The Fishing Report

Fall patterns are setting in nicely across Table Rock this week. The shad migration is in full swing, pushing baitfish into the creek arms and drawing bass out of their summer haunts. Early morning topwater action has been outstanding — walking baits and poppers along bluff walls are producing consistent 3 to 4 pound largemouth with a few quality smallmouth mixed in.

As the sun climbs, switch to a jerkbait or underspin worked along the 15 to 25 foot ledges where schools of spotted bass are stacking up on shad. Point-to-point patterns on the main lake have been the most productive mid-day approach. Don't overlook the backs of pockets late afternoon — fish are pushing shallow again as shadows lengthen.

For our fly fishing guests, the brown trout bite below Table Rock Dam has been outstanding this week. Sculpin patterns and small crawdad imitations fished on a sink-tip line are getting the job done. Generation schedules have been favorable with good windows of wadeable water most mornings through early afternoon.

Overall this is one of the best weeks we've seen all season. Water temps are sitting right in that sweet spot where fish are feeding aggressively ahead of the fall cooldown. If you've been waiting for the right time to book a trip, this is it.