Get Out, Cool Down

49 ways to enjoy the rivers, lakes, wildlife, food and fun in 417-land this summer.

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Splash it up

Your summer lake agenda:

 

BULL SHOALS LAKE

Known for its fantastic visibility, Bull Shoals Lake is a scuba diver’s haven. And for divers who enjoy spear-fishing, Pontiac Cove Marina on Bull Shoals Lake is hosting its annual spear-fishing tournament June 16. Cost per diver is $25. And 100 percent of the entry fees are paid back to the winners. The past couple years have seen upwards of 50 divers, which makes for a hefty purse. Door prizes are handed out following the weigh-in and awards ceremony, including a spear gun as the big prize. Call 417-679-3676 or visit pontiaccove.com for more information.

LAKE TANEYCOMO

Don’t miss the opening of Gage Family Marina at Branson Landing this Fourth of July weekend. A $6 million operation, Gage Family Marina is home to a 96-foot luxury yacht for upscale dinner cruises, a 150-passenger paddlewheeler for family cruises, Denney’s Harley-Davidson, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, Shorty Small’s, a glass reception hall overlooking the fountain at Branson Landing, gondola rides, a marina store, boat slips, pontoon rentals and much more. “We will be
the main attraction on the waterfront,” says Justin Gage, one of the owners. Visit gagefamilymarinas.com or
bransonlandingcruises.com or call 417-332-2419.

TABLE ROCK LAKE

Okay, so this isn’t a new event, but if you haven’t been to Phlock at the Rock yet, you need to go! The Ozark Mountain Parrothead Club hosts this event at Rock Lane Lodge on Table Rock Lake every summer. This year it’s August 17–18. Cover charge is $10 per day; $15 for both days. It’s the ultimate beach party with music on Saturday night by Phins—a Jimmy Buffett tribute band from St. Louis (phinsband.com). Proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association. Last year the club raised $12,000 for ADA. If you’d like to make a donation for the live or silent auction or are interested in being a vendor, call Glenda Mitchell (417-887-1220) or Julie Henderson (417-766-5171). Visit omphclub.com for more details.

TRUMAN LAKE

If you’ve ever driven from Springfield to Kansas City, you’ve crossed Truman Lake. Notice anything unique about it? There are trees in the water! Yes, this makes it a little difficult to ski and tube—at least at this end of the lake—but the fishing is excellent, with June and July being two of the best months for it, according to one local guide. So if you’re looking to kick back and get a line wet, Truman Lake is your fishing destination this summer. Sterett Creek Marina and Osage Bluff Marina can accommodate your fishing needs. Visit sterettcreek.com and osagebluff.com.

LAKE POMME DE TERRE

Night fishing on Pomme de Terre Lake is a great early summer pastime for the locals. Night fishing for muskie in particular is totally untapped, according to local guide Earle Hammond of Pomme Muskie Guide Service. He loves Pomme because it’s so darn quiet and peaceful, even during the day. “I have the lake all to myself during the week,” he says. So if you’re looking for a quiet, get-back-to-nature lake, head up to Pomme de Terre one evening and drop a line. Call 417-993-0035 or visit pommemuskieguideservice.com.

LAKE OF THE OZARKS

If you’re into water sports, then don’t miss Midwestcoast Summerfest IV, July 14–15, Public Beach No. 1, Lake of the Ozarks. The wakeboard competition is the highlight, with professional wakeboarders from all over the country. Bring a blanket, and spend the day at the beach. The event is free to the public, but bring money for food and drinks. (No coolers allowed.) If you’d like to compete, you’ll need to register online at midwestcoastsummerfest.com. The price for competitors is $35 in advance, or you can register up to the day of the competition for $50. A local DJ will play music both days, and a band will play Saturday afternoon. Call 573-302-0080 or 573-216-2957.

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