This little stream has a small but devoted following among many types of
trout fishermen. It stretches from Roaring River State Park all the way down
to Table Rock Lake, although the trout fishing often doesn't stretch down that
far in reality. The river is fed only by the large spring in the park, so over
the course of 6-1/2 miles from the spring to the lake, the water gradually
warms, thus the trout stocked at the lower reaches durign warmer months are
driven upstream in search of cooler temperatures. Due to seasonal migration
patterns and summertime warmth, you can largely ignore the mile of stream just above
Table Rock Lake between between January and August, unless you like the chance
of catching some bass while you're out hunting trout.
Finding trout-holding habitat can be a challenge, as the river frequently widens into
ankle-deep riffles and sandy runs. However, the good news is that this type of
river concentrates the trout. Once you locate some good areas, you'll be surprised
at the quantity of trout you'll find and how wild they act. Most area trout fishermen
spend all their time in Roaring River State Park,
and Lake Taneycomo (about an hour away) keeps visiting trophy hunters busy. These
two facts ensures that this stream will generally be underappreciated and underutilized,
making it one of the few streams in Missouri where you can make terrific catches in
relative solitude. Not the mention the fact that the
Missouri Department of Conservation stocks this stream pretty heavily with both rainbows and browns -- every few weeks between
March and November. The last set of shock survey results produced about 100 fish
per hour, which is outstanding. More surveys are planned for 2006.
All types of fishermen can experience success here, if they're ready and willing to do
some walking. There are multiple access points available from Highways 86 and F via
county roads and forest service roads. By wading upstream from any of these access
points, you can catch fish by casting traditional nymphs (hare's ear, pheasant tails,
etc.), salmon eggs, worms or dough baits upstream and allowing them to drift back to
you under a small bobber or strike indicator. Pools give up plenty of fish to streamers,
small crankbaits and in-line spinners. And, if you buy a State Park daily trout tag before
heading out, you can wade right into Zone 3 of the trout park without even hesitating, where
the quality fishing continues.
To get here from Springfield, take Highway 60 West to Monett, Highway 37 to Cassville,
and then follow the signs to 112 South and Roaring River State Park. From Branson, go
South on Highway 13, then West on 86 to Eagle Rock. Cross over Roaring River and turn
left on US Forest Service Road 2260, or pass 2260 and turn left on F.
Call (417) 895-6880 for more information
You can download a detailed conservation department map of the Roaring River Conservation
Area by checking our Maps page. We do not have a recent
Roaring River fishing report on file, believe it or
not -- another good indicator that the river isn't receiving much fishing pressure. After
you visit, we hope you'll come back to tell us how you did.
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