North Fork Bratten Spring Creek

This superb fishery continues to be one of the most famous resources in the nation. Outstanding aesthetics, water clarity and outdoor recreation opportunities accounts for the lake's popularity.

By abundance, gizzard shad comprise the bulk of the forage base. Threadfin shad, a smaller fish, are more important because of their size and usefulness as prey. Bluegill growth rates are slow and they remain an important component of the forage base. Other species includes bluntnose minnow, brook silversides, green sunfish, golden redhorse, various shiners and young-of-the-year of all species. Crayfish are abundant and heavily used by most game species. Aquatic insects and their larvae provide food for young-of-the-year fish.

During February and March, walleye make spawning runs up the White River toward the Taneycomo Dam. Other runs up East and West Sugarloaf creeks and Bear Creek have been reported. In March and April, white bass move up Swan Creek, Beaver Creek, Spring Creek, Little North Fork, Bear Creek, Big Creek, Howard Creek, Jimmie Creek and both Sugarloafs.