Bull Shoals Lake (Ozark Region)

Information: (417) 256-7161

In 2006, bass anglers can expect increased catch rates of legal size largemouth, >15". Even though bass numbers are the highest they have been in the past eight years, anglers catching smallmouth and largemouth are encouraged to practice catch and release, in order to help maintain the bass population. Anglers wanting fish to eat can harvest spotted bass, >12". This will also help reduce competition between them and the largemouths. Anglers can identify the largemouth and spotted bass by using differences in the jaw bone length, cheek scale size, and absence/presence of a tongue patch. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, and plastic worms catch the majority of the black bass species. Crappie fishing will be consistent with that of the last couple years with fish of all sizes being present and good numbers exceeding 10". Jigs and minnows fished around brush piles and spawning banks will catch good numbers of fish. Walleye numbers continue to increase throughout the lake, due to annual stockings and the 18" minimum length and four fish per day limits. Rogues, live bait, and jigs catch the majority of fish during the early spring months. In the months following, minnows and nightcrawlers, rigged on bottom-bouncers, and crankbaits slowly trolled along flats and points catch good numbers of fish. A large number of tagged walleye still exist in the reservoir and anglers should examine each fish, specifically between the dorsal fins, for a small, orange, oval tag. Anglers catching tagged walleye are to return the tag and report where the fish was caught, date fish was caught, length of fish, whether the fish was harvested or released, and the lure/bait used to catch the fish. Anglers providing this information are eligible for $10-100 rewards.

Missouri residents, those 16 years of age and older, who fish the Arkansas portion of Bull Shoals Lake are no longer required to purchase a nonresident Arkansas fishing permit. Thanks to cooperation between the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission and MDC, Missouri residents possessing a valid resident fishing permit may also purchase a $10 White River Border Lakes Permit allowing them to fish the Arkansas portion of this lake.

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