Overview

You are here: Table Rock Lake » Overview

Posted by Phil Lilley on October 7th, 2011

Table Rock Lake was named from the large, table-like rocks along its shores. Limestone bluffs tower high over the rivers that flow into this beautiful lake in Southwest Missouri. The main tributary is the White River, but other rivers such as the James, Kings and Long have their own distinct characteristics, but most still have these bluffs along their banks.

Because of the rocky bottom of the lake and its tributaries, Table Rock’s water stays very clear. That can be unnerving to some anglers who are not used to fishing in such transparent water. Lighter line and other techniques are needed to fool the lake’s wily bass and other sport fish.

The “Rock” is well known for its smallmouth, as well as spotted and largemouth. It is an annual stop for the top professional bass circuits including the FLW Outdoors and the Bassmasters. Actually, you can find a bass tournament on Table Rock about every weekend of the year, if you look.

The lake is also home to other fish more suitable for table fare such as white bass, walleye, crappie, goggleye and blue gill. Spoonbill make their run up the Kings and James rivers each spring where men in boats wait with big treble hooks. And those who like to set limb lines and trot lines for catfish will enjoy the river and creek arms of Table Rock where channel and flathead cats roam.

Table Rock is a “Corps lake,” meaning its shores are owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers up to a certain elevation or “take” line. The dam was constructed in the late 1950′s and the lake was filled in 1958. The deepest part of the lake is more than 200 feet deep, but most of the fishing is done on points, in coves and on flats in less than 50 feet of water.

Missouri Department of Conservation Fish Structure Map (Interactive)

US Army Corp of Engineers – Table Rock Lake Map

Fun Facts

Table Rock Dam is the second oldest dam on the White River, completed in 1958. Later, Bull Shoals and Beaver dams would be built creating four lakes in the White River Chain of Lakes.
Table Rock Dam was constructed primarily for flood control, hydroelectric power and water supply.
The originally chosen site for Table Rock Dam was located at Table Rock Mountain. Further geologic surveys revealed this site was unstable and therefore unsuitable. The site was changed to the present location, but the name “Table Rock” was retained.
Electricity generated here at Table Rock Dam is used to meet peak energy demands. Table Rock is a link in a chain of power-producing stations that provide about seven million end-use customers in six states (Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas) with power to meet peak demand periods. The Southwest Power Administration is our governing agency, and it sells and delivers this power to about 100 electric cooperative systems in these six states.
Table Rock is loved by many people for a variety of reasons. Its clear water makes it popular among scuba divers for deep dives, and its cleanliness makes it perfect for swimming, skiing, tubing, and kayaking along it shores, camping on its rocky banks, cliff diving and just cruising. Then there’s the fishermen!

State Record Fish on Table Rock Lake:

Hybrid Black Bass – Five pounds, 10 ounces, caught March 17, 2004, by Mark Fann of Nixa, MO.
Spotted Bass (Kentucky) - Seven pounds, eight ounces, caught April 6, 1966, by Gene Arnaud of Branson, MO.
White Bass -Five pounds, six ounces, caught March 19, 2002, by Scott Flood of Billings, MO.

Buy Missouri Fishing Licenses Online!

Bass Clubs

Table Rock Bass Masters

Table Rock Lake

Explore

Overview

Fun Facts

Bass Clubs