.


Lake Taneycomo features both river and lake characteristics. The shallow cooler water near the Table Rock Dam averages 48 degrees Fahrenheit (9 degrees Celsius), mimics a river, and allows for wading and bank fishing for Trout. Near the Powersite Dam in Forsyth, the lake's average temperature rises, and its depth increases to more than 50 feet (15 meters).


When Table Rock Dam generates power, the current is quite strong over its entire length, the water temperature drops, and the river becomes a very deep, cold, fast-flowing river. The number of generators used to generate energy at Table Rock Dam determines how deep, complex, and rapid the water is.

Lake Taneycomo is also a popular destination for visitors who wish to take in the natural beauty of the lakeside. Lake Taneycomo visitors come to dine at a floating restaurant, stroll along the boardwalk, or see a spectacular fountain show at Branson Landing Promenade. People frequently visit the lake to shop and dine at Branson Landing's many beautiful restaurants.


Branson Jet Boat also provides a regular river excursion in this lake from Branson Landing. Many people visit Lake Taneycomo to escape the busy city streets, have peace of mind, and enjoy the serene surroundings and pleasant settings.


Taking an exciting water activity in Lake Taneycomo is excellent for many thrill seekers, especially if more than the thrilling adventure ride on the Branson Jet Boats is needed to make them fully enjoy everything Branson offers.

By Neil Sawford June 6, 2025
Branson Fishing Whether you fish for bass or trout or want to relax in the calm waters of the three gorgeous lakes, Branson is the place to be. You're guaranteed to have a memorable lake experience. You will enjoy an unforgettable fishing experience, thanks to the Tri-lakes area in Branson and the gorgeous lakeside scenery. One of the exciting things to do in Branson is go fishing following a fantastic water adventure on a jetboat in Branson . So, prepare your fishing equipment and license, and launch your boat when you're ready to catch fish in Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, or Bull Shoals Lake. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, visit one of the gorgeous lakes in Branson. All three lakes offer lodging, boat and equipment rentals, and fishing guides, surrounded by unlimited Branson entertainment. Suppose you want to angle bass or trout, head to Lake Taneycomo or Bull Shoals Lake. Table Rock Lake is the place to go when fishing for any fish because it has the biggest population of various species, including largemouth, smallmouth, enormous bluegill, crappie, and flathead catfish. German brown and rainbow trout fishing is excellent at Lake Taneycomo. These fish draw anglers from around the world to Branson, and this lake provides an unparalleled trout fishing experience. Lake Taneycomo's water resembles a river because it is narrow, moving, and has a deep base in Table Rock Lake. Since it originates from Table Rock Lake, the water is colder than the other two lakes. Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery was constructed to help add brown and rainbow trout to Lake Taneycomo because the lake's calm water is ideal for trout. Lake Taneycomo was created in 1913 following the building of the Powersite Dam in Hollister and the Fall Creek region, and it is reachable from Branson Landing, the historic downtown Branson, Rockaway Beach, Forsyth, and Powersite to the east. Taneycomo still appears like a river despite being a part of the White River. In 1958, the Table Rock Dam, which is close to Taneycomo's headwaters, changed the lake's characteristics. Taneycomo now gets water from Table Rock Lake, making it highly chilly. Lilly's Landing provides a range of possibilities as you take in the splendor of Lake Taneycomo, including pontoon rentals, swivel fishing seats, benches, and a buggy top. With 70HP and 90HP Yamaha engines in their pontoon rental boats, they have enough power to cruise Lake Taneycomo regardless of the current. They can be equipped for fishing or cruising and are perfect for big groups. This is the ideal place to go after a thrilling excursion on the jetboat in Branson. Table Rock Lake's enormous size, which runs from Arkansas to Missouri, makes for unmatched fishing opportunities. Due to this, boaters, skiers, swimmers, and anglers are all quite popular on the lake. This 79-mile-long lake, the largest in Branson, has 745 miles of shoreline and several inlets. This lake has four different species of bass: largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, and white. In addition, Table Rock Lake has a healthy population of other fish, including walleye, bluegill, black crappie, flathead catfish, paddlefish, and catfish. The abundance of largemouth and smallmouth bass and many other species that people find exciting to angle in any season attracts many tourists who enjoy fishing at Table Rock Lake. Before the start of the spawning season in early April, largemouth and Kentucky bass can be found in the lake close to feeder creeks. Anglers can only bring home a specific number of fish, and they must all be a certain length when you throw your line in Table Rock Lake. These regulations are in force throughout the year, except for paddlefish, which may only be hooked between March 15 and April 30. Table Rock Lake is an excellent place for recreational fishing and has long been a favorite tournament lake. Another stunning fishing spot in Branson is Bull Shoals Lake, where for many years now, visitors have been drawn to the fish, boat, and swim in its pristine waters. Bull Shoals Lake offers some of the best and most diverse fishing around. You'll always be energized by all the activities Bull Shoals Lake offers. This lake is home to numerous fish species, including crappie, walleye, large- and smallmouth bass, and spotted bass. Bull Shoals Lake is a popular place for fishing for trout and bass. Arkansas and Missouri share legal responsibility for the hundreds of miles of Bull Shoals Lake shoreline. You must be aware of the state where you are initially from, have a valid license, and abide by that state's boating and fishing laws. Branson's three beautiful lakes, Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock Lake, and Bull Shoals Lake, all with clean and crystal clear waters, contribute to the city's popularity as a fishing destination. Travelers who have enjoyed a thrilling water adventure on a jetboat in Branson can't wait to experience another exciting water activity in the three gorgeous lakes.
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Bring Your Group to Branson for Adventure If you are planning a team-building event in Branson, organizing some exciting activities and thrilling adventures for the groups ahead of time is a good idea. Look for popular places where it would be excellent to host group meetings and list team-building activities and adventures that can be enjoyed throughout the day. Here is a list of popular Branson attractions ideal for team-building activities. Runaway Mountain Coaster Taking a thrilling ride on the Branson Mountain Coaster provides a unique mountain excursion that allows every team member to enjoy a one-of-a-kind coaster ride that uses the lay of the land and natural elevation fluctuations to offer an exhilarating ride of a lifetime. People are seated in separate carts designed to ensure a safe journey. A chain identical to that used on regular roller coasters propels the carts to the summit. Carts are released at the top of the mountain and go down the hill, twisting in and out of trills and elevations for a thrilling and one-of-a-kind ride excursion. Branson Jet Boats After a thrilling trip on the Branson Mountain Coaster, you and your team might choose to take a water adventure ride on the Branson Jet Boats. A fantastic journey in a jet boat for all group members will allow you to see the legendary Ozark woodlands and cliffs, the gorgeous waters of Lake Taneycomo, and stunning lakefront vistas. You will see spectacular views as the jet boat travels down the lake and enjoy water splashes as the boat slides over the lake's clean and crystal blue waters. Riding in a jet boat is a unique lake trip that combines the thrill of rushing down the river with unbeatable lakeside views. Branson Scenic Railway The Branson Scenic Railway train tour is a thrilling adventure for groups, taking travelers on a 40-mile round trip to mountain places only accessible by train. The time lasts about one hour and 45 minutes. While on the train, enjoy a peaceful moment in a first-class dining car, where you will be served hot cocoa, delicious baked cookies, and a present of unique commemorative mug. As the tour nears its conclusion and travels through the downtown area, you will see numerous unique attractions such as theaters, live entertainment venues, outlet malls, and specialty shops. Showboat Branson Belle A lake tour on the Showboat Branson Belle can allow your group to relive the romance and majesty of those grand riverboat days! The majestic 700-seat paddle wheel boat from the 1890s is the ideal location for your group event or company outing! A two-hour peaceful and gorgeous cruise on Table Rock Lake includes a three-course meal and an exuberant performance featuring singing, dancing, comedy, and more! Titanic Museum The Titanic has been replicated in all its glory in Branson. Attending a Titanic trip allows your group to create deep emotional connections with passengers and crew who survived the disaster through their comments and tales. There are around 400 personal and private antiques on exhibit. The Titanic Museum provides more than just a typical museum experience, offering souvenir items and activities such as traversing the grand staircase, halls, first-class cabins, the bridge, and even touching an iceberg. Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Show Your group will surely enjoy a thrilling performance with 32 stunning horses, ostrich races, stunt riding, and audience involvement in a friendly North/South competition. As you want the show, you will be served a four-course meal with creamy vegetable soup, whole rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked barbecue pork loin, corn on the cob, and herb-basted potato wedges with an apple turnover for dessert! When your company has enjoyed a thrilling ride, such as the Branson Jet Boats, it is time to take them to some of Branson's most popular attractions and enjoy a memorable bonding experience with all team members.
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Bowling, arcade games, virtual reality, private karaoke rooms, classic table games, escape rooms, and a full-service restaurant featuring food other than standard bowling alley fare are all on the menu. This one-of-a-kind night place has something for everyone, whether you're searching for the perfect family night out or a hopping afternoon hangout. Andy B's is the ideal spot to spend time with friends, with nine bowling lanes, private karaoke rooms, escape rooms, ping pong, and more. Everyone may enjoy an evening of excellent competitions of your favorite games with friends at Andy B's. Mellow Mushroom Branson Stone-baked pizzas, subs, salads, and vegan and gluten-free alternatives are all available! Yellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers have been serving fresh, stone-baked pizzas since 1993. They provide high-quality food and outstanding service to assist you in enjoying fantastic food. Their hand-tossed, stone-baked southern pizza is well-known. 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Cool off with Branson Jet Boats The convenient position of Branson Landing provides quick access to the calm waters of Lake Taneycomo, allowing you to enjoy a magnificent river excursion with the Branson Jet Boats. This jet-powered boat departs from Branson Landing and will carry you up and down the lake for a unique adventure trip where passengers become excited when the chilly waters splash on their faces. Many thrill seekers who have enjoyed a thrilling ride on Branson roller coasters frequently spend a terrific time at a shopping center such as Branson Landing, where they may cool off, including a fantastic river cruise with Branson Jet Boats.
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