Scotty’s and boat ramp provide downtown Branson access to Lake Taneycomo

For many years prior to the start of construction on the new Branson Landing redevelopment project on the Lake Taneycomo lakefront in downtown Branson, public access to Lake Taneycomo for those wanting to use their own boat or rent a boat was readily available. Such access was provided through three docks and marinas and two public boat launching ramps, all of which were conveniently located along the Lake Taneycomo lakefront.

With the construction of the Branson Landing redevelopment project in full swing, the downtown Branson access to Lake Taneycomo has changed. It is still available but just not as prevalent and convenient as it used to be. But, with a little planning, it should not cause a major glitch in ones boating plans for Lake Taneycomo.

Prior to Branson Landing, those towing their own boats had two public ramps to use for boat launching. A large one, including a shallow water ramp, located at the north end of the Branson City Campground near where Branson Trout Dock used to be and a much smaller one located at the south end of the camp ground. Like the Branson Trout Dock itself, the north ramp is but a memory. The only public boat launching ramp left in downtown Branson is the south ramp located at the south end of the camp ground just south of the new location of Scotty’s Trout Dock and Marina.

The construction of Branson Landing has resulted in two of the docks previously in operation on the Lake Taneycomo lakefront, the Branson Trout Dock and Main Street Marina going out of business. The third , Scotty’s Trout Dock and Marina, was moved to a new location on the opposite side of town from where it used to be located and is conveniently located to the Branson City Campgrounds and the remaining public boat launching ramp.

The simplest way to reach both Scotty’s and the boat ramp with a minimum of involvement with construction and other traffic is to take Business 65 to its junction with Long Street, a couple of blocks north of the Taneycomo Bridge in downtown Branson, turn east. Go down Long Street and across the rail road tracks into the Branson City Camp Ground. Scotty’s Trout Dock and Marina will be found on the lake front abutting the camp ground. The public boat launching ramp will be found on the lakefront off the south end of the camp ground.

Scotty’s is a full service marina. It offers a full range of pontoon and fishing boats, stall rental, gas, bait, and trout fishing equipment and supplies. Of course with it all comes all the advice one could need on how to catch Lake Taneycomo’s Rainbow and Brown Trout and that friendly Ozarks service provided by owners Rich and Joni Milstead.

An obvious consideration for those bringing their own boats and wanting to rent a stall is that with two of the three docks gone there will not be as many stalls available for rental. Although the Milsteads have plans to expand Scotty’s to better met this need the best way to insure that a stall is available that is conveniently located to downtown Branson and its camp ground is by making advance reservations either through their website or by telephone at 417- 334-4288.