INSIDE:
• Fishing Table Rock - Walleye • No Churn Ice Cream • Rogue Chef • What Lies Beneath • & More
Branson West, MO
Guided Walking Tours
Rock & Gift Shop
Mini Golf
Gemstone Panning
Nature Trails
Family Games Area
How is it already August?? I swear it was just memorial day... Slow down, Summer!
This month everything is heating up and you have to head to deeper water. What is your favorite way to cool down? We tie up with friends in a cove or float off the dock! Don‘t forget Naked Palooza is this month, read about it on page 24. This is always a good time, even if you just like to people watch!!
Be sure to share your photos with us for an end of summer digital issue (hello@ lostonthelake.us). We‘d love to feature your favorite memories on Table Rock Lake in the special issue. As always, we are so thankful for our readers and followers.
Take care of each other and enjoy whats left of Summer 24~
Be Happy,
Myra Thornton
CREATIVE EDITOR
Myra Thornton
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Eric Prey
Julie Blanner
The Rogue Chef
Edward Jones
Tom Koob
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Eric Prey
Julie Blanner
Tom Koob
ADVERTISING SALES
Myra Thornton
“Loved this trip!”
“Best cave experience!”
By: Eric Prey Focused Fishing Guide Service
Table Rock Lake has never been known as a walleye destination, when anglers think about walleye their thoughts lead them up north to Minnesota, Wisconsin and Canada. But in the past few years Table Rock has seen an improvement in both numbers and size of walleye. The stocking efforts of the Missouri Department of Conservation are finally beginning to bear fruit and Table Rock has a thriving walleye population.
Walleye are highly sought-after freshwater fish that provide a thrill-
ing challenge for anglers due to their elusive nature and selective feeding habits. Known for their sharp teeth and distinctive golden-green coloration, walleye are not only fun to catch but also delicious to eat. The added allure of fishing on Table Rock Lake, with its picturesque scenery and diverse wildlife, creates an unforgettable fishing experience.
Walleye fishing is generally most productive in the spring and fall months. During the spring, as water temperatures begin to rise, walleye migrate
to shallow waters to spawn, making them easier to catch. Early morning and late evening tend to be the best times to fish during these seasons when walleye are most active.
In the summer, walleye on Table Rock will move up on flat gravel main lake points, they will be relatively shallow at night, less than 15’ deep and will gradually move out to around 30’ deep as the sun rises.
Jigging: One of the most effective methods for catching walleye is jigging. Use a jig head with a soft plastic lure or live bait, such as minnows. A drop shot rig with a live night crawler is another effective presentation. Focus on areas with submerged structure, points, and drop-offs where walleye like to hide.
Trolling: Trolling is another productive
technique on Table Rock Lake. Using crankbaits or spinners, fish at a slow speed while covering larger areas of water. This method allows you to locate walleye effectively.
Night Fishing: Walleye are often more active at night, making night fishing a popular and effective strategy. Using subdued colors in your lures can help attract them in low-light conditions.
When fishing for walleye, it is essential to have the right gear. A medium to medium-light rod paired with a spinning reel is ideal for walleye fishing. Use a 6 to 10-pound test line to handle the fish’s sharp teeth while providing enough sensitivity for bites.
For bait, live minnows and nightcrawlers are popular choices, but artificial lures such as shad imitations, crankbaits, and jigs can also be highly ef-
fective. Experimenting with various colors and sizes can help you determine what the walleye are responding to on a given day.
Before heading out, make sure to familiarize yourself with the local fishing regulations for Table Rock Lake. This includes understanding size limits and bag limits for walleye to ensure sustainable fishing practices. Respecting these regulations helps preserve the lake’s ecosystem for future generations of anglers.
Walleye fishing on Table Rock Lake can be an exhilarating and reward-
ing experience. With its stunning surroundings, diverse fishing techniques, and peak seasons, the lake is a prime destination for both novice and experienced anglers. By understanding the habits of walleye, using effective fishing techniques, and adhering to conservation regulations, you can make the most of your fishing adventures on this beautiful lake.
Eric Prey is the Owner/Operator of Focused Fishing Guide Service on Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals lakes
To book a trip or contact him: www.focusedfishing.com or Call: 417-860-4743
Provided by: Grant Beasley
As we transition from summer to autumn, change is all around us — leaves are taking on new colors, temperatures are dropping, and the days are getting shorter. But you can also experience different seasons in various aspects of your life — including when you invest. What are the seasons of an investor’s life? And how should you respond to them?
The first such season may happen when you are in your 20s and just starting out in the working world. At this stage in your life, it’s especially important to prioritize your financial goals. At the top of your mind may be a short-term goal, such as saving for a down payment on a house. To help achieve this goal, you’d generally want to save in “cash” accounts and invest in fixed-income vehicles that offer preservation of principal. At the same time, you don’t want to disregard a longer-term goal — in particular, saving for retirement. While you may not be able to afford to put much away, every amount helps. And you’ll want to invest for growth.
Now, as the seasons of your life progress, let’s consider your early middle years. At this point, you’ve moved past
the down payment on your home and you’re well into paying a mortgage regularly. And you might even have retired your student loans. But now, you may have another major goal — helping build resources for your children’s college education or other post-secondary training. For this objective, you could consider several options, one of which is a 529 education savings plan, which can provide federally tax-free earnings and withdrawals if the money is used for qualified educational expenses. But you’re also moving closer to retirement, so, if you can afford it, you may want to increase your contributions to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan.
As the seasons continue to move on, and you find yourself in your later middle years, your financial situation may have changed significantly. Now, your children may be out of school, your earnings may have grown to their highest level, and you might even have paid off your mortgage. Given these factors, you may now be able to devote more of your resources toward your retirement by ramping up your IRA and 401(k) contributions even further, and possibly also
considering other investment vehicles. And you may want to inject more balance into your portfolio, possibly lowering its overall risk level somewhat, especially in the years immediately preceding your retirement.
Once you move into your retirement season, you may need to continue, and possibly accelerate, the movement toward a more balanced portfolio — one that provides you with more income-producing opportunities. Some investments provide current income, while others provide it in the future, but all of them can contribute to your ability to enjoy your retirement lifestyle. However, you still need some growth-oriented investments to help
keep you ahead of inflation. Plus, it’s a good idea to keep at least a year’s worth of living expenses in cash and another few years’ worth in shortterm, fixed-income investments. By doing so, you can help avoid having to sell assets in a down market.
The seasons of your life may come and go more quickly than you realize — but you can be prepared for them by making the appropriate investment moves.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward JonesFinancialAdvisor.
EdwardJones,MemberSIPC
Thunder Ridge Nature Arena is the newest outdoor amphitheater, and one of the most beautiful in the US. With sweeping views of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake in the distance you will be amazed with the experience. The venue already is drawing world reknown acts, you have to add it to your bucket list!
The amphitheater features many options for seating. With room for 18,000, there is always something for everyone. The grass hill is perfect for throwing out a blanket and relaxing. There are floor seats, floor pit and VIP seating.
For those looking for something special, there are Premium Options. With unparalled luxury and world class performances you can’t go wrong.
The premium options feature Private Suites and Boxes offering culinary experiences and craft cocktails. Each with its own feel.
• The Founders Suites offer rustic elegance with a guest capacity of 25-30.
• The Ridgeview Loge Boxes can
accomodate 4 - 8 guests for an intimate show experience.
• The Luxury Veterens Tower Suites offer accomodations for 80-85 guests each.
• The Fireside Suite has center stage seating with a capacity of 40 guests.
• The Historic Barn has been beautifully restored and can fit 100 guests.
• The Sunset Ridge Reserved Terrace Tables offer an awesome outdoor vantage point above the lawn.
Each Premium offering includes:
• Premium Parking,
• Access to exclusive lounges with drinks, pre-event culinary experience and lounge access.
• Expansive views
• VIP Entry
Naked Palooza is a chance for friends to come together and tie-up before the end of summer. This is always a good time. Great music, every type of watercraft, floaties and fun!
And no, the name does not mean that people are naked...it does mean it isn’t necessarily the best choice for children. Lots of adult beverages will be consumed and some foolishness always follows. Come out and enjoy this annual event!
www.julieblanner.com
There’s nothing sweeter, creamier or more delicious than homemade ice cream. Especially when it’s one of these no churn ice cream recipes that require virtually no work at all!
In fact, once you realize how easy these are, you’ll never want a store bought version again!
What better way is there to beat the summer heat than to whip up creamy and delicious homemade ice cream?
• No Machine Required – Yes, you can make this without a machine. Changing the flavor of your homemade ice cream is as easy as gently folding in your favorite candy, extract, juice and more.
• So Easy – Perfect for little hands to help. Most of these condensed milk ice cream recipes require just a couple minutes of mixing.
• Just Three Ingredients – It’s true! Most of these recipes start with a two-ingredient base, and then you’ll customize from there.
1. 2 cups Heavy Cream – Heavy cream whips really well and will hold it’s shape for longer than other creams, so it’s best not to substitute this. If you are in a pinch you can use heavy whipping cream.
2. 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk – Condensed milk adds sweetness to the ice cream and it also softens it to allow for easy scooping. To make your ice cream less sweet you can use low fat or fat free.
3. 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder – Use unsweetened cocoa powder as you will get enough sweetness from the condensed milk. Use your favorite brand for that rich chocolate flavor.
Whip – In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Blend in sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder.
Freeze – Pour into loaf pan and freeze until solid.
It’s easiest to make this no churn ice cream with a stand mixer, but you can do it by hand if you don’t have one. It will take a little longer, but the results will be the same.
Be sure to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will trap air and help the ice cream to hold it’s shape when it freezes.
Be sure to mix the ingredients together really well so that everything is well combined with no lumps of cocoa powder.
This chocolate ice cream disappeared pretty quickly, but it will keep well in the freezer for up to two weeks.
Cover the loaf tin with plastic wrap or place in a freezer bag so that ice crystals don’t form.
Seriously, this is the creamiest recipe ever…I’d share, IF there was a drop left! It’s perfectly scoop-able right from the freezer and it’s hard to stop once you have started!
The options are limitless for flavors. Visit here for more ice cream recipes: https://julieblanner.com/ ice-cream-recipes/
Julie Blanner and family love spending time at their lake cottage nestled on Table Rock Lake
Anyone visiting the lake has likely seen a Great Blue Heron. And if you’ve seen one, you have definitely heard one! They are quite loud when disturbed and forced to fly off, squaking in a low, harsh “gwock”. I imagine part of their complaint is the effort it must take to get that large body into flight.
They are one of the largest birds in the US and they gravitate towards water. Their wingspan is the size of an eagle and they can be as tall as 3 feet. They are mostly legs and neck.
When in flight, they hold their neck in an S-curve and their legs hang behind. They flap their wings slow and
deep.
They can stand still forever and then suddenly react with deadly aim and lightening speed. With the patience of a fisherman, they wait along the shore for fish to swim by. They will also eat frogs, insects, snakes and any other small animal that it can swallow.
Known as top predators, they are at little risk themselves. However, their eggs and chicks are often preyed on.
Great Blue Heron gather in nesting colonies near the waters edge and build bulky stick nests. This allows for foraging along the waters edge while staying close to their chicks.
Having these birds on a lake is a sign of a healthy ecosystem.
Resources: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/ field-guide/great-blue-heron
The Green Heron is a stocky heron similar in size to a crow. On adults, the wings and back are a mix of green and blue-gray. The body is a chestnut brown and they have a dark blue-green crown on their head that can be raised to a crest if alarmed.
They have a loud, sharp call which sounds like a rusty pair of scissors closing - “Skowp”!
Unlike the Great Blue Heron, the Green Heron is only about 18 inches tall. They stand very still in the shallow waters edge, in a bush or low lying tree branch hanging over the water and wait for their prey to come along. Stalking small fish, frogs and aquatic insects, they will watch and wait for their prey to venture close enough for them to grab.
A heron will catch its prey with a rapid lunge, grasping it with its bill and then swallowing it headfirst. Its neck can extend a long way to reach for its intended prey.
The Green Heron is one of the few birds known to use tools. They will sometimes drop small items into the water surface to attract curious fish
and draw them into striking distance.
Typically on Table Rock from midApril through late October, they begin to move on in late August. They tend to nest solitarily, unlike other herons. Nests are built into the forks of trees and bushes and are well hidden, often overhanging the water.
Green Herons are believed to be an intelligent bird. Scientist wonder did they learn to use tools to catch prey by watching other species? Or is it an innate behavior passed on through
genes? No one is quite sure.
Either way, this bird is fascinating to watch along the shore.
Resources:
https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/great-blue-heron
https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/green-heron
Fully Automated, The Touchless Boat Cover® protection system is designed to operate independently with any boat lift. By using a remote and pressing a button, the cover will smoothly lower over your boat. With a 7-year manufacturer warranty and 26 years of leading the boat cover industry, quality is built into each Touchless Boat Cover.
The patented product design utilizes a unique retraction system that offers both convenience and lastingprotection. All Touchless Covers feature distinctive qualities that make them the most demanded boating accessory for everyone. The strong and durable frame designs are suitable for lake, river, brackish, and ocean waters and feature marine-grade,
UVA protecting “Top Gun” fabric designed for a wide range of geographical climates.
Each cover order is a unique custom design. Your boat, boat lift, dock, and/or boathouse are personally measured on your dock by a factory-authorized dealer and then constructed by the manufacturing team.
Factory Certified: Every dealer is factory certified and guaranteed by Touchless Boat Cover® to be the best in their area. Our covers are only installed and serviced by our factory-authorized dealers to ensure the top-quality status we hold throughout the boating industry. Our team consists of over 100 dealers in more cont on page 38
than 30 states and is constantly expanding to new areas.
Factory Training: Every dealer we welcome to our team is required to attend a training session at our corporate office located in Orlando, Florida. There, in our state-of-the-art training facility, dealers receive certification through a step-bystep training on how to properly sell, install, and service The Touchless Boat Cover®.
Top Gun Fabric: Easy to clean marine-grade fabric. Fabric has UVA threading sealed with a polymeric coating, which provides protection from outdoor exposure and is abrasion resistant. Available in 10 stock fabric color choices and 10 special order colors.
Marine Grade Frame: Frames available in both “Gator Shield” coated, galvanized steel and 6061 marine-grade aluminum. Our frames are customized for any application from rivers and lake waters to brackish and ocean water.
Motor: Marine-grade, fully sealed, outdoor, zero-maintenance, remote-controlled or phone app upgradable motor available in A/C and D/C models.
Ventilation Mesh: Maximum-flow ventilation system provides substantial airflow around the entire perimeter of the boat. This breathable feature allows your boat to completely air dry and not trap in moisture.
Zipper: Easy release zipper for ease of install or uninstall, for seasonal storage.
EZ Lace: Attaches fabric to framework acting as reinforcement fabric binding. Provides extra fabric support for high wind resistance and easy access to tighten zip ties.
Retraction System: Aircraft, marinegrade, stainless-steel cables are used to evenly gather fabric while the lower
frame raises and lowers. Fiberglass rods installed in the fabric offer additional internal skeletal cover support and enhanced gathering.
Pulleys: Stainless-steel pulleys with quick-release sheaves.
Binding: Stylish acrylic binding for protection and high-end finish.
Riser: Customizable built-in post used to support the cover where no support is available.
Angle Bracket: Heavy-duty adjustable bracket for large overhangs greater than 3 feet.
Grommeted Holes: Customized drain hole placement on each cover allowing rainwater to drain.
Boot/Tower: Custom cavity design for additional coverage customized for Towers,
T-tops, and Bimini Tops. Boat accessories are tucked up inside of boathouse rafters maximizing the height the boat can be raised in the boathouse for complete protection.
Boat Lift Cables: Our covers are custom-designed to work with any existing boat lift cable and existing pilings.
Cable Holes: Openings are custom fit for cover to allow boat lift components to pass through cover.
Segmented Zipper Openings: Custom zipper openings can be installed at any desired location for access to boat lift components, lights, or overhead storage.
Give us a call for a free estimate: 833-822-6837
Shometouchlessboatcover.com
Ready in 20 minutes
Serves 8-10 people
• 4 Ears Multi Colored Corn White & Yellow Corn, husks and silk removed
• 2 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus 1T
• 1 Avocado, pitted and diced
• 12-15 Grape Tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 Red Pepper, finely chopped
• ½ Red Onion, peeled and chopped
• ½ Small Serrano Pepper, seeded and chopped
• ½ C Cotija Cheese
• ½ C Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 Lime, juiced
• ½ tsp Himalayan Pink Salt
• ½ tsp Cumin
• ¼ tsp New Mexico Red Chili Powder
• ¼ tsp Paprika
• 10 Corn Tortillas, slightly dry
• 2 C Vegetable Oil
• Salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare the corn salsa:
1. Clean and oil the grates on the grill.
2. Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
3. Brush the corn with roughly 2 T of olive oil
4. Place the ears directly on the grill.
5. Close the lid and roast for 10 minutes, rotating every couple minutes to promote even cooking.
6. Remove the corn from the grill using tongs.
7. Transfer to a plate.
8. Remove the kernels from the cob with a knife.
9. Stir together the corn, avocado, grape tomatoes, red pepper, red onion, serrano pepper, cilantro, garlic, lime, cotija cheese, the remaining tablespoon olive oil, salt, cumin, New Mexican Chili Powder, and paprika in a large bowl. Cover and set aside.
Make the homemade tortilla chips:
1. Cut each corn tortilla into 6 even triangles.
2. Line a large sheet pan with paper towels.
3. Fill the bottom of a large skillet with 1” of the vegetable oil.
4. Wait until the oil is 350°F.
5. Place the tortilla wedges into the oil and cook until golden brown and crispy, roughly 1-2 minutes.
6. Remove the chips from the oil and place them on the paper towel-lined sheet pan.
7. Sprinkle chips with salt.
8. Serve the corn salsa with the homemade chips.
9. Enjoy! Go Rogue by adding Sauteed Shrimp in the salsa mix.
Want Chef Jeff to make this delicious meal for you? Contact him at: www.TheRogueChefBranson.com
The
Joseph Philibert, came to the James River area in 1822 to help establish a trading post with William Gillis at Delaware Town, four and one half miles west of what is today Nixa. Joseph first worked as a gunsmith and then as a clerk at the trading post. Delaware Town was an extended village inhabited by Delaware Indians, a semi-nomadic tribe. The Delaware lived in several villages along the James growing crops and trading furs. The Delaware were relocated in 1830 to the Kansas City area with Gillis’ oversight.
Gillis’ trading post at Delaware Town consisted of several log buildings including a two-room house, a retail store, a warehouse and several outbuildings. Joseph Philibert made trips to St. Genevieve occasionally to obtain supplies and goods for the post. The 250 mile trip took
at least fifteen days of travel by wagon along the Old Piney Creek Road.
After traveling to several locations throughout the Midwest while working for Gillis, Philibert returned to Stone County in 1833. He married 16 year-old Peninah Yoachum of the legendary “silver dollar” Yoachums. Philibert homesteaded property along the ridge north of the confluence of the James and White Rivers. He farmed the land and possibly operated a trading post here until his death in 1884. Philibert Bluff above the old homestead bears the name of the original white resident.
Ben Loftin was born in Barry County and grew up on the family farm at Buttermilk Bay near Carr Ford. He attended school in Reeds Spring. His parents were Les-
cont on page 44
ter and Margaret Loftin. In 1948, after serving in the infantry during World War II, Ben and his wife Betty purchased 640 acres at the mouth of the James River, the previous location of the Philibert homestead.
The Loftin farm included large areas of fertile bottomland, a natural pond, a high peninsula between the White and James and forested ridgelines. The bottomland was on high terraces that flooded infrequently. With his father and brother, Ben grew corn and hay and ran Herefords on the pastures. The Loftins also raised hogs and kept sheep which they sheared for wool. The livestock were taken to market in Springfield.
There were two access roads to the Loftin farm. One ran northeast along the ridge and connected to the farm-to-market route that ended in Shell Knob (now 39-1). The other road crossed the James River on a substantial bridge and followed the James River Road past Joe Bald to Highway 13. Ben Loftin says there was a previous bridge at this location that had washed out. In 1956, the existing bridge across the James was also flooded out and never replaced. Ben recalls that trees
which had been cut through clearing up the James washed downstream and built up against the bridge during high water. He watched the flotsam piling up against the span until noon. Ben went in for dinner and when he came back out, the bridge was gone. He hadn’t heard a sound.
Ben Loftin hunted squirrels and trapped raccoon and mink along the river. He liked to fish at night and especially liked to noodle. Ben knew of many holes along the river that could hold big catfish, flatheads up to 50 pounds. He would wade into the water and reach up into the holes along the bank. Sometimes he felt a turtle. Sometimes he felt a catfish. He would grab the fish by the gills or use a hayhook to impale the big fish and then drag him out. Ben relates the following story about noodling:
“I saw this fish when I was down there noodlin’. The bridge piers had two legs with an open space between the legs down on the bottom of the river. I went down and came around this lower leg. This one fish had his head up against the crossbar. So I came up and asked some of them that was with me if they wanted to go down and look at him. They didn’t
Mouth of the James April, 1957
say anything about going down. I told one of them, ‘You hang on to the end of this cord.’ I had it tied on to a stick with a hook on it. I said, ‘You hold this stick and I’ll go down and hook him and you can pull him in.’ So I went down and came around this lower leg and there was this big catfish. This little one had dropped down beside him. They were both there on the bottom of the river. So when I came around there, this big one took off. The little one started to follow him, so I just reached out over with the hook and got him in the mouth and turned him loose. This guy up on the bridge with the cord, instead of him tightin’ it up and pullin’ on it, he just held it slack. That fish came up, stuck his head up out of the water and broke that pole. That big one went under this big pier from the old bridge. Little Hoss Jennings later on came down there and caught that thing. They weighed him and it weighed 105 pounds. Little Hoss noodled that fish.”
Ben recalls that both the James and White could be waded in some places. At the Loftin place, the James ran about eight feet deep. There were some pools
along the river that went up to twelve or fourteen feet deep. Loftin remembers many float fishermen coming by his farm where the two rivers met. Some would stop to get water from his spring.
In 1956, the Loftins were offered $80 an acre for their property which would soon be covered by Table Rock Lake. They took the offer, but were not happy about having to sell. Ben Loftin says, “It makes me mad every time I go down there.”
They kept about 135 acres of land above 931 feet elevation, including a few acres on the Joe Bald side. In 1957, the flood took out the house and barn on the old Loftin farm. Ben and Betty bought a farm just off Hwy. 13 south of Reeds Spring and continued to ranch. Ben Loftin ran the contract mail route out of Reeds Spring for several years. He and Betty continued to live on their place, several miles from the river.
Tom Koob is a local author who has written several books about Ozarks history. His work is available on Amazon “new” books or by contacting him at : wolpublishing@gmail.com.
Whether it’s investing some extra income, preparing a future for your family with your retirement secured, or saving for a home or education costs, we’re here to coach you through it.
Let’s talk. Contact us today to learn more. Grant Beasley
1 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 1 PO Box 1373
Kimberling City, MO 65686
417-739-5575