Bear Den Creek

Table Rock Lake is one of the nation's premier fisheries with largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass gaining significant attention from anglers. Fishermen are reminded to check with local authorities for regulations. There is no reciprocal agreement between Missouri and Arkansas. Anglers must possess a fishing license for the state in which they are fishing. The shoreline is posted where the lake crosses state boundaries. Boaters should know the meaning of various buoys and flags. Hazard buoys are placed near shallow underwater shoals. No-wake buoys are used near marinas and highly developed shorelines. No-boat buoys are present near swimming areas. No-powerboat buoys are located within Piney Creek to mark the boundary of the Piney Creek ilderness Area.Boaters are also reminded that winds in excess of 25 mph can cause the main lake to become very dangerous.

Threadfin shad are the most important forage because of their small size. Gizzard shad are more abundant but grow to more than 6 inches in length by the end of their first year, becoming too large for a prey species. Other important forage species includes brook silversides, small bluegill and green sunfish. Young-of-the-year of all species are important. Abundant crayfish are important to bass species, catfish and, at times, white bass.

During March and April, white bass move into areas of current in the upper ends of the running rivers and creeks to spawn. Long Creek, James River and Kings River are major spawning areas.