If you give me a call and I don’t pick up, there’s a good chance I’m out on the water helping someone reel in a big one. I typically check messages between 4pm and 9pm and will get back to you as soon as possible.
For quicker replies to your questions, send me a text at (417) 460-5747.
If you're inquiring about a fishing trip for a large group (7 or more people), please send me an email with your group size, preferred dates, and trip type (boat or wading trip) to john@johnsappington.com.
Yes, if you have 7 or more people in your group, I can arrange to have another guide and boat available to accommodate your entire party. Please send me an email with your group size, preferred dates, and trip type (boat or wading trip) to john@johnsappington.com.
Yes, you’ll need a valid fishing license and trout tag from the Missouri Department of Conservation. You can order both online by visiting their website.
I provide everything you need for a great day on the water—boat, fishing poles, tackle, bottled water, and life jackets are all included. All you’ll need to bring is a valid fishing license and trout tag.
For wading trips, I provide the fishing poles, tackle, bottled water, and life jackets. You’ll just need to bring your own waders, along with a valid fishing license and trout tag.
In the Summer, I recommend bringing a light coat or sweater for morning trips. During the Spring, Fall, and Winter, I recommend bringing lots of layers, as the water on Lake Taneycomo stays pretty cold and can make things feel quite brisk with some wind.
You're welcome to bring your own gear, especially if you're an advanced angler. However, I will provide professional quality fishing gear already rigged up and ready-to-go when you arrive.
For my guided boat fishing trips on Lake Taneycomo, you'll park at Cooper Creek Resort & Rv, located at 471 Cooper Creek Rd Slip #1, Branson, MO 65616 and meet me at Slip #1. No parking passes needed.
For my guided wading fishing trips on Lake Taneycomo, we'll meet in the parking lot at Outlet #2 at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, located at 483 Hatchery Rd, Branson, MO 65616.
We'll catch lots of rainbow trout, and if we're lucky, the elusive brown trout. We'll fish with flies, lures, and jigs, depending on what's biting and how much water is being released by Table Rock Dam. We won't use any artificial bait (Powerbait).
Yes, each person can keep up to 4 fish, 4 rainbows or 3 rainbows and 1 brown. If we fish the "Trophy" area, which is between Table Rock Dam to the mouth of Fall Creek, rainbow trout between 12 and 20 inches must be released. Brown trout under 20 inches must be released.
John Sappington’s Branson Fishing Guide Service is located right in the heart of Branson, at 471 Cooper Creek Rd Slip #1, Branson, MO 65616. Less than a 10-minute drive from top attractions like Historic Downtown Branson, Bass Pro Shops, Fritz’s Adventure, and Tanger Outlets.
Whether you're staying at Big Cedar Lodge, visiting Silver Dollar City, or just squeezing in a morning on the lake before lunch, let’s hit the water and catch some fish!