Walleye

Walleye anglers heading to Cassville, Missouri, should set their sights on Table Rock Lake. This clear-water reservoir is one of the best walleye fisheries in the state. The walleye fishing here is best during the spring and fall when the water temperatures are cooler. During the spring spawning run, concentrate your efforts on rocky points and gravel flats in the upper reaches of the lake, especially near the James River arm. Jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers are highly effective. As the water warms in the summer, walleye will move deeper, relating to submerged structure and thermoclines. Trolling crankbaits or using bottom bouncers with worm harnesses can be productive. In the fall, walleye will again move shallower as they feed up for the winter. A key tip for Table Rock walleye is to fish at night using lighted crankbaits or jigs. Several public boat ramps around the lake provide easy access. The walleye population in Table Rock is well-managed and offers a good opportunity to catch quality fish.