Midges are wonderful – Lake Taneycomo Fishing Report Sep. 18

Primrose and Pearl Zebra Midge

The fishing is a little harder than normal. For what it’s worth, I believe its because of the low dissolved oxygen levels coming out of Table Rock Lake. Typically that changes when Table Rock turns over. As the following report indicates, that’s certainly not to say you won’t catch trout, just that the numbers won’t be what they typically are. On Sep. 17, I fished with my neighbor Howard from about 0700-0930. Between us we caught about 20 Rainbows, no Browns, with the biggest about 16 inches and about five in that range. Picked and rolled about eight and missed at least 15.

We both had the best results using a size 18 Primrose and Pearl or Copper Dun Zebra Midge with the indicator set at about 2 feet. We fished in close to the bank using Orvis Fluorocarbon Mirage 6x tippet. For one of the few times this year the 100th ounce River Run Peach Furbug, from Gary’s Big Four didn’t produce but then that’s why they call it fishing instead of catching.

Over the past week or so the midges described above have done real well when other things have not worked.

River Run Outfitters – For their latest fishing report click here.
Chartered Waters Guide Service and Fly Shop .-For the latest fishing report click here.
Lilly’s Landing – For the latest fishing report click here.
Scotty’s Lakefrom Trout Dock – For latest fishing report click here.
Guide Bob Klein of “Bob’s Guide Service” – The following standard default techniques produces fish routinely:

Water Off Conditions (not generating power from Table Rock Dam) – Air injected night crawlers or Orange and Chartreuse Power Eggs, with the Chartreuse on shank of hook and the Orange on tip. Fish them off the bottom with no heavier than 4 pound leader, size 8 or smaller hooks, and just enough split shot to cast. Place the shot so that the bait floats 12-18 inches off the bottom. Spin-A-Lures and Little Cleos have been working well.

Water On Conditions – Orange and Chartreuse Power eggs with the Chartreuse on shank of hook and the Orange on tip, white Power Eggs, bubble gum power bait, or inflated night crawlers bounced off the bottom using the standard "Lake Taneycomo Drift Rig." which is readily available at all Marinas and most resorts on the Lake.

Water Level Information: There is nothing that effects the fishing and the way a person fishes on Lake Taneycomo than whether or not they are running water from the Table Rock Dam. The number to call for a recorded message on current conditions is 1-417-336-5083. For on line information about water condtitions go to http://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/WCDS/plots/Web/tab.htm or click here.

Special Regulations apply to the Trophy Trout Area running from Table Rock Dam to the mouth of Fall Creek and to fishing Lake Taneycomo for trout., Click here for an overview of these regulations

History of Lake Taneycomo – .

More Lake Taneycomo Information – An excellent place to get your Lake Taneycomo Questions answered, or any question relating to the fishing and other outdoor topics in the Branson area, is the “Branson Outdoors Activities Forum” which is monitored by your editor and other local outdoor enthusiasts.