Information: 417/895-6880

Anglers can look forward to good trout fishing throughout the year. The 20" minimum length limit on brown trout has resulted in good numbers of large brown trout and the opportunity to catch larger trout. There are some very large brown trout in Lake Taneycomo at the present time. During the most recent population sample a very large male brown trout was captured that had a total length of 36.5" and a girth of 28.5". The weight of this fish was calculated at 37 pounds, or slightly more than 10 pounds heavier than the current state record brown trout. The highest densities of both brown trout and rainbow trout occur above Branson. However, good trout fishing can be found throughout the lake. In the upper 3 miles of Lake Taneycomo from Table Rock Dam to the mouth of Fall Creek there is a 12-20" slot length limit on rainbow trout. In this area anglers are required to immediately release all rainbow trout between 12" and 20". Only artificial lures and flies may be used in the upper 3 miles from Table Rock Dam to the mouth of Fall Creek. Soft plastic, natural and scented baits are prohibited in this area. The special regulations in the upper 3 miles of the lake have resulted in significant improvement of the rainbow trout population. Nine percent of the rainbow trout in the upper 3 mile reach were =>13" when this regulation went into effect in March 1997. The percent of rainbow trout =>13" increased to 34% by August 2001. Below the mouth of Fall Creek, there is no length limit on rainbow trout and there is no restriction on bait. There is a minimum length limit of 20" on brown trout throughout the entire reservoir. The daily limit is 5 trout, of which only one may be a brown trout. The new MDC Cooper Creek Access is now complete and open for public use. This access is fully accessible for disabled users and features a two lane launching ramp, courtesy dock, covered fishing dock and restroom. The access is located off of Fall Creek Road between Highway 76 and Highway 165.
 

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