Going there in May.  How is the fishing?  I read there are smallmouth and   walley there.   I have never fished for them.  Don't have any in south la. Any info will be appreciated.

Bull Shoals is a great deep water impoundment. The lake was built as a retention lake to house flood waters from the White river chain of lakes. ( Beaver, Table Rock, Tanycomo ) It has areas that are 200 ft deep near the dam, and shallow areas in the rivers. The lake is abundant with small mouth, ( Brownies and Kentucky's ) Walleyes also thrive heavily and some have been weighed as big as 18 Lbs. ( not recently ) 4 to 5 Lbs are common. From 125 Launching ramp to the dam, the water can be very clear, You can see as deep as 20 ft. Standing timber is almost every where. Natural colors ( obviously) are a good choice. Jigs are very popular. Pick up some "old Ugly" or " Grass Hopper" colors. They can be very productive.

Cotton you are in for the trip of a lifetime. That lake is so awesome.  I fished a tourney there last year and had never fished the lake before. We won the first day with a 15 lb 5 fish sack of brownies. I would say fish a jighead worm or jig. Also try a gitzit and a fluke. Get a map of bull shoals and read the tips. I found all these fish reading the tips on the map. Later, Clint

I fish BS regularly.  It got over 40' high last year and had a tremendous spawn.  Lots of fish didn't see any baits and it is hot right now.  We have been doing quite well.

By the time you get there, depending on what part of May, the spawn will probably be over but some males will still be guarding nests.

Early and late I'd fish buzzbaits and spinnerbaits.  When the sun is up I'd go for Trigs and jigs.  If you feel comfortable with it, night fishing is great on this lake.

What part of the lake will you be fishing?  I might be able to tell you a spot or two to try.

Thanks everybody for the good info.  I'm looking forward to fishing B.S. Lake

I may be down to BS or a nearby lake around April 10th.  Live in MN and just want a bit of time on the water.  Couple questions:

- What is the best lake to go to near northern AR or southern MO around this time?

- What is the average spawn date aroung this area?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Swampbuck