BRANSON, MO - As the twinkling lights and charming sounds of Highway 76 keep the city of Branson bustling with daily traffic and activity, another Ozarks hotspot stays plenty busy at its location just six miles west of Branson. Table Rock Lake is a sportsmen's paradise with some of the best freshwater fishing action in the state, and nearby Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake also offer anglers some incredible chances to hook a record lunker.
Largemouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, crappie, channel catfish and more are native to the Ozarks waters, and Lake Taneycomo offers some of the best trout fishing in the country. Several state record fish have been pulled from the three Branson lakes, including Bulls Shoals' record 13 pound, 14 ounce largemouth and 26 pound, 13 ounce brown trout.
It's no wonder, then, that during the spring and fall, weekends at the lakes are usually crowded with competitive anglers looking to land a top circuit ranking and cash prizes. The Bassmaster series hosts regional tournaments on Table Rock Lake each year, and has also brought its renowned national championship tournament to the Branson lake. There are other large tournaments on all three lakes that typically draw hundreds of anglers from across the Midwest to the Branson area lakes. In addition to the large headliner events, there are tournaments on the lakes nearly every weekend during the peak seasons.
Many tournaments range from highly competitive regional and national bass tournaments with large cash prizes to family-oriented tournaments with prizes offered in unique categories. Many local fishing clubs and organizations host small weekly tournaments during the week during the spring and fall months, keeping the competitive action going almost non-stop along the Ozarks lakes. All three lakes have countless ramps and marinas that make excellent landings for tournament check-in and launch sites. The big bass tournaments on Table Rock Lake generally launch from sites near Branson and Table Rock Dam, leaving anglers just a few minutes away from the thrill of the Branson lights!
Tournament fishing on the Branson area lakes offers much more than just great sport. Events on Table Rock offer excellent access to Branson as most launch from ramps at nearby Kimberling City, keeping anglers close to plenty of lodging and non-tournament entertainment. That convenience also gives anglers the opportunity to bring their families along for a vacation during the tournament! There are plenty of attractions, shopping and events to keep the kids and adults alike entertained and excited while the fisherman in the family is tournament fishing just a few miles away!
