Lake Taneycomo Fishing Guides

This list showcases the top Lake Taneycomo fishing guides in Branson for 2025, each licensed, insured, and highly experienced to help you catch trophy trout.

Lake Taneycomo's Best Fishing Guides

John Sappington – John Sappington’s Branson Fishing Guide Service

  • Proven champion: FLW Tour Classic Champion with more than 20 top‑10 finishes, and over 100 national tournament appearances.
  • Decades of expertise: 27+ years guiding on Lake Taneycomo, with deep local knowledge of trout behavior from Table Rock Dam to downstream waters.
  • All‑skill‑level friendly: Equally skilled at teaching first‑time anglers and helping seasoned pros land their personal best.
  • Versatile fishing styles: Offers both fly fishing and spin fishing, with guided boat and wading trips tailored to your preferences.
  • Top‑rated experience: Over 600 five‑star reviews on Google and TripAdvisor, praised for patience, professionalism, and a knack for finding fish.
  • Fully equipped boat: Guides from the “Brown Bomber,” a 20’ Carolina Skiff designed for comfort, space, and optimal fishing on Taneycomo.

John Sappington: “I’ve spent my life fishing and guiding on Lake Taneycomo, and I know every bend, current, and hidden trout hole. My goal isn’t just to help you catch fish, it’s to create an unforgettable day on the water. Whether you’re a beginner reeling in your first rainbow trout or an experienced angler chasing a trophy brown, I’ll bring the same championship‑level focus, local knowledge, and passion for fishing that’s kept me out here for nearly three decades.”

Robbie Dodson – Dodson’s Guide Service

  • Extensive local knowledge: Robbie is a Missouri native with deep knowledge of Branson‑area lakes and rivers; he knows where to find bass, crappie and trout, taking anglers to the best spots.
  • Seasoned pro: He is an FLW Tour Pro who competes in Bass, FLW and Heartland Pro‑Am tournaments and often wins top prizes.
  • Light‑tackle specialist: Years of experience have honed his light‑tackle and spinning techniques.
  • High‑tech equipment: Operates a 2022 19‑ft Ranger bass boat powered by a 200‑hp Mercury engine and outfitted with GPS, fish finder, radar, livewell and icebox.
  • Family‑friendly guide: With eight years’ experience, he’s known for being good with large groups, families, kids and new anglers, and he provides live bait, lures, rods and reels.

John Sappington’s endorsement: “As someone who guides anglers on Lake Taneycomo, I’ve watched Robbie Dodson work his magic. His tournament‑winning skills and mastery of light‑tackle techniques make him a force on our lakes. What I respect most is how he combines that pro‑level expertise with a patient, family‑friendly approach and top‑of‑the‑line equipment, you’re in great hands with Robbie.”

Jeremy Rasnick – OutCasting Adventures

  • USCG‑licensed captain: Jeremy is a United States Coast Guard–licensed guide.
  • Educator and entertainer: He is passionate about entertaining guests while teaching new fishing tricks and techniques; he takes pride in adapting to current conditions.
  • Ozarks insider: Having spent his life in the Branson area, he knows the best spots on Lake Taneycomo and Table Rock and how to approach each species.
  • Versatile services: Offers dock pickup, provides bait/tackle, and even amateur photography; he accommodates everyone from avid anglers to beginners.
  • All‑species expertise: Guides clients to cold‑water rainbow and brown trout in Lake Taneycomo and warm‑water species on Table Rock Lake.

John Sappington’s endorsement: “I’ve seen Captain Jeremy help first‑timers catch fish and also challenge seasoned anglers with new techniques. His lifetime of experience on Taneycomo and Table Rock ensures clients learn the local ‘secrets,’ and his upbeat teaching style makes every trip fun. He even snaps photos so you’ll have something to show off afterward.”

Conveniently Located on

Lake Taneycomo

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!

4 Miles from Downtown Branson
4 Miles from Bass Pro Shops
3 Miles from Tanger Outlets
2 Miles from Fritz's Adventure
6 Miles from Table Rock Dam
9 Miles from Silver Dollar City