Largescale Habitat Improvement on Table Rock Lake

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Bass Pro Shops, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission completed a five year project in 2013 to enhance fish habitat in Table Rock Lake.  The project objectives were to improve fish habitat and water quality within Table Rock Lake, and improve habitat and water quality in Lake Taneycomo.  Over 2,000 fish habitat structures comprised of stumps, rocks, and trees were installed in Table Rock Lake between 2007 and 2013.  MDC evaluated these structures using electrofishing, SCUBA surveys, radio telemetry, and angler creel surveys.  In Lake Taneycomo, 71 boulder clusters were installed to improve trout habitat.  MDC has also worked to improve watershed health by providing cost-share benefits to landowners.  Over 3,000 septic tanks have been pumped around the lake to reduce nutrient loads entering Table Rock Lake.  Eight stream bank stabilization projects were completed in the watershed to reduce sediment input into the lake.  This project has proven to be an excellent opportunity to proactively maintain and enhance fish habitat in and around two of the Midwest's most popular sport fisheries and is providing a national example for sustaining and improving reservoir sportfish populations through large-scale habitat improvements.