Lake Taneycomo
was created in 1913 as a warm water lake and in 1958
became a cold water lake when the Table Rock Dam was
completed. The clear cold waters from the deep
Tailwaters of Table Rock Lake pour out of the dam
into Lake Taneycomo. These cold waters of Lake
Taneycomo provide for
some of the finest trout fishing anywhere in the
world. All methods of trout fishing; fly fishing,
artificial bait, and live bait fishing may be used
year-round to pursue the elusive Trout that inhabit
the waters of Lake Taneycomo.
Lake Taneycomo originated when the White River was
confined by the completion of the "Power Site" Dam,
near Forsyth, Missouri. The Power Site Dam is
privately owned by Empire Electric Company. From
1913 until 1958 it was a warm water lake. The
completion of Table Rock Dam in 1958 changed the
source of water to Taneycomo from that of the White
River's flowing waters to the bottom tailwater of
Table Rock Lake from the dam spillway. This created
a cold water fishery. To take advantage of this
change the Missouri Department of Conservation
constructed the "Shepherd of the Hills Trout
Hatchery". Today Lake Taneycomo has some of the best
trout fishing in the nation.
Lake Taneycomo has the characteristics of both a
river and a lake for anglers to enjoy. The shallow
colder water, located near the Table Rock Dam,
averages 48 degrees F, resembles a river and permits
wading and bank fishing for trout. The average
temperature of the water gets warmer and the depth
of the Lake deepens to depths in excess of 50 feet
near Lake Taneycomo and the Power Site Dam in
Forsyth. When Table Rock Dam is generating power its
current is very strong throughout its whole length,
its water temperature drops, and for all practical
purposes it becomes a very deep, cold, fast running
river. Exactly how deep, cold, and fast depends on
how many generators are being used to generate
electricity at Table Rock Dam.
Lake Taneycomo
awaits you with its inviting beauty right as you
enter town.
A flock of
pelicans scoping out Rockaway Beach. They may not
have stayed at the local resorts or frequented the
local businesses, but they were welcome to stay as
long as they wanted.
some of the finest trout fishing anywhere in the
world. All methods of trout fishing; fly fishing,
artificial bait, and live bait fishing may be used
year-round to pursue the elusive Trout that inhabit
the waters of Lake Taneycomo.
