YEAR-ROUND FISHING

Shell Knob on Table Rock Lake offers year-round fishing opportunities. With proper planning, anglers can find success whatever the season or weather.

Yes, January is usually cold. But fish still feed, particularly on those warmer, January thaw days. Fish slow and deep with spoons, jigs or drop-shot rigs to catch spotted, largemouth or small mouth bass schooled up off long points.

February presents an opportunity for the large walleye that make Table Rock their home. Run up the tributary arms of Long Creek, the James or the Kings and slow-troll crank baits or live minnows near the gravel flats that walleye use for spawning. Try stop-and-go jerk baits for early bass.

In March, the white bass begin to run up the lake tributaries. Trolling small crank baits, spinners or flashy spoons will attract these feisty fish. This time of year is also prime for finding the big bass that move up on points prior to spawning. Spinner baits, swim baits or large jigs may help you catch the fish of a lifetime. March brings the opening of paddle fish season with the chance to snag one of these filter feeders over one hundred pounds.

The absolute best time to catch bass on Table Rock is April. This is prime spawning season. The fish are shallow and active. Almost any lure will produce, targeting gravel spawning banks or flooded bushes. If the weather turns cold, back off and fish a little deeper and slower. May continues with excellent bass fishing. Crappie are staged up under docks and on flooded brush piles. Once you find the right spot, numbers of crappie can be taken on small jigs and spinners or live bait.

June is top water month. Working poppers, chuggers or walkers across wooded flats or parallel to bluff walls can bring exciting catches of bass of all sizes, particularly at dawn and dusk. June is also the time Table Rock’s shad spawn, so using baits that imitate these food fish will often produce well.

The warmer weather of July activates the catfish. Particularly at night, flathead and channel cat move up on flats to feed. The best baits are prepared baits, liver or worms still-fished on heavy gear. For the kids, bluegill are easy to catch on small live bait rigs off docks or along brushy shorelines.

August is a great time to night fish. Catfish and walleye are feeding regularly. Bass can be particularly aggressive at night on spinner baits and top waters. Plan your night outing properly with the right gear and a safety plan.

As cooler temperatures approach in September, the fish respond. Black bass will move up the tributaries and feed on massive schools of shad. Fan casting small crank baits across flats can yield impressive catches. This is also a great time of year to bow fish. Non-game fish like carp, gar and drum can be sighted and taken in shallow water.

October is a transition period and presents multiple angling opportunities with the right preparation. Most fish are still active; bass will take spinner baits, crappie small jigs, and walleye will chase crank baits. Adapt to the weather conditions and modify your approach based on what the fish are telling you.

Give thanks that on Table Rock, November is quiet and productive. Surprisingly, some top waters like buzz baits work well for bass. Under cooler conditions fish deeper with spoons and swim baits. On those warmer days use spinner baits and crank baits for bass and walleye. Treat yourself to a gift by fishing The Rock in December. Try cranks and jigs on rocky forty-five degree banks. On warmer days look for fish congregating in the backs of coves or staged up on points. For the adventurous, take advantage of the snowstorm phenomenon, known for producing good catches. Or try for walleye by trolling minnow imitators or minnow rigs where channels run close to flats. Whatever fish you’re seeking or whatever your angling skill, Shell Knob on Table Rock Lake can provide both a pleasant outdoor experience and a successful fishing trip any time of year.