Browns are Running, Rainbows are Biting!
Well folks, October’s here, and that means cooler mornings, crisp air, and some of the best trout fishing of the year on Lake Taneycomo.
The water’s cooling off, the browns are starting their fall run, and the rainbows are staying active from top to bottom. It’s been a great month to be out on the water, and the bite’s been steady every day.
Water Conditions
The lake’s in great shape right now. We’re seeing water temps in the low 50s early in the month and dropping into the upper 40s toward the end, which keeps those trout fired up.
Generation from Table Rock Dam has been moderate. Plenty of good wading opportunities during low flows, and when they’re pushing water, those fish slide over to the seams and edges where we can drift bait or jigs through them.
If you’re planning a trip, check that generation schedule before heading out, it makes all the difference in how and where you fish.
Rainbow Trout
The rainbows are active across the lake right now. You’ll find them biting just about everywhere from the trophy waters below the dam down to Cooper Creek.
- Best baits: Bright PowerBait colors like pink, chartreuse, and white; salmon eggs; or nightcrawlers.
- Lures: 1/16–1/8 oz marabou jigs in olive, sculpin, or white, and small spoons or crankbaits in gold or silver.
- Tips: Drift your bait naturally with a small split shot and light line—4 to 6 lb test. In clear water, lighter line and smaller presentations get more bites.
Bank anglers are catching plenty, and boaters drifting through seams and eddies during generation are doing great too.
Brown Trout
This is the month for big browns! They’re starting their spawn run up from the lower lake, and we’re already seeing some nice fish in the trophy area.
- Top lures: Streamers, jerkbaits, and darker marabou jigs.
- Fly anglers: Egg patterns in peach, apricot, and pink are getting a lot of attention, along with scuds and midges.
- Hot times: Early mornings and evenings are prime. When they’re aggressive, a well-placed streamer or jerkbait can draw a big strike.
Cover water and be patient—these fish make you work for it, but the reward’s worth it when one crushes your lure.
Best Spots
The trophy area below Table Rock Dam is the place to be if you’re fly fishing or looking to target brown trout this month. From Fall Creek down to Cooper Creek, anglers are finding a steady rainbow trout bite using both bait and spinning gear. The public docks in downtown Branson continue to produce consistent action for shore fishermen using PowerBait and nightcrawlers.
Tips for Success
Match your tactics to the water flow. When the dam is generating, drift bait or larger jigs through the seams, and when the water is low, downsize your presentation and take advantage of wading opportunities.
Scuds in sizes 14 to 16, sowbugs in size 16, zebra midges in sizes 18 to 22, and pheasant tails are all producing well. During the brown trout run, switch over to egg patterns or small streamers and work the seams and gravel bars.
When generation is up, drift your nymphs and midges under an indicator. When the water is low, sight fish and make subtle presentations, as these trout can be selective in clear conditions.
Use light line and small hooks for the best results, especially with the clear water we’re seeing this time of year.
Early mornings and evenings remain the best times to connect with trophy fish. They’re on the move and ready to bite.
Let's Go Fishing!
If you’d like to get out on the water, book a trip with me. I’ve been guiding on Lake Taneycomo for over 27 years, and I’d love to put you on fish while sharing the techniques that consistently produce in any condition.