3.0(2 Reviews)Branson Fishing | 4 Hour Lake Fishing Trip
3.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourhour guided lake fishing on Table Rock LakeTarget brown trout, bass, and crappie with experienced guideSmall group capacity limited to two guests maximum
When you're ready to drop a line in some of Missouri's finest fishing waters, Table Rock Lake near Branson delivers the goods. This crystal-clear Ozark gem stretches over 43,000 acres and holds some seriously impressive fish populations. Captain Billy Elbert knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the fish during this action-packed 4-hour charter. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip combines the perfect mix of technique, local knowledge, and prime fishing spots that make Table Rock Lake a magnet for bass fishermen and trout enthusiasts from across the country.
Your morning kicks off with Captain Billy greeting you at the dock, where you'll get the rundown on the day's game plan. Table Rock Lake's depth and structure create perfect habitat for multiple species, so Billy tailors each trip based on current conditions, water temperature, and what the fish are doing that particular day. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and tackle – you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks if you get hungry between catches. With a maximum of 2 guests per trip, you're getting personalized attention that bigger charter operations simply can't match. Billy's not just driving the boat; he's actively coaching your technique, reading the electronics, and positioning you for success. The Ozark scenery provides a stunning backdrop, but once you start hooking fish, you'll be too focused on your rod tip to notice much else.
Table Rock's diverse structure means Billy employs different tactics depending on where the fish are holding. Early morning often calls for topwater action along rocky points and shallow coves, where bass ambush baitfish in low light conditions. As the sun climbs higher, expect to work deeper structure with jigs, spoons, and live bait presentations. The lake's steep bluff walls and submerged timber create perfect ambush points for both bass species, while the cooler depths hold healthy populations of stocked trout. Billy carries an arsenal of proven baits – everything from swimbaits and crankbaits for aggressive bass to small jigs and minnows for finicky trout and crappie. He'll match your skill level to the right techniques, whether that's teaching you to feel the subtle tick of a crappie bite or helping you horse a big largemouth out of heavy cover. The boat's fish finder helps locate schools and structure, but Billy's years of experience reading this lake give you the real advantage.
"Billy did an amazing job being our guide this trip. My son was experienced in fishing, but I needed assistance more than I care to admit. He was helpful with demonstrating how to cast, was knowledgeable of his trade, and made this an unforgettable experience. He went above and beyond by taking a few pictures so this momma could capture these memories forever! I would highly recommend him." - Patti
"We had a vacation in Branson with our grandchildren. Billy was the best experience of the whole trip. We would highly recommend his fishing charter at anytime. Thank you for the wonderful memories with our grandchildren." - Robert
Largemouth Bass rule the shallow waters and structure around Table Rock Lake. These green machines average 2-4 pounds but regularly push into the 5-7 pound range, with occasional trophies topping 8 pounds. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with early morning and late evening providing explosive topwater opportunities. Largemouths love the lake's abundant laydowns, rock piles, and dock structures. When you hook one, expect aerial displays and powerful runs toward cover – they're not giving up without a fight.
Smallmouth Bass thrive in Table Rock's deeper, rockier areas and along the main lake points. Pound for pound, they're the hardest fighting fish in the lake, with 3-5 pounders common and 6+ pound fish caught regularly. Smallies prefer cooler water temperatures, making them prime targets during spring, fall, and early summer mornings. They love crawfish patterns and will absolutely hammer a well-presented jig or tube bait worked along rocky structure. Their acrobatic fights and never-quit attitude make them a favorite among serious bass anglers.
Rainbow Trout occupy the deeper, cooler sections of Table Rock year-round, with regular stockings keeping populations healthy. These beautiful fish typically range from 12-16 inches but can reach 20+ inches and several pounds. Winter through spring offers the most productive trout fishing, when cooler water temperatures bring them into shallower areas. Rainbows provide steady action when other species slow down, and their fight combines strong runs with impressive jumps. They're excellent table fare for anglers looking to take home dinner.
Brown Trout represent the lake's trophy potential, with fish regularly exceeding 20 inches and weights pushing 5+ pounds. These wary predators prefer deeper water and low-light conditions, making them a challenging but rewarding target. Fall through early spring provides the best brown trout opportunities as they become more active in cooler water. Browns are known for their intelligence and wariness – landing one requires patience and precise presentations. When you do connect, their powerful runs and head-shaking fights create memories that last a lifetime.
Crappie school up around brush piles, standing timber, and deeper structure throughout Table Rock Lake. Spring spawning brings them shallow, creating fantastic opportunities for multiple fish catches. These slab-sided panfish average 10-12 inches but regularly reach 14+ inches and over a pound. Crappie fishing requires finesse and patience, as their light bites can be subtle. However, when you locate a school, fast action often follows. They're also outstanding eating, making them popular with families looking to combine fun fishing with a fresh fish dinner.
This 20-foot G3 fishing boat puts you right where the action is on Table Rock Lake's productive waters. Built in 2012 and powered by a reliable 115 Yamaha engine, she'll get you to the hot spots quickly while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for bass and crappie. The GPS navigation helps mark productive areas, and the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of trout suspended in the deeper water. With room for up to 2 anglers plus your guide, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines or fighting for elbow room. The stable platform makes it easy to work jigs along rocky points or drift live bait over submerged timber where the big largemouth like to hide.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the craftiest fish in Table Rock, averaging 12-20 inches with their golden-brown coloring and black spots. These wary fish love structure - deep ledges, fallen timber, and rocky cover where they can ambush prey. Fall and winter are peak seasons when they feed aggressively before and after spawning. Anglers target browns for their intelligence and powerful fights - they're much harder to fool than other trout but reward patience with memorable battles. The meat is excellent too, with a firm texture and rich flavor. They're most active in low-light conditions and prefer cooler water. Night fishing can be productive, but dawn and dusk work well too. Here's the key: fish deeper than you think and use natural presentations. Browns are spooky, so stealth and patience pay off big time.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusTable Rock's crappie run 7-12 inches and travel in schools, making for fast action once you locate them. Both black and white crappie call these waters home - look for them around brush piles, docks, and standing timber in 10-20 feet of water. Spring spawning season is absolutely electric when they move shallow, but they bite year-round if you adjust your depth. Guests love crappie because they're cooperative biters and some of the best eating fish in the lake - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect in the pan. They're most active at dawn and dusk, so plan accordingly. Pro tip: use a small jig tipped with a minnow and fish it slow. When you catch one crappie, work that area hard - where there's one, there's usually a whole school waiting.
Micropterus SalmoidesThese green machines average 12-24 inches and pack 1-4 pounds of pure fight. You'll find them around cover like fallen trees, weed beds, and rocky points in Table Rock's shallows. Spring through fall are prime times, especially early morning and evening when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? That famous mouth opens wide enough to engulf surprisingly large prey, and they'll jump clear out of the water when hooked. The meat's decent eating too - firm white fillets that fry up nice. Here's a local trick: when the water hits 60°F in spring, throw red lures near spawning beds. These bass can't resist that color, and you'll hook into some of the year's most aggressive fish.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in Table Rock typically run 8-16 inches with that distinctive pink stripe and spotted pattern. These cold-water fish stick to deeper areas during summer but move shallow in cooler months, especially around creek inlets and dam areas where the water stays oxygenated. Fall through early spring offers the best fishing when water temps drop below 70°F. Guests appreciate their strong runs and acrobatic jumps - they're genuine fighters that'll test your skills. Plus, rainbow trout are prime eating with that pink flesh and mild, nutty flavor. They prefer clean, moving water and are most active during low-light periods. Local secret: fish the discharge areas below Table Rock Dam early morning with small spoons or PowerBait. The current and cooler water create perfect rainbow conditions.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are the scrappiest fighters in Table Rock, averaging 12-18 inches and known for their aerial acrobatics when hooked. These bronze-backed beauties prefer rocky points, bluff walls, and gravel bottoms in clear water. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're active in shallow areas, while summer finds them deeper where it's cooler. What sets them apart is their incredible fighting spirit - pound for pound, nothing fights harder than a smallmouth. They're also excellent table fare with firm, mild fillets. The cooler months are prime time, especially on calm days with light breeze. Here's what works: early morning, target rocky banks with a tube jig or small crankbait. Keep it simple and work it slow - smallmouth will reward your patience.
3.0 out of 5.0Billy did an amazing job being our guide this trip. My son was experienced in fishing, but I needed assistance more than I care t...
We had a vacation in Branson with our grandchildren. Billy was the best experience of the whole trip. We would highly recommend h...
Branson, MO