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Lake Info: Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas

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Latest Bull Shoals Lake Report

As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 687.52 feet MSL (Normal conservation pool - 654 MSL). Mike W... Continued


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Description: 

Bull Shoals Lake is a Reservoir in Baxter, Arkansas.

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Bull Shoals Lake is a man-made lake in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. It has hundreds of miles of lake arms and coves perfect for boating, water sports, swimming, and fishing. Nineteen developed parks around the shoreline provide campgrounds, boat launches, swim areas, and marinas.

Bull Shoals Lake was created by one of the largest concrete dams in the United States. Work on the dam began in 1947, was completed in 1951 and dedicated by President Truman in 1952. At least seven small family cemeteries and 20 larger cemeteries were meticulously relocated to accommodate the new lake.

Bull Shoals Lake is an impoundment of the White River. Bull Shoals is the farthest lake downstream in a chain of four man-made lakes that include (from upstream to downstream) Beaver Lake, Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo. The lake is controlled by the Army Corps of Engineers and has the primary purpose of flood control. The level of the lake fluctuates regularly with a normal pool level elevation of 654 feet above sea level, which is locally known as powerpool. However, the lake regularly fluctuates between an elevation of 630 to 680 feet.

The dam can retain water in the lake to a maximum elevation of 695 feet. Bull Shoals Lake covers 45,000 acres (182 km²) with a 700 mile (1,120 km) shoreline at powerpool to more than 70,000 acres (284 km²)with a 1,000 mile (1,600 km) shoreline at 690 feet. The bottom of the lake consists of bedrock with very limited vegetation. The shoreline is heavily forested.

Fishing Description: 

Bull Shoals enjoys wide recognition as a prime fishery. Holding several Arkansas and Missouri state records, the lake’s reputation is well justified.

Opportunities abound for many species, ranging from pan fish to walleye. A fish attractor program to improve habitat and enhance fishing success has resulted in over 450 attractors being placed in Bull Shoals. A map showing their location is available from the Visitor Information Center.

The White River, downstream of Bull Shoals Dam, is the premier trout fishery in the central United States and has yielded Arkansas state records for cutthroat and rainbow trout. Floating down the river in an Ozark johnboat and fishing for brown, brook, cutthroat, and rainbow trout is an experience found nowhere else.

Recreational Activities: 

Biking
Boating
Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Picnicking
Recreational Vehicles
Visitor Center
Water Sports
Wildlife Viewing

Facilities and Parks: 

Bull Shoals-White River State Park is a popular camping destination that features 103 campsites along or near the river (two Class AAA, one Class AA, four Class A, 76 Class B, 20 Tent sites with no hookups, two Rent-A-Camp sites and two Rent-An-RV units).

Interpretive programs are offered in the park throughout the year. Park facilities include picnic areas, standard pavilions, playgrounds, hiking trails, and a multi-use trail. The park's marina/store offers boat, motor, kayak and canoe rentals; and, in addition, supplies, equipment, and gifts for sale. To contact the park: 870-445-3629

Boat Ramp: 

Boat Launching is available at
Beaver Creek
Buck Creek
Dam Site
Highway 125
Lakeview
Lead Hill
Oakland / Ozark Isle Park

Address: 

324 W. 7th Street
Mountain Home,AR,72653
Phone: (870) 425-2700

Directions to Lake: 

From Little Rock, 135 miles north on US 65, 50 miles east on US 62 to Flippin, 4 miles north to lake. From Springfield, MO, south on US 65, then east on AR 14.

Name: 
Bull Shoals Lake
Waterbody type: 
Reservoir
County: 
Baxter
State: 
Arkansas
Country: 
United States
Surface area: 
45150.00
Maximum depth: 
210ft
Average depth: 
75ft
Standard elevation: 
170
Latitude: 
36.4453
Longitude: 
-92.7149