Lake Taneycomo

LAKE TANEYCOMO – With nearly 40 miles or shoreline, Lake Taneycomo was formed when the Powersite Dam near Forsyth, Missouri, was completed in 1913. From 1913 until 1958 it was a warm water lake, drawing tourists for its water skiing, boating, fishing and swimming. However, the completion of Table Rock Dam in 1958 changed Taneycomo’s water source from the White River’s flowing waters to the bottom tailwater from Table Rock Dam’s spillway. The cold water (average temperature of 48 degrees near Table Rock Dam) made swimming and water sports undesirable, and tourism declined sharply. Soon, though, fishermen found the chilly water of Lake Taneycomo made it one of the top trout fishing lakes in the country.

PUBLIC BOAT RAMPS – The Missouri Department of Conservation and local municipalities maintain a limited number of boat ramps on Lake Taneycomo. While several of the resorts in the region maintain ramps as well, they typically are reserved for the use only of their guests. Shore fishing also is available at these locations, offering either bank, pier or wading access:

·        Shepherd of the Hills: Located directly below the Table Rock dam adjacent ot the Shperd of the Hills fish hatchery. The area includes a one-lane concrete ramp and parking for about 20 rigs. It also offers picnic areas, hatchery tours and restrooms.

·        Cooper Creek: On the north side of the lake, it has a two-lane concrete ramp and parking for about 40 rigs. This area offers a fishing dock and restrooms.

·        Branson RV Park: On the north side of the lake, it has a one-lane concrete ramp and parking for about 20 rigs. This site offers a fishing dock, trailer camping, showers, restrooms and a full-service marina.

·        Rockaway Beach: On the north side of the lake, Rockaway Beach has a one-lane concrete ramp and parking for about 20 rigs. It also has a fishing dock, restrooms and a full-service marina.

·        Empire Park: On the north side of the lake, this park provides a one-lane concrete ramp and parking for about 40 rigs. There also is a picnic area, a fishing dock and restrooms.

FISHING – Lake Taneycomo is stocked annually with about 750,000 rainbow and brown trout. The uppermost portion of the lake is reserved for artificial lures. These headwaters also are ideal for fly fishing. The downstream area closer to Powersite Dam and Forsyth offers considerably warmer water and many different species of fish, making Taneycomo a versatile destination for anglers.  

Lake view and lake access homes range from $60,000 from $200,000 for channel front, and from $200,000 to 1 million for homes on the main lake. Prices depend mostly on condition and location.

Links:

Missouri Department of Conservation

Missouri general boating laws