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Recreation Activities

Boating

Boaters should remember to:

- Learn and follow small craft navigation rules.

- Obey Missouri and Arkansas state boating laws.



- Make sure their boat is seaworthy;
  Contact the Missouri Water Patrol for Missouri residents or the U.S. Coast Guard
  Auxiliary, Division 5 for Missouri and Arkansas Boat Safety Inspections.

- If at all possible and when required, take their Boating Education Courses.
  Contact Missouri Water Patrol for Missouri residents or the Arkansas Game and
  Fish Commission for Arkansas Boating Education Courses.

- Keep the boatload at a minimum.

- Have a floatation device on board for each passenger.

- Avoid standing in a boat.

- Watch for obstructions when approaching the shore.

- Slow down when approaching small boats, docks or skiers.

- Head for shore if bad weather threatens.

Fishing

While the lake boasts an abundance of bass, crappie, white bass, catfish, and bluegill, Table Rock is acclaimed as one of the best bass fishing lakes in this hemisphere.

It’s reputation for producing hefty stringers of bass laced with lunkers was earned through an unprecedented management program. A 15-inch length limit and creel limit of six fish linked with an abundant food chain in the lake, is the foundation of this fine program. The result is a resurgence of large numbers of largemouth, Kentucky and smallmouth bass of exceptional size available anytime of the year for the professional and novice angler alike. Current MDC Fishing Report for Table Rock.

In cooperation with the US Army Corps of Engineers Table Rock Lake Project Office, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Bass Pro Shops, recycled Christmas trees and other natural habitat structures have been placed in various areas in Table Rock Lake. To view maps of these locations you may view the interactive fish habitat structure maps with GPS coordinates by visiting the Missouri Department of Conservation's website.


Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
Operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery raises rainbow and brown trout. These trout are stocked in the cold waters of Lake Taneycomo below Table Rock Dam. Hatchery tours are given throughout the summer months.

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Hiking/Biking

Table Rock Lakeshore Trail PDF
2.2 mile Trip (one way)

This beautiful trail is 2.2 miles long and runs from the Dewey Short Visitor Center to the Table Rock State Park Marina. Persons using the trail in the spring will view dogwood, serviceberry and redbud trees in bloom as well as many wildflower species. During the fall season, visitors are treated to nature’s colorful fall foliage. The trail also offers beautiful views of Table Rock Lake. The trail will take you by the Showboat Branson Belle where you can enjoy a wonderful Dinner Cruise, and it also takes you through Table Rock State Park which offers many additional recreation opportunities.

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Hunting

Hunting and trapping are permitted on the waters and on the surrounding government-owned lands of the projects and are subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Please refer to the Table Rock Lake Map for general locations of government owned lands. Officers of these same agencies will carry out enforcement. Hunting is prohibited in developed parks and other areas designated by the District Engineer and marked by the posting of appropriate signs. For a more detailed map of permitted hunting near the Cow Creek area, please refer to the Hunting Map Near Cow Creek

Permanent tree stands are prohibited on Corps of Engineers property. Permanent stands or steps are any type that penetrates the bark of a tree. Portable stands with the owner’s name and address permanently affixed are permitted. Stands are to be hung no earlier than one week before the opening and remain no longer than one week after the close of archery season.

The vast majority of bow hunting accidents occur from falling out of trees, please always wear a safety belt when using tree stands.

For more information on hunting safety, regulations, and licenses in Missouri, please contact the Missouri Department of Conservation and for Arkansas contact Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

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Visitors Center

Dewey Short Visitors Center

The US Army Corps of Engineer’s Dewey Short Visitor Center is located 6 miles west of US Hwy 65 on State Hwy 165 at the south end of Table Rock Dam. The Center is open seven days per week 9 AM until 5 PM from April 1st to October 31st.

The center features three films. The first is a 20 minute film entitled, "Taming of the Riviera Blanche". This film is a fantastic introduction to the Table Rock Lake/White River area and details the construction and purpose of Table Rock Dam. The second is a 14 minute film, "Where Eagles Soar" which depicts the story of how eagles were brought back from endangerment in the state of Missouri. The third film, "The Expedition of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806," runs 32 minutes. The film tells of their exploration, encounters, objectives and accomplishments during their journey. The Visitor Center contains exhibits detailing the natural history of the area.

If you arrive by boat, take advantage of the courtesy dock that is located on the Visitors Center grounds. On the grounds, you may enjoy the day by picnicking, swimming, sunbathing, scuba diving or fishing along the shoreline. Don't forget to make use of the beautiful Table Rock Lakeshore Trail, which is located directly adjacent to the Visitors Center.


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Updated/Reviewed: 1 May 2009