by Samara Abrams

Created on: May 28, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

The moderate seasonal variations in the climate of the Midwest provide a wonderful setting for enjoying vacations to Table Rock Lake throughout the year. If you are able to visit the area more than once or twice a year, the seasons will provide you with the opportunity to experience multiple aspects of what the area has to offer.

WINTER
Since snowfall is infrequent, usually light and short-lived, and daytime temperatures are in the mid-to-upper 40's (sometimes even reaching the 70's!), Table Rock Lake is the perfect place to visit in the winter months. There's a very festive holiday atmosphere including Christmas light extravaganzas and music shows, and, of course, some great shopping.

Want to fish during your winter vacation? No worries you can search for largemouth and smallmouth bass usually found outside of treelines of coves or near the rocks. Crappie can also be found around in the wooded areas of the main tributaries. During mild winters you'll find that the fish action can be excellent.

Even though there is still so much to do and see, you will find that area resorts and lodging offer great discounts during the winter months. Heading off to Table Rock Lake for this time of the year can be both relaxing as well as entertaining!

SPRING
As the temperatures begin to rise, ranging from 56 to 77 degrees each day, wildflowers, dogwoods and other plants begin to bloom, changing the scenery of Table Rock Lake. Spring is the perfect time to head to one of the area's golf courses or take a hike or ride on the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail.

Of course, fishing is the main draw to the area in spring. That's because the best fishing of the year occurs at this time. Crappie fishing, excitement of the spring Bass spawn and the White Bass run create a sort of hysteria in the area. The biggest fish of the year are caught in March and the best number of fish are taken in April and May.

SUMMER
Summer at Table Rock Lake is considered "fun in the sun from sunrise to sunset". The lake offers an abundance of leisure activities from wakeboarding and water skiing to scuba diving and fly fishing, as well as a wide variety of boating and fishing opportunities. Don't miss the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks display! Average daily temperature is between 85 and 90 degrees, cooling off slightly in the evenings.

A variety of fish are still present all around the lake. Bass is generally found in 20 30 foot deep areas in main lake points. Crappie go deeper and scatter so best results are fishing under lights at night. Catfish are found at night on the main lake in the flats.

Jam-packed with summer time fun, this area is at its height of busy season during the summer. Don't expect much in the way of deals on hotels but do expect lots of things to do and see while you're there.

FALL
Autumn at Table Rock Lake provides another magnificent time to visit the area as the Ozark Mountains burst with brilliant color. Average daily temperature is between 71 and 82 degrees. The area celebrates fall with outstanding fall harvest arts and crafts festivals. Additionally, many of the area's outdoor sporting events and tournaments take place during this time of year.

Night fishing prevails in September and October for bass as the fish return to shallows as the water cools. November is usually the best daytime fall fishing month.

With just a short drive to Branson, Table Rock Lake has something to offer visitors of all ages and interests throughout the year. Winter, spring, summer or fall, Table Rock Lake will not disappoint!

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