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Floating Lake Taneycomo

Once viewed as a chilly lake only suitable for trout fishing, Lake Taneycomo is quickly becoming a paddler’s paradise.

Even though Taneycomo has current and behaves likes a river it is technically a lake because it is impounded between two dams. Powersite dam, in Forsyth was completed in 1913, backing up water and creating a long slow pool in the White River referred to as Lake Taneycomo. Table Rock dam in Branson was completed in 1958. The 22 mile stretch of water between Table Rock dam and Powersite dam is what is known as Lake Taneycomo. The name Taneycomo is derived from the lake’s location in Taney County, Missouri.

The depth of Table Rock Lake at the site of Table Rock dam is about 220 feet. Taneycomo is constantly fed with water coming from the deep section of Table Rock Lake, through the dam. In addition, each time the powerhouse turns on one of four generators, Taneycomo receives 1.5 million gallons of water per minute, per generator. This deep water from Table Rock Lake remains about 48-52 degrees year round, which is why Lake Taneycomo is a very cold lake and perfect for rainbow and brown trout, which are raised at Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery. About 700,000 trout are stocked into Lake Taneycomo each year.

Floating Lake Taneycomo is peaceful and fun. Paddlers will encounter beautiful scenery, crystal-clear water, wildlife and a variety of water speed and depth to traverse. However, there are some important safety tips to know before getting in a kayak or canoe on the lake.

  • Always wear a life jacket.
  • Be aware that the water level and current will change due to power generation at Table Rock Dam. Changes will be less noticeable further downstream from the dam. When estimating the amount of time a float will take, consider that for each generator that the powerhouse turns on, the water level will rise at least 2 feet. When all four units are on, use caution as the water will be moving very fast. Near the dam, a horn will sound indicating that a generator is being turned on, but further downstream you won’t be able to hear that horn, however the rising water will be much slower and less noticeable
  • Remember that the water is cold. If you fall out of your boat, try to get out and dry as soon as possible. The risk for hypothermia is greater in Lake Taneycomo, but basic paddling skills and a life jacket will help keep you safe. If you’re brave enough, stop the kayak in shallow water, get out and take a quick dunk. You’ll stay cool for hours afterwards, even on a hot, summer day.
  • Motor boat traffic is heavy on Lake Taneycomo, especially in the summer. Paddlers should yield to motor boats. It’s a good idea to paddle near the banks and stay out of the main channel. If you are faced with the wake from a fast-moving boat, try to point the bow of your boat into the wake. Avoid being parallel with large wakes if possible.
  • Most of the land surrounding Taneycomo is privately owned. Please be respectful of landowners and only use public access points for lake access and restrooms.

Taneycomo Mileage Chart

Put-In Take-Out Mileage
Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery Boat Ramp Cooper Creek 5 miles
Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery Boat Ramp Branson RV Park 8 miles
Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery Boat Ramp Rockaway Beach 14.5 miles
Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery Boat Ramp Ozark Beach 22 miles
Cooper Creek Branson RV Park 3 miles
Cooper Creek Rockaway Beach 9.5 miles
Cooper Creek Ozark Beach 17 miles
Branson RV Park Rockaway Beach 6.5 miles
Branson RV Park Ozark Beach 14 miles
Rockaway Beach Ozark Beach 7.5 miles

 

By |September 24th, 2014|Branson, fishing, kayak, Taneycomo, Uncategorized|0 Comments
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Float Trip Friends on the Buffalo River

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The Buffalo River will probably be the subject of many blog entries written on this site. I apologize for the repetition but it is my favorite place in the world. This weekend I enjoyed a short float trip with friends from Pruitt Landing to Hasty. Enjoyed might be an understatement. I LOVED it.

It occurred to me the other day that not everyone knows what a float trip is. In the ozarks it is a common summertime pastime adored by friends, sisters, church groups and frat brothers alike. A float trip is simply a journey down the river in canoes, kayaks, rafts or even inner tubes. There will be some paddling involved, and in the summer maybe some dragging, but mostly floating. The Buffalo River area features several concessionaires that will outfit you and your group with the canoes and shuttle services you’ll need. For this particular trip we used Riverview Motel and Canoe Rental in Jasper, AR. They made it easy for our group by dropping us and our rented canoes off at the put-in and picking us up at the take-out to return us to our cars.

Despite rainy days, fishless trips and soaked or lost belongings, I’ve never had a a bad float trip. This one was no exception. The emerald waters, towering bluffs and busy gravel bars charmed me as usual and I observed scenery so beautiful it almost hurts. However what stood out to me the most on this trip was the people. Often in the late spring and summer, you will be surrounded by other floaters – I’m afraid the secret is out, the Buffalo is awesome. You can either chose to be annoyed that you’re surrounded by so many strangers, or embrace these people as your new friends. There have been instances in my life where I felt like I was suddenly friends with hundreds of people all at once. For example, in 2010 my husband and I welcomed the new year in Time Square in New York City. After the ball dropped, everyone was singing and swaying together, hugging and shouting “Happy New Year” and I believed they were sincere! For the next 10 minutes, we were all friends and we all wanted the same thing. On the float trip we laughed, splashed, shared drinks with and even helped rescue some of our fellow floaters. Canoe comradery. We were a giant flotilla of fun, all after the same goal I believe, to make a connection. A connection with nature, family or friends. Consider befriending the hoards of people that surround you on your next float trip, make it a party and enjoy the beautiful ride.

Pssst.. don’t forget to be safe during your float trip. Everyone needs a life jacket and children 12 and under have to wear them. No glass containers on the Buffalo River. Don’t drink too much. Just don’t. Every fotilla of fun has “that guy” and trust me, you don’t want to be him. Wear your sunscreen. Also, don’t forget your AR fishing permit if you plan to do battle with smallmouth.

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By |June 4th, 2014|Buffalo River, fishing, Uncategorized|0 Comments
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Anglers at any age

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I helped out at Kid’s Day at Maramec Spring Park last Saturday, a special event which features activities, casting contests, assistance with fishing and free lunch for kids and families. Kid’s Day brought over 800 people to the park to enjoy one of the greatest summertime activities imaginable – fishing. I was helping at the t-shirt station where for a small fee kids could decorate a t-shirt with colorful paint and stamps. Other stations included a water quality demonstration featuring live, aquatic invertebrates, a game called Bass in the Grass, a mobile fish aquarium featuring native Missouri fish species and a casting contest. After the event ended, I had the chance to walk around the spring creek, which was still lined on both sides with anglers of all ages, but especially young kids. The upper pool of the stream was stocked with lots of hungry trout the night before, so fishing was good!

Watching these kids proudly display stringers loaded with wiggly trout reminds me of the importance of events like these. Conservation is the wise use of resources, including fish. When children are taught how to enjoy these resources at an early age it gives them a deeper respect and appreciation for them. With so many options, children are bound to love at least one type of outdoor activity if given the chance.

In Missouri, there are educational programs designed to introduce or teach kids more about the wonders of the natural world. Around here the Springfield Conservation Nature Center and Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery are great resources. Information on the types of programs they offer can be found at: http://mdc.mo.gov/events/location/Springfield%20Conservation%20Nature%20Center/heading/Springfield%20Nature%20Center

http://mdc.mo.gov/events/location/Shepherd/heading/Shepherd%20of%20the%20Hills%20Hatchery

“For in the end, we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught” BabaDioum

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By |May 19th, 2014|fishing, kids, Uncategorized|0 Comments
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Chicks and Tiggers

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Tick and chigger season is upon us. As people dust off the ol’ hiking boots and hit the trail, ticks and chiggers dust off the ol’ knife and fork and prepare to feast. Just kidding, these arachnids don’t use silverware, however they do eagerly feed on humans.

Yes, ticks and chiggers are arachnids, not insects. Arachnids, like spiders, have 8 legs instead of 6. Other members of this class include scorpions. People pick up ticks and chiggers in tall grass, forests and even yards sometimes. The pests simply wait on the dangling end of grass or brush until an unsuspecting animal happens by. Then they attach themselves to that animal using specialized mouthparts designed to ingest a liquid lunch. Ticks feast on blood while chiggers take in liquefied skin. The larval stage of ticks are often referred to as seed ticks, which are only slightly larger than the punctuation in this blog. After a blood meal, seed ticks fall the to ground, molt and enter the adult stage, where they seek another blood meal and reproduce. Females lay thousands of eggs in the leaf litter then die. In Missouri the three most common species of ticks are the lone star tick, American dog tick and deer tick.

Chiggers, unlike ticks, only feed on other animals during their larval stage, in which they are nearly invisible to the naked eye. Adult chiggers resemble mites, like those tiny, bright red mites you’ve seen scurrying around on rocks in the sun. Contrary to popular belief, chiggers do not burrow into your skin. In fact, by the time you notice the itchy welts, the chiggers is likely long gone. It doesn’t take such a tiny organism long to fill up the tank and leave its host. What actually causes the continued itch is a hardened structure created by your body in reaction to the chigger’s specialized spit, which liquefies skin tissue. This tiny structure remains in the skin even after the chigger is gone and causes a maddening itchy fit.

When finished with your outdoor adventure, it is important to check yourself thoroughly for ticks. Get naked, get a mirror and get to it. Ticks can transmit diseases such at Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, so it is important to remove the tick as soon as possible and monitor the bite area and your symptoms. To remove a tick, simply grasp its head as close to your skin as possible using your fingers or tweezers and pull straight out. Never try to burn or bleach a tick off. It’s simply unnecessary and can cause the tick to inject its contents into you. If the bite area becomes raised, with a red ring around it or if you begin to feel flu-like symptoms, its time to seek medical help immediately. Chiggers are not known to transmit any diseases and they are much easier to remove. As soon as you step out of the woods, simply give any exposed skin a brisk brush with a towel or your hands. This action is enough to kill or remove the tiny chiggers. Any that remain under your clothes will be easily removed with a shower when you get home. Remember however that by that time, the chiggers are probably already gone and all the remains is the itchy bites.

Your best defense against ticks and chiggers is to cover as much of your skin with tightly-fitting clothing as possible. But with Ozarks summers being warm and humid this isn’t always a practical option. Instead you should use a repellant containing DEET, which will also repel mosquitos, flies and gnats as a bonus.

Ticks and chiggers are just an unfortunate part of exploring the beautiful Ozarks. Spend enough time outdoors and you will encounter these pests more than a few times. However, preventative measures and prompt removal and monitoring of bites mean that your chances are good of surviving these tiny parasites. Don’t be intimidated, be informed and enjoy your outdoor adventure.

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Thankfully, this tiny tick was found before any damage was done.

Thankfully, this tiny tick was found before any damage was done.

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By |May 14th, 2014|Camping, Hiking, Outdoor hazards, Uncategorized|0 Comments
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Morgan’s Morel Mushrooms

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If you are hiking one of the many beautiful trails in the Ozarks this spring, don’t be surprised to see people wandering off the trail. These people will usually be carrying a container or bag of some kind and appear to be searching for something. Old timers, families even teenagers can participate in the activity and it can become quite addictive. Hunting for morel mushrooms is a fun, challenging activity with delicious rewards if you’re lucky.

Over the past few weeks I have been searching for the elusive mushroom in a variety of places including Busiek Conservation Area, the woods behind my house, Boston Ferry Conservation Area and Henning Conservation Area. I was going home shroomless until yesterday afternoon, when I found 12 morels on the Henning Homesteaders Trail. Cooked ‘em up and ate ‘em last night with steak and broccoli. Yum yum, those mushrooms were nearly better than the steak!

There are all kinds of tips and tricks to finding morels. Hunting near elm, ash or apple trees, dead or alive, is often recommended. Also, look for them on south-facing slopes. The best time to start searching is after the average daily temperature has been above 50 degrees for several days in a row and there has been at least a couple of significant springtime rain showers. That being said, I will confess that every single morel I found yesterday was growing at the base of on old oak tree, often in pairs. The season usually ends in late April in this part of Missouri, but it can sometimes go until mid May.

Before heading out to look for mushrooms for yourself, please make sure you’re picking the right ones. Morels are best described as beige-colored, deeply grooved raisins atop a tan stalk. The color can vary from a cream color to brown, orange and even black sometimes. Please see the pictures below. Also keep in mind that when harvesting the mushrooms to leave some of the stalk in the ground. Morels are easily pinched off near the ground and it is thought that leaving a little stalk will encourage new morels to pop up again. You might also want to consider putting your fungal treasures in a mesh bag to ensure that any falling spores will be redistributed into the forest. Cut mushrooms in half and let them soak in a mild salt water in order to get rid of any little hitchhikers, then sauté in butter with a little salt and pepper. Or you can bread morels and deep-fry them if you want to get crazy.

Remember to consult the rules and regulations of public conservation areas before collecting anything. The Missouri Department of Conservation permits the taking of mushrooms, seeds and berries for personal consumption on most conservation areas.

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By |May 2nd, 2014|Uncategorized|0 Comments
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Taneycomo Boat Ride

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Last Saturday was another beaut and my thoughtful husband decided to take me fishing. We rented a flat bottom boat from Lilley’s Landing in Branson and ventured out onto Lake Taneycomo. The lake is fed by water from Table Rock Lake through Table Rock dam and when the generators are running, as they were on Saturday, there is lots of fast-moving water in Taneycomo. First we decided to drive the boat upstream to the dam to sightsee. We spotted a couple of great blue herons on their nests. Then we drove downstream to the Branson Landing where we met up with some friends who were fishing a tournament. Next we tied up to one of many courtesy docks downtown and got some lunch. Branson Landing features lots of restaurants to choose from. For the rest of the day we just spent time fishing in the creek confluences: Coon Creek, Turkey Creek and Roark Creek, where we each caught a few small rainbow trout using chartreuse power eggs. We were using ultra light rods and spin casting reels, 4 lb. test fishing line, 1 small split-shot sinker and a teeny tiny hook. Tie the hook on, attach the sinker about 12 inches above the hook, stick one or two power eggs on the hook and you’re ready to fish. After casting, just let the sinker bounce along the bottom. The power eggs float so they should be eye-level with the target trout.

Many people are intimidated by fishing, especially women. With just basic equipment and tackle anyone can have a great time on the lake. You don’t even need a boat to catch trout on Taneycomo. Take a moment to examine your reasons for fishing. Of course it’s fun to reel in some feisty fish, but if you’re outside enjoying nature with the people you care about, or by yourself, you really can’t lose.

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By |May 2nd, 2014|Uncategorized|0 Comments
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Busiek Beauty

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I am quickly becoming addicted to taking nature nerd photos with my iphone.  After photographing some of my favorite spring wildflowers, I realized there were a few more that I wanted to add to my collection and I knew just where to find them.  Busiek Conservation Area has always been a favorite of mine and no matter what I am seeking, I always leave that place feeling happy and satisfied.  Before heading to Busiek, Kimmel and I made a stop at North Beach Park in Branson, MO.  This small park is bordered by Lake Taneycomo and Roark Creek.  We had seen bald eagles there before, so we took a walk to see if we could spot them.  Unfortunately, we didn’t see eagles, but we did see mallards, coots and pie-billed grebes.  Not bad for a city park.  At Busiek there are miles of trails to enjoy, but it seems like my favorite thing to do is simply wander through the service road area, food plots and creek banks. On this trip we parked in the east lot and kept walking east until we hit the creek. It was quiet and lovely, with signs of new life sprouting all around us. I found the flowers I was hoping for like toothwort, bloodroot and dutchmen’s breeches along the mossy bluffs. When we made it to the creek, Kimmel got just wet enough to get muddy on the way back to the car and I heard and briefly spotted a bird with a rust-colored belly. Don’t know what it was, but it sure was singing its heart out.

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By |April 10th, 2014|Hiking, Uncategorized, Wildflowers|0 Comments
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Boston Ferry Conservation Area

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It was a really brutal winter. I mean I hated it. Spring is finally here and you just can’t keep me inside.  Saturday I decided to check out Boston Ferry Conservation Area in Branson, MO.  I had never been to Boston Ferry Conservation Area before and it’s close to home so Kimmel and I grabbed the binoculars and cell phone and drove there! The short trail on the area actually used to be the road that led travelers to the Boston Ferry, which carried them across what was then the White River in the late 1870’s.   The trail is only half of a mile in length, but it does not loop so you will walk a mile completing it and coming back.  Don’t let the short distance on this trail fool you, there is plenty of Ozarks beauty to behold on this quick jaunt.  I encountered some of my favorite spring wildflowers such as wake robin, wild sweet William, false rue anemone and service berry – all very welcome sights.  The trail goes through rocky, wooded hillsides, down into a valley.  We could hear a small stream gurgling in places as we walked.  We also heard two barred owls calling to each other.  Barred owls are Missouri’s most common owl and also the least nocturnal.  They can often be heard calling out “Who Cook for You?” during the daylight hours.  The trail will end at a gate with a sign reading “End of Public Use Area”.  Boston Ferry Conservation Area is a beautiful place and totally worth an hour or so of your time while in Branson.

I decided to take a detour and drove through Forsyth before heading home.  We stopped at Shadow Rock Park, where Swan Creek meets Bull Shoals Lake.  There were about 15 people fishing there, some on shore and some in boats.  We watched them for 20 minutes, but nobody caught a thing. I always thought this little park was pretty. The bluffs along Swan Creek next to the bridge are beautiful and in the summer, Shadow Rock Park is a great swimming hole.

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By |April 7th, 2014|Hiking, Uncategorized, Wildflowers|0 Comments
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Spring Camping at Buffalo Point and the Quest for Smallmouth

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The weather was predicted to be gorgeous this past weekend, and the reality did not disappoint. With a temp in the upper 60’s on Saturday and prediction for 70 degrees on Sunday, I knew there was only one thing to do. After a delicious pancake breakfast and a rousing visit to healthcare.gov with my husband (we procrastinated), I threw my camping gear and my dog, Kimmel, in the car and headed to an old favorite, Buffalo Point campground.

Buffalo Point is outside of Yellville, off highway 14 in Arkansas. The campground is operated by the National Park Service and located directly adjacent to America’s first National River, the Buffalo River. Nearly every campsite is within sight of the pristine river and beautiful, towering bluffs. Electric and basic tent camping sites are offered. Electric is $22 and tent is $16 per night. Ranger stations, restrooms, showers, amphitheaters, group pavilions, river access and hiking trails are available at Buffalo Point. Interpretive programs are offered during the summer.

Kimmel and I arrived at about 5:30pm, plenty of daylight to buy some firewood at Wild Bill’s, unload my stuff, set up the tent, do a little fishing and build a campfire. I learned not to waste $5 on firewood again. Green wood is not firewood, and apparently that’s what I bought. Food for this trip was simple because I just packed small sandwiches. I admit, I got a little jealous smelling the others campers cooked food. Using some wood that a previous camper had left, I was able to make a very nice fire.

Kimmel and I relaxed, gazed at the infinite stars and bundled up for bed. It was a chilly night, but we didn’t feel it while cozied up in the tent. Two sleeping bags and layers of clothing did the trick for me, and a cushy dog bed and a couple of blankets suited Kimmel just fine. The campground has lots of soft, grassy places for tents so sleep was good, for camping sleep. I woke up a few times which was no big deal because I needed to put Kimmel’s blanket back on him a few times anyhow.

When the sun illuminated my tent and the grackles and crows began their morning chatter and scolding, I grinned a beaming grin. A beautiful day all to myself in my favorite place in the world; I just couldn’t imagine anything better than that. After a quick drive up the hill to buy some coffee from Wild Bill, I returned to camp to pack up but not to leave, just relocate. We enjoyed the sand bar that was down the hill from our camp, but a couple of kayakers had pulled in and decided to stay a while, so as not to disturb them we drove down past the B loop campsites to the picnic area. A short walk from here is one of the most magnificent bluffs on the Buffalo River. We set out a blanket on a sandy patch on the large gravel bar located on that stretch of the river and had lunch, soaked up the sun, explored and did some fishing. After a few hours, it was time to start driving home, but not without making a few stops.

We hit Crooked Creek, one of Arkansas’ best smallmouth streams, in three different places. First, under the Hwy 14 bridge in Yellville. As a kid, we went there often to swim. The water was high so there wasn’t much of a bank to stand on so we moved on. The next stop was Kelley’s Slab access, also in Yellville. I fished all along the bank from the washed out low-water bridge, upstream to just past the new bridge. Again, the water was moving pretty quickly and I didn’t have any luck with my hula grub. Kimmel was getting impatient. Kelley’s access on Crooked Creek is right next to the Fred Berry Conservation Center, which I have been hoping to visit, but it was closed unfortunately. My final attempt to catch a smallmouth was at the Lower Pyatt Access, just off Hwy 62. I often stop here on my way home from visiting my parents because it’s shady and peaceful and there is a short trail with an observation deck next to the creek where I have spotted smallmouth, sunfish and suckers. I even encountered a black rat snake who had just eaten a big meal there once. Anyway, not only was the water high again (of course – same creek) but in this particular stretch of Crooked Creek, it was muddy. I completely struck out, but if you think I went home unhappy, think again.

Buffalo River scavenger hunt. Make sure to look for these items, some of which you can take with you and some you can’t, but don’t leave until you’ve seen them all.

  • A shooting star
  • A rock from the gravel bar shaped like your state, or a heart (because my heart feels happy when I’m there)
  • Bass thumb – the rough texture your thumb acquires from gripping the lower lip of bass to remove them from your hook.
  • 3 pieces of trash. You don’t have to bring these home, but throw them away please. You’re helpful!
  • Animal tracks
  • River glass
  • Spanish Moss, don’t take this home – take a picture of it draped on the cedar trees high on the bluffs.

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By |April 1st, 2014|Buffalo River, Camping, Uncategorized|0 Comments
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