Fishing Bull Shoals Lake

AKA: Bull Shoals

Popular Fish Species
Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
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Bull Shoals Lake, MO

Popular Fish Species Bull Shoals Lake, AR

Crappie Fishing

Crappie anglers can fish for both black crappie and white crappie at Bull Shoals Lake. These two species tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may catch both species, as they often use the same cover. For best results when fishing for crappie, light line and small hooks are key, especially when fishing live or prepared baits. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. This is a good place to catch quantities of nice, fat slabs. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

Bull Shoals Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Bull Shoals Lake is a popular bass tournament lake. Weekend and tournament anglers find the fishing to be slow at times, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass and spotted bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. A history of careful fisheries management by the Missouri Department of Conservation has helped to maintain a good bass fishery for anglers.

Walleye Fishing

Bull Shoals Lake is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management, and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, longear sunfish, warmouth, white bass and striped bass at Bull Shoals Lake in Missouri.

Bull Shoals Lake Fishing Video

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Bull Shoals Lake area is a great destination, whether for fishing, camping, hiking, vacation or simply a place to take the family for a weekend. Great bass fishing, crappie fishing, catfish and many other species are abundant.

Located in both Missouri and Arkansas, Bull Shoals Lake is a popular fishing destination that offers excellent angling opportunities for a variety of fish species. The lake is known for its clear waters and diverse fish populations, attracting anglers from far and wide.

Bull Shoals Lake is a haven for bass fishing enthusiasts, providing ample opportunities to catch largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. The lake's structure, including submerged timber, rocky points, and brush piles, creates ideal habitats for these bass species. Anglers can enjoy casting topwater lures along the shorelines, working soft plastics around structure, or trolling deep diving crankbaits to entice these prized game fish.

Walleye is another sought-after species in Bull Shoals Lake. Known for their tasty meat and challenging nature, walleye can be found in the lake's deeper sections and near points and drop-offs. Anglers often target them using live bait such as minnows or leeches, as well as artificial lures like jigs or crankbaits. Spring and fall are particularly productive seasons for walleye fishing when these fish are more active.

Rainbow trout is a popular cold water species in Bull Shoals Lake. The Missouri Department of Conservation regularly stocks the lake with rainbow trout, offering anglers the chance to test their skills in pursuing these prized fish. Anglers can use a variety of techniques such as trolling with spoons or spinners, fly fishing with nymphs or streamers, or still fishing with live bait to catch rainbow trout.

For those seeking a thrill, Bull Shoals Lake is also home to striped bass, which can grow to impressive sizes. Anglers can target these powerful fish by trolling or casting large swimbaits, crankbaits, or live bait near underwater structure or deep channels. Striped bass fishing is especially productive during the cooler months and can provide anglers with memorable battles.

Other fish species found in Bull Shoals Lake include black and white crappie, white bass, bluegill, and various panfish. These species offer additional angling opportunities for those seeking a mixed bag or a family-friendly fishing experience.

There is plenty of access and boat ramps in both Missouri and Arkansas. Be sure to add this 71,000-acre lake to your future fishing plans. There is over 1,000 miles of shoreline, plenty of which is accessible for bank fishing. Bass boats, kayaks, canoes, pontoons and fishing boats of all kinds can get you to healthy populations of fish. Multiple marinas and boat rental options are conveniently located around the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Bull Shoals Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Bull Shoals Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Bull Shoals Lake's scenic beauty, abundant fish populations, and wide range of fishing opportunities make it a favorite among anglers. In addition to fishing, the lake also provides excellent opportunities for boating and camping, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the outdoor experience. Whether you're an avid angler, a nature enthusiast, or a family looking for a fun-filled vacation, Bull Shoals Lake has something to offer for everyone.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Beaver Creek Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats
417 546-5121

K Dock Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
417 334-2880

Pontiac Cove Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
417 679-3676

Theodosia Marina-Resort
Rentals: Bass boat/fishing boats and pontoons
417 273-4444

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Noland Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Road 199, this is a two-lane, gravel ramp with gravel parking.

Spring Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off HH Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Theodosia Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off I-160, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Beaver Creek Marina
1220 State Hwy O
Kissee Mills, MO 65680
417 546-5121

K Dock Marina
727 Warren Rd,
Kirbyville, MO 65679
417 334-2880

Pontiac Cove Marina
563 Pontiac Cove Road
Pontiac, MO 65729
417 679-3676

Theodosia Marina-Resort
509 L.B. Cook Memorial Dr
Theodosia, MO 65761
417 273-4444