Bull Shoals Lake

As of Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 661.18 feet msl (normal conservation pool – 654 msl).

Fishing Report for Bull Shoals Lake, Missouri

Bull Shoals Lake (East)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
black bass fair on top water baits and soft plastics.

Bull Shoals Lake (West)

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
White Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
Walleye: Fair
black bass good using spinnerbaits, jigs, soft plastics and topwater lures in the early morning; white bass good using white Rooster Tails and swimming minnows; crappie good on minnows and jigs; walleye fair using jerkbaits, crankbaits, nightcrawlers, and minnows; all other species slow.

Fishing Report for Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas

Ken Minsky of Ken Minksy’s Loch Leven Guide Service said Bull Shoals is fishing well with mid-lake temperatures in the mid-70s, up several degrees from just a week ago. There was a definite slump in action late last week when the weather pattern shifted from 20 mph winds to hot and flat calm. The hot calm days warmed the lake surface several degrees in just a couple days and marked the end of most game fish spawning activities in the mid-lake area. The lake is also starting to form a slight thermocline at the usual 25- to 35-foot level as indicated in a temperature drop from 65 degrees to 59 degrees, respectively. Many species have or are migrating from the back of creek arms to the main creek arms and the main lake. Walleyes are hitting exceptionally well on overcast days and dusk on offerings presented in the 12- to 35-foot level on the main lake bluffs and points. Shad-patterned flies and jigs are the bait of choice. Crappies are doing well over brush piles at 25 to 35 foot depths in creek arms near major creek arms and the main lake, as well as secondary points in creek arms. Largemouth bass are making a showing on the main lake near shoulders of cuts at 12 to 18 feet. Catfish are also biting well on trotlines along the main lake bluffs, as well as stretched across larger main lake cuts that drop to the 25 to 35 foot level.