Bull Shoals Lake (first trip)

[frosteeone]

I'm heading to Bull Shoals on the Mountain Home side (east) of the lake. Any tidbits you can share with me? I'm renting a small jon boat with a 15 horse on it (because I don't want to haul mine down there) and I'm a little concerned about getting blown out of the water by fast boats, jet skis, etc. I guess I'll just stick to the sides and hit some fingers. Anyway, I read somewhere that the water is so clear that it would be best to use 6 lb test and to make it green if possible. Well, I picked up a little at Wal-Mart and set up one of my rod/reels with it just in case. (man that stuff breaks easy. Anyway, just wanted to share...) Wish me luck.

 

[skeeterboy]

Re: Bull Shoals Lake (first trip)

have fun the shoals has produced some huge fish over the years. WHat do you plan on fishing for anyway?

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Bull Shoals Lake (first trip)

You won't have to worry about many pleasure boaters down there.... It's pretty quiet (more of a retirement area).. Nothing like Lake of the Ozarks or Table Rock....<br /><br />Anyway, if you are fishing for Bass you can probably catch some smallmouth down deep 25ft with jig and pig (small bitsy bug type bait with 101 pork trailer)... They say there is a very good population explosion of smallies this year... My parents live in Lakeview just below the dam, so that's what I have heard from him as of just this week...<br /><br />But check with the marina, they should be able to give you some pointers...

 

[frosteeone]

Re: Bull Shoals Lake (first trip)

Well I pretty much wasted my first trip there by not fishing deep enough. I hit it early and late and was pretty much skunked after catching a 1 1/2 pounder the first night out (that was fun). Lost a lure when my line broke on the 2nd one and things went south after that. Beautiful lake though. Lake temp was 86 degrees plus, so I'm hoping it was just the warmth and not my skills. I did see quite a few gars though. Spooky things.<br /><br />Thanks for input.

 

[txswinner]

Re: Bull Shoals Lake (first trip)

Where is Bull Shoals, I remember the name from my childhood but must have been from a vacation.

 

[frosteeone]

Re: Bull Shoals Lake (first trip)

Bull Shoals lake is at the northern part of Arkansas and actually part of it extends into southern Missouri.<br /><br />Very large (i don't know the square mileage), but it's very deep and was incredibly clear.

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Bull Shoals Lake (first trip)

tsxwinner, Below the dam is the White River which is known for some of the best trout fishing in the country... The water from the lake discharges from the bottom, hence the cold water temps perfect for rainbows and browns...<br /><br />The lake is part of the White river Chain, which includes Beaver, Table Rock, Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals...