Bull Shoals Lake

Seeking a clear, clean, and uncrowded water playground? Look no further than Bull Shoals Lake. Set in the scenic Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, Bull Shoals Lake has hundreds of miles of lake arms and coves perfect for boating, water sports, swimming, and fishing. Nineteen developed parks around the shoreline provide campgrounds, boat launches, swim areas, and marinas. Sixty thousand acres of public land provide a variety of other opportunities.

Bull Shoals enjoys wide recognition as a prime fishery. Holding several Arkansas and Missouri state records, the lake’s reputation is well justified. Opportunities abound for many species, ranging from pan fish to walleye. A fish attractor program to improve habitat and enhance fishing success has resulted in over 450 attractors being placed in Bull Shoals.

The White River, downstream of Bull Shoals Dam, is the premier trout fishery in the central United States and has yielded Arkansas state records for cutthroat and rainbow trout. Floating down the river in an Ozark johnboat and fishing for brown, brook, cutthroat, and rainbow trout is an experience found nowhere else.

Bull Shoals Lake is a clear-cold water mountain lake that reaches depths of over 250 feet. With clarity, depth and water temperature, it is very unique and apart from other lakes in the Midwest and South.

With over 45,000 surface acres of clear, blue water to explore, Bull Shoals has ample room for boaters, skiers, and fishermen to enjoy their p ursuit. Fuel, supplies, and services are available at 11 marinas operated by private concessionaires. Twenty-two launch ramps provide access to those wishing to enjoy a day on the lake. Some ramps require a day use fee including River Run, Beaver Creek, Buck Creek, Theodosia, Pontiac, Oakland/Ozark Isle, Lakeview, Dam Site, Highway 125, Lead Hill, and Tucker Hollow. On these ramps, users may pay a $3 daily fee or purchase a $30 annual pass. Free launching ramps are located at Hwy K, Welcome Ridge, Bull Shoals, Rancho Village/CR 15, CCC, Spring Creek, and Fairview access points. Boats are no longer allowed inside the buoy line of Bull Shoals Dam.

Picnicking facilities are available in many parks and are often located near playgrounds and designated swimming areas. Group shelters are ideal for family gatherings and offer electricity and barbecue grills. Many picnic areas afford scenic views of the lake. Parks with picnic shelters include Buck Creek, Lakeview, Lead Hill, Oakland, Hwy 125, Tucker Hollow, Dam Site, Pontiac, Theodosia, and Beaver Creek. These shelters may be rented through the National Recreation Reservation Service.

Campgrounds operated by the Corps of Engineers offer camping enthusiasts a wide variety of opportunities and experiences. Over 500 campsites, ranging from rustic to those with electrical and water hookups, are located in twelve parks situated to provide access to most areas of the lake. Seasons generally run from April through October and vary from park to park. Campsite reservations may be made through the National Recreation Reservation Service.

Over 450 fish attractors, coves, ledges, inlets, channels, brush piles, dam basin, shoreline timber.

The best lures for crappie are tube jigs, Roadrunners and Chromedomes. Live minnows are also good.

The best lures for bass are jig and frog (weedless), Texas-rigged plastic worms, and spinner baits. Sluggos work good fished across the tops.