Before you head out fishing, be sure to review all Missouri fishing regulations as well as pick up a fishing permit. You can also buy permits at any department store, as well as stores that sell hunting and fishing equipment.

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Table Rock Lake sits just west of Branson and fishing is one of its most popular attractions. This Missouri lake is replete with Bass (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted) as well as Crappie, Bluegill, Catfish and Sunfish. Though not as common, there are limited chances to catch Walleye, Warmouth and Striped Bass. Each season offers a unique fishing experience and provides challenges for anglers of all skills. Table Rock Lake fishing is renowned for its bass angling. Table Rock Lake is large and offers plenty of places to go fishing. Visitors can cast a line from the shore or take a boat to fish offshore. Either way, anglers are sure to enjoy their time on the lake.

While Table Rock Lake is the place to go if you are looking for Bass, Lake Taneycomo is the ideal spot for trout fishing. The Missouri Department of Conservation estimates that about 90% of what anglers catch at Lake Taneycomo is Rainbow Trout with another 6% being brown trout. Though the majority of the stock is trout, there are small chances to catch Black Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Black Crappie, Walleye Bass and White Bass. Lake Taneycomo has a unique shape as it stretches from the Table Rock Dam to the Powersite Dam. The area between Table Rock Dam and Fall Creek tends to have a higher fish density than the area below Fall Creek. Fly fishing is also popular above Fall Creek. Be sure to check all local regulations including bait restrictions for the area.

Bull Shoals Lake stretches across the Missouri-Arkansas state line and offers plenty of opportunities for fishing. The lake sits about 20 minutes outside of Branson, making it a great day trip from the city. Bass fishing is popular on the lake as you can find a healthy amount of white largemouth and spotted bass. Bull Shoals is different from Lake Taneycomo and Table Rock Lake because there is also a fair amount of Walleye in the waters. Other fish types fishers may find include crappie, bream and catfish. The waters of this lake are warm and rarely freeze, leaving it a great place to fish year-round. It's important to note where you are at Bull Shoals Lake because regulations differ from Missouri to Arkansas. There are also several fishing guide services that offer trips on the lake so there are plenty of ways to enjoy fishing on Bull Shoals Lake.

Bull Creek runs north of Branson and is a tributary of the White River and Lake Taneycomo. Some of the best spots for fishing are near Walnut Shade but there are numerous spots to try your hand at fishing. The creek is home to both largemouth and smallmouth bass as well as Rainbow Trout. This is also a great place to try your hand at fly fishing. Bull Creek doesn't typically attract a lot of fishers so visitors can enjoy a quiet setting.