Bass fishing on Table Rock Lake and rainbow trout on Lake Taneycomo's cold tailwater, with guided trips and self-guided options.
The fishing at Big Cedar operates on two distinct bodies of water that produce entirely different experiences. Table Rock Lake, at 43,000 acres, supports largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing that draws serious anglers from across the region. The best bass fishing runs from April through October, with early morning and late afternoon sessions producing the most consistent results. Lake Taneycomo, the cold tailwater below Table Rock Dam, supports year-round rainbow trout fishing in conditions that feel closer to a mountain stream than a Missouri lake.
Guided half-day trips run $60 to $150 through the resort and local outfitters, and self-guided fishing is available with a Missouri fishing license at $14 per day for non-residents. The resort provides equipment rental and can arrange guide services for guests.
A Missouri fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. Non-resident daily permits are available at $14 and can be purchased online through the Missouri Department of Conservation. Guided trips should be booked at least several days in advance during peak season. Trout fishing on Taneycomo is accessible year-round and provides a viable activity even during months when the golf courses are closed.
The combination of warm-water bass fishing and cold-water trout fishing within minutes of each other is unusual. Most destinations offer one or the other. The proximity of both fisheries to the resort means that a golfer can play 18 holes in the morning and fish for trout on Taneycomo in the afternoon without a significant drive.