Lost on the Lake - Table Rock, January 2023 #2

Spring 2022

www.lostonthelake.us

Celebrating 2023

Happy New Year~

You know what I love the most about that statement? “Happy”...

The New Year is a time for reflection and resolution, but also a time to be HAPPY!

What do each of these really mean? Reflection; serious and careful thought Resolution; a promise to yourself to do or to not do something Happy; feeling pleasure and enjoyment because of your life, situation, etc.

I believe they all go hand in hand. In the face of a “fresh start” we need to reflect on the past, resolve to grow and strive to be happy.

I appreciate every one of you. I am thankful that you are here, on this journey of discovery and celebration of everything that Table Rock Lake has to offer.

I am excited to be here with you, embracing 2023 and all it has to offer us.

Be Happy,

Myra Thornton

Table Rock winter crappie

BY: ERIC PREY - TRL Fishing Guide

Table Rock has never been known as a “destination lake” for crappie anglers. True Table Rock has a population of both black and white crappie but when compared to Reel Foot, Sardis or even Truman the numbers of crappie being caught pale in comparison. Despite that, crappie fishing on Table Rock in the winter is some of the best in the country and outshines many traditional crappie hot spots.

For several reasons Table Rock’s winter crappie fishing can be fantastic,

the depth, clarity, abundant cover, and forage are a few.

• With an average depth around 100’ the water temperature of Table Rock remains stable throughout the winter. Long strings of bitter cold days are required to lower the lake temperature significantly which allows for stable conditions for crappie.

• Another factor on water temperature is the clarity of the water. Unlike many of the crappie hotspots in the US, Table Rock is very clear and clear water isn’t subject to massive swings in temperature from cloudy vs. sunny days.

• Even though the lake is over 60 years old there is still abundant cover for crappie. Standing timber is still visible throughout the lake and numerous brush piles have been sunk around the lake by the Department of Conservation and private individuals.

• Table Rock is the northern most point that threadfin shad can survive, threadfin are extremely prolific and are most of the Table Rock crappies’ diet. In addition, when water temperatures drop into the lower 40’s threadfin will begin to die off causing all species in Table Rock to go on a feeding binge. When does the winter bite begin:

The winter crappie bite begins in November, shorter days and cooler nights result in lower water temperatures and crappie begin to move out of their deep summertime habitat to shallower trees and brush. The cooler temperatures get the better, once we get into December the bite improves with more fish schooling up in and around cover making it easier to target them. The bite is still strong through January especially if water temperatures dip to around 40 degrees and threadfin shad begin to die off. Things tend to scatter a bit in February, the bite can still be good but as warming trends start the shad and crappie begin to move toward spring

habitat and become less concentrated. Where to find winter crappie on Table Rock: Pete Leonard is considered the best crappie guide on Table Rock Lake; he and his father have been chasing crappie and creating lures for crappie decades. Pete is “the guy” when other Table Rock fishing guides are trying to find crappie on Table Rock. Leonard has two main locations he targets when looking for crappie in the winter:

• Standing timber on deep channel swings and ledge rock banks. Crappie like to hold around wood cover for the warmth and because it attracts bait fish, they also like to have deep water close by that they can retreat to when they feel threatened. Both factors make standing timber on deep banks excellent crappie habitat in the winter.

• Docks over deep water. Just like standing timber docks over deep water provide cover and forage for crappie while offering the safety of deep water close. While big community docks tend to hold more crappie, don’t overlook an isolated two or four slip docks on a deep points or channel swings, if it’s the only cover available it can be loaded with fish.

Go to lures and baits for winter crappie on Table Rock: Crappie lures come in an incredible array of shapes, sizes and colors ranging from natural subtle presentations to loud and flashy attention getters. Leonard’s approach is simple; do your best to match the forage and when that fails use the real thing. Here are his top three offerings for winter crappie:

• 8’er Baits Swimming Minnow: Essentially a small swimbait threaded on a 1/16 oz. or 1/8 oz. jig head this soft plastic lure catches everything that swims. Leonard prefers to throw it in pearl and will dye the tail with a small amount of chartreuse in off colored water.

• Bobby Garland Baby Shad: If crap -

pie are being a little finicky Leonard will down size to a Baby Shad to get bites. Still rigging it on 1/16 oz. or 1/8 oz. jig head the smaller lure in natural colors with red, blue, or chartreuse highlights is hard to beat.

• Live Minnows: When it gets tough the tough get minnows. Nothing beats live bait for catching crappie year-round and Leonard isn’t opposed to giving them the real deal if that what it takes.

Leonard will rig up a slip float with a ¼ oz. split shot and a #6 or #8 Aberdeen hook and adjust the depth on his float to the depth crappie are holding at.

Top tips for finding and catching winter crappie:

Pete Leonard has a couple of more tips to increase your catch of Table Rock crappie:

• When looking for crappie in the winter go to areas where you catch them in the spring and find the closest deep water. Crappie spend most of their lives in small areas, moving shallow in the spring to feed and spawn then back out deep during the rest of the year. Wherev -

er you find them in the spring, they won’t be far away in the winter.

• Pay close attention to ledge rock banks with standing timber. Crappie like most game fish like to have vertical drops when moving from shallow to deep, stair step ledge rock is a prime example of this type of bank. Adding standing timber can make it a real hot spot for crappie.

• Single docks on channel swing points can be loaded. Look for single docks located at the ends of deep channel swings in creeks and on the main lake, these are the biggest and best cover in the area and can be a magnet for every crappie in the area.

Winter can be an uncomfortable time of year to fish, but it is also one of the best times of year to catch crappie on Table Rock. Dress for the conditions, beat your cabin fever with a trip to the lake and you could be rewarded with a wintertime fish fry.

Pete Leonard

8’er Baits Guide Service 417-543-0304 http://8erbaitsfishingguide.weebly.com/

Things to Do off season

FINLEY FARMS 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark www.finleyfarmsmo.com

PROMISED LAND ZOO BRANSON 2751 Shepherd of the Hills Expy, Branson EUREKA SPRINGS 32297 State Highway 86 , Eagle Rock www.plzoo.com

WOLFE MOUNTAIN BRANSON ZIPLINE CANOPY TOURS SNOWFLEX PARK 2339 US Hwy 65 - Walnut Shade www.wolfemountainbranson.com

ADVENTURE ZIPLINES OF BRANSON 501 N Wildwood Dr, Branson www.fivestarparks.com/adventure-ziplines-branson

DOGWOOD CANYON NATURE PARK 2038 West State Hwy 86. Lampe www.dogwoodcanyon.org

NATIONAL TIGER SANCTUARY 518 State Highway BB, Saddlebrooke www.nationaltigersanctuary.org

TALKING ROCKS CAVERN 423 Fairy Cave Ln, Branson West www.talkingrockscavern.com

SHOWBOAT BRANSON BELLE 4800 Historic State Hwy 165, Branson www.silverdollarcity.com/showboat-branson

SHEPHERD’S ADVENTURE PARK 5586 W 76 Country Boulevard, Branson www.theshepherdofthehills.com/adventure-park

Be sure to check websites for hours and days open

Everlasting lake dreams

517 Slane Chapel Rd Branson, MO 65737 MLS # 60226942 $2,000,000.00

This exceptional home is located on one of the most sought after bluff front locations on all of Table Rock Lake. Dubbed ‘The architectural masterpiece on the bluff’, this Frank Lloyd Wright inspired and lovingly constructed custom home will offer the quality, serene & quiet lifestyle, yet provide the privacy, amenities, and point of view that you have worked so hard to achieve.

There is seldom a chance to buy a waterfront home of this caliber, one that stirs up your emotions, yet gives you peace, joy, & energy in your life, like you have always longed for! Keller Williams

financial focus

TIME FOR NEW YEAR’S FINANCIAL

RESOLUTIONS

It’s that time of year when many of us promise ourselves we’ll go to the gym more, or learn a new language, or take up a musical instrument, or any number of other worthy goals. But this year, when making New Year’s resolutions, why not also consider some financial ones?

Here are a few to consider:

• Don’t let inflation derail your investment strategy. As you know, inflation was the big financial story of 2022, hitting a 40-year high. And while it may moderate somewhat this year, it will likely still be higher than what we experienced the past decade or so. Even so, it’s a good idea to try not to let today’s inflation harm your investment strategy for the future. That happened last year: More than half of American workers either reduced their contributions to their 401(k)s and other retirement plans or stopped contributing completely during the third quarter of 2022, according to a survey by Allianz Life Insurance of North America. Of course, focusing on your cash flow needs today is certainly understandable, but are there other ways you can free up some money, such as possibly lowering your spending, so you can continue contributing to your retirement accounts? It’s worth the effort because you could spend two or three decades as a retiree.

• Control your debts. Inflation can also be a factor in debt management. For example, your credit card debt could rise due to rising prices and variable credit card interest rate increases. By paying your bill each month, you can avoid the effects of rising interest rates. If you do carry a balance, you might be able to transfer it to a lower-rate card, depending on your credit score. And if you’re carrying multiple credit cards, you might benefit by getting a fixed-rate debt consolidation loan. In any case, the lower your debt payments, the more you can invest for your longterm goals.

• Review your investment portfolio. At least once a year, you should review your investment portfolio to determine if it’s still appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. But be careful not to make changes just because you feel your recent performance is not what it should have been. When the financial markets are down, as was the case for most of 2022, even quality investments, such as stocks of companies with solid business fundamentals and strong prospects, can see declines in value. But if these investments are still suitable for your portfolio, you may want to keep them.

• Prepare for the unexpected. If you encountered a large unexpected expense, such as the need for a major home repair, how would you pay for it? If you didn’t have the money readily available, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments or retirement accounts. To prevent this, you should build an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses — or a year’s worth, if you’re retired — with the money kept in a low-risk, liquid account.

These resolutions can be useful — so try to put them to work in 2023.

The American Mink - Love them or hate them, the Ozarks and its lakes are their home. Many people find them to be a nuisance, while others find them adorable. I must admit, I find them cute and curious creatures. I also aprreciate that they assist in keeping the rodent population at bay.

American Minks are found in and around Table Rock lake and are semi-aquatic and carnivorous. American River Otters are the only other mammals found here in this category of mammals.

They have sleek and elongated bodies, typically between 18-28 inches, weighing between 1-3 pounds. Their fur ranges from a dark chocolate brown to blackish in color. Minks have very short legs and their feet are slightly webbed between the toes, with long claws and soft pads, making it easy to manuever on rocks and into the water. Their tails are long and furry and they have a musk gland that can secrete a strong odor during excitement.

Minks prefer living near the woods with

water nearby, which makes the shores of Table Rock a perfect home. These bouncy critters typically make their dens in hollow logs, rock cavaties, tree roots or in stolen burrows and dens, They will create a nest chamber with leaves, grass, fur and feathers.

American Minks prey on mice, chipmunks, rabbits, muskrat as well as fish, snakes, birds and frogs. They are beneficial in keeping down small animal population. They typically eat their food right where they find it, however leftovers can be taken home to store. They are also prey themselves to many larger predators.

Minks are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours. However, they have been known to adapt their hunting times when prey is difficult to find. Being solitary animals, minks only interract when breeding and raising young. They do not hibernate in the winter.

Mink trapping occurs from mid November to the end of February. A permit is required.

References:

1. https://sites.wustl.edu/monh/semi-aquatic-mammals-in-missouri/

2. https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/american-mink

3. https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/mink/mink-permits

New Year Resolutions

1. Be Present - Live in the moment and take in the details. Today is tomorrows yesterday.

2. Put Down the Phone - When spending time with others, make sure you are giving them your full attention.

3. Be Responsive - If someone reaches out to you, be sure and respond. Even if you don’t have time.

4. Prioritize - Make sure there is time for the things you want in your life. Don’t allow regrets.

5. Set Goals - Write down what you intend to acheive. You are far more likely to reach your goals.

6. Check on Neighbors & Friends - Some people won’t ask for help when they need it. Be available.

7. Volunteer - Church, Humane Societies, lake cleanups, Elderly Rides. There is never a shortage of opportunity.

8. Don’t React - Scrolling through social media can be maddening! Don’t feel the need to react if you disagree, just move on.

9. Be Active - Regardless of your health, there are things you can do to improve it. Walk to the lake, ride a bike, swim, paddle, but this year, do a little more than before.

10. Be Thankful - We ALL have something to be thankful for. If you can’t remember what it is, call a friend or family member and reminisce.

fresh Start

Did you know that “Exercising More” and “Losing Weight” are two of the Top Resolutions when people consider their New Year’s goals?

Truth is, most people fail in achieving their resolutions unless they have a specific plan and support. Recognizing a need in the area, Crystal Cramblatt and Nikki Krier opened StoCo CrossFit in November with a business model that can help you succeed.

CrossFit is used to reach many goals; weight loss, sport-specific training, better overall health, and improved performance. The program is designed to meet you where you are, whatever that looks

“Constantly varied functional movement at high intensity”

- 6 words that best describe CrossFit

like. If you’ve never worked out, or have been training for years, StoCo CrossFit is a great place to get started.

In offering a safe place to begin, the trainers and members of StoCo Crossfit are quick to assist new members in getting

acclimated and on track.

Founded in 2001, CrossFit fitness programs usually entail working out 3-5 days a week. Participants complete WODs or “workouts of the day”, combining resistance and aerobic exercise.

The gym is equiped with a mix of excersize disciplines, including dumbells, pull-up bars, rings, kettlebells, plyo boxes, rowers, medicine balls, jump ropes and various mat areas.

CrossFit appeals to men and women. It allows everyone to workout along side one another while still meeting their own personal goals.

Workouts typically last 45 minutes to 1 hour and will vary from day to day. They incorporate HIIT (high intensity interval training), rowing, running, gymnastics, weightlifting, conditioning and plyometric training.

Opening a CrossFit requires meeting

certain criteria to become a U.S. Affiliate. Owners Nikki and Crystal are each Level 1 Certified. They love being a part of the community united around safe, effective exercise and sound nutrition.

Nikki and Crystal also work in the community. Nikki Krier is a local Realtor, and is partners with Ann Ferguson at Keller Williams. This team is prominent in the Table Rock Lake area. Crystal Cramblett is the manager at Great American Title Company in Branson West

As you can see, these ladies are invested in improving the lifestyles of residents throughout the Table Rock Lake area.

Day Trippin’finley farms

Finley Farms & the Ozark Mill, located in Ozark, Missouri is along the banks of the Finley River. On over 40-acres, they have restored the historic Ozark Mill property and created a gathering place featuring restaurants, an urban farm, event venues and a wedding chapel.

In its day, Ozark Mill was the last commercially operating watermill in the state. Conservationist, Johnny Morris purchased the building in 1993 and his daughter, Megan Stack developed the vision for a reimagined gathering space. In September 2021 the Mill reopened to the public.

The Ozark Mill is an event space with restaurant and a general store featuring unique branded items, kitchen supplies and decor.

In the Workshop, a restored 1930’s industrial garage, they offer private events in

addition to hands-on classes In this communal gathering space. Some of the class categories offered are Culinary, Cocktails & DIY/Crafts. You can also enjoy coffees, teas, salads, pastries and cocktails while onsite.

The Farm provides the on-property restaurants with fresh & organic ingredients. While resident farmers offer farm tours and beehive checks, educating visitors about organic standards and proctices. On-Site there are flower fields, a mushroom yard and an apiary (a place where bees are kept).

The Riverside Bridge, built in 1909 by the Canton Bridge Co. was disassembled in 2019 and was restored. In March 2021, the bridge was placed across the Finley River once again. Visitors are welcome to cross on foot, which offers phenominal photo opprotunities.

Located next to the Workshop is The Market Shed. This small, seasonal venue hosts the Ozark Farmers Market. I truly enjoyed how each space offers indoor and outdoor atmospheres for all types of occassions.

Future plans are in the works for overnight accomodations and a brewery. I am excited to continue witnessing the evolution of the property.

This is a great day trip from the lake with the drive being under an hour.

Wolfe MountainSnowflex Hill

If tubing sounds fun, but cold, Wolfe Mountain has the solution. Snowflex Hill is the largest synthetic tubing run in the USA. Which means, no frostbite or miserable kids!

At 400 feet long and 60 feet wide, the slope provides room for up to 8 tubes to run down together. And don’t worry, you don’t have to trek all the way back up, you can take the motorized walkway for quick ascent.

While waiting for your ride, the ziplines run right overhead and riders wave and cheer as they fly past. Set in the Ozark Mountains, the view is beautiful.

Tubing on the synthetic hill is fun for ages 3 and up. All children 3-6 years old are required to be accompanied by an adult. This is a great group event, and reservations are encouraged.

Check the website before heading there between January & early March as their schedule may change.

Wolfe Mountain - Snowflex Park 417-561-0699 2339 US Hwy 65 Walnut Shade, MO www.wolfemountainbranson.com

History of Table Rock Lake

Hello Table Rock Lake lovers! My name is Bill Crosby, and I am a historian who moved to Lampe in 2020 from nearby Rogersville. I teach history to students around the world through an online academy designed for home school students and have been doing so since 2007 ( www.at-tps.org ). My family has enjoyed TRL since moving to the Ozarks in 1993.

When the kids flew the nest, my wife Lisa and I did the obvious and moved to “the lake.” I haven’t wiped the smile off my face since moving here. I instantly became more intrigued about lake history, as an area of focus when earning my master’s degree at MSU several years back was Ozarks history. I wrote my master’s thesis on an Ozarks related

topic (Slavery in the Antebellum Missouri Ozarks) and have been researching local history ever since. When I saw that there was a new publication about all things TRL, I offered my services to occasionally write about the history of our lake region, and so here we are.

As is the case with most history research endeavors, the first thing to avoid is “reinventing the wheel”, so to speak. No need to try an uncover what has already been discovered. And since we historians do not seek notoriety or recognition, we happily credit those upon whose shoulders we stand in finding good information.

In this instance, I first reached out on Facebook to a local group called The

Homestead submerged by TRL

Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters, a group dedicated to learning and preserving Ozarks heritage ( www.societyofozarkianhillrofters.com ) for some leads on sources related to the topic of what was here before the completion of Table Rock Dam in 1958 and what lies beneath our favorite lake. Very quickly, I received numerous replies, but the most promising lead was from a local historian and fisherman Tom Koob from Shell Knob. Tom wrote a book called “Buried by Table Rock Lake: Tales, Anecdotes and Facts about Everything Covered by the Lake” (available at most local libraries). Upon devouring the book in a few hours, I realized that my task had shifted from gathering materials and dates, to merely summarizing the information in this well researched and written book. I am sure that future historical issues will involve more research than this one, but this topic seems like the most logical place to begin what I hope are occasional articles, tid bids and morsels of lake history.

The White River Valley that pre-dated the lake was typical Ozarks hilly, rocky, land. “The area to be inundated was typical Ozark highland forest of primarily mixed hardwood and cedar trees.” (Koob 35). There were many small farms, homesteads and minor settlements in the valley.

The most notable village was Oasis. The town of Oasis is today submerged just North of the Highway 86 bridge and was originally a mill on Long Creek, it was then known as Cedar Valley. (Koob 3). The name would change to Oasis sometime in the early 20th century. People came from miles around to use the mill for their grain processing needs via two roads which converged at the mill. Charles Preston and Mary Elizabeth Mahnkey owned and operated a mill and general store in Oasis from 1922 to 1935. The Depression

hit the area hard and the Mahnkeys sold the property to Bill Eychaner in 1935 for $5000. (Koob 5-7).

In 1957 the entire valley flooded after the dam had been started and decimated all the agriculture prematurely. The landowners were compensated by the Federal Government. Charles Preston and Mary Elizabeth lived out their lives in Taney County. Most of their married life they were engaged in operating a country store and post office, both at Mincy Valley and Oasis. Mary Elizabeth was well known for her writing and had a book of poems published, “Ozark Lyrics”. C. P. was noted for being a good merchant, honest and fair in his dealings, and one who could make the best corn meal in the whole country round. (White River Valley Quarterly 4).

Today, as you cross the Highway 86 bridge over Long Creek, look to the North and visualize the village of Oasis. A tiny island marks where the hill behind the town was which is today located at the entrance to Big Cedar cove. A wonderful oral history was given by Tom Koob in an interview with KY3 television in 2020 ( https:// www.ozarksfirst.com/news/local-news/ learn-about-the-underwater-missouri-town/ ).

In addition to covering one village, the lake covered many other landmarks.

Mary Elizabeth

Several small cemeteries were relocated, bridges that crossed the White River (most notably the one beneath the current Kimberling City bridge and smaller bridges at Long Creek, Shell Knob and Eagle Rock), along with rough farmland, roads, and some homesteads.

Springfield developer John Q. Hammons would buy up land near where the Kimberling City Bridge was to be built for development. The original town in this area was called Mayberry (or Mabry) on the North side of the White River. It would later be called Radical and was a stopping place along a wilderness road near a ferry to cross the river.

In 1869 William Wesley Kimberling operated a store from his land on the North banks and he would also purchase the ferry along with Henry Thomas in 1870. In 1874 Kimberling bought more land on the South side of the river. Sam Stewart (Kimberling’s sonin-law) applied to be postmaster and the government representative who was investigating the post office location called Stewart “the durndest radical man I every hear of. By Golly we will call the post office “Radical.”

The first bridge was built in 1922 and rebuilt in 1927 after a flood damaged the first bridge. (Koob 8-10). That bridge remains beneath the current bridge. Hammons would change the name to Kimberling City in 1959 after acquiring the land and building the Kimberling Inn at its location just North of the bridge.

What juicy tid-bits of Table Rock Lake history! Until next time…

- Bill Crosby, Historian

Photos provided with article: Bill Crosby Bibliography and Recommended Reading/Viewing:

Koob, Tom. Buried by Table Rock Lake: Tales, anecdotes and facts about everything covered by the Lake, White Oak Lodge Publishing, Shell Knob, MO, 2006.

White River Valley Historical Quarterly, Vol 4., No. 2, 197071.

Heston, Josh. KY3 Television, Springfield, MO, May 2020. https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/local-news/ learn-about-the-underwater-missouri-town/ accessed December 2022.