Lost on the Lake -Table Rock September 2025

Lake Lifestyle Magazine

Warm days, Cool Nights

September is a month of change on Table Rock Lake. The long, golden days of summer begin to soften, and the first hints of fall slip into the air. Mornings carry a little more crispness, the water takes on a new sparkle, and the hills around us whisper of the color to come.

This is a time when the lake feels both lively and peaceful. Anglers are savoring the late-summer bite, families are soaking up weekends on the water, and migrating birds remind us that Table Rock isn’t just our home - it’s part of a much larger journey. Whether you’re watching hummingbirds at your feeder, easing a boat into quiet coves, or sitting by a fire, September invites us all to slow down and take notice.

In this issue, we celebrate the changing season—from fishing and outdoor adventures to stories of the wildlife that passes through our hills each fall. As always, we hope these pages feel like a reflection of the place we all treasure: vibrant, welcoming, and deeply connected to the rhythms of the Ozarks.

Enjoy the season, enjoy the lake, and let’s carry that sense of wonder with us into autumn.

Be Happy,

Myra Thornton

CREATIVE EDITOR

Myra Thornton

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

The Rogue Chef

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

The Rogue Chef Local Readers ADVERTISING SALES

Myra Thornton

DogDays Of Fishing

Table Rock Lake Fishing

As the long days of summer fade into cooler mornings, Table Rock Lake settles into one of its most rewarding fishing seasons. September is a month of transition in the Ozarks—warm afternoons linger, yet the first hints of autumn color touch the hillsides. For anglers, it’s a time when the patterns shift, the lake breathes new life, and opportunities abound across its 43,000 acres of water.

Changing Conditions

Table Rock is a deep, clear reservoir, and in September the lake undergoes subtle but important changes. Surface temperatures, which peaked in the heat of July and August, begin to cool into the 70s. That drop triggers movement: baitfish migrate from deep summer haunts toward creeks, coves, and shallower points. Gamefish follow. Bass; largemouth, spotted (Ken-

tucky), and smallmouth - become more active and spread out, often feeding aggressively in the mornings and evenings. Crappie begin staging along brush piles and timber at mid-depths, while catfish prowl shallows after dark.

For anglers who know how to read the lake’s rhythms, September can be the beginning of a remarkable stretch of fall fishing.

Bass Action

Bass are the main draw at Table Rock, and September offers variety. Early in the month, topwater lures shine. Walk-the-dog baits, buzzbaits, and poppers fished over main-lake points or near schooling shad can trigger explosive strikes at dawn.

As the sun rises, anglers often switch to finesse tactics—dropshot rigs, Ned rigs, and small swimbaits in 20–35 feet of water. By late September, bass push farther into the creeks, following schools of shad. Spinner-

baits and squarebill crankbaits fished around shallow cover become increasingly effective.

Smallmouth bass, in particular, thrive in the lake’s clear water and rocky terrain. They favor gravel points and chunk rock banks, rewarding patient anglers with hard-fighting runs.

Crappie and Catfish

Crappie fishing begins to pick up as cooler nights encourage schools to move shallower. Brush piles in 15–25 feet of water are prime spots, and minnows or jigs will usually do the trick. While September isn’t peak crappie season, persistent

anglers can find quality fish.

Catfishing, on the other hand, is excellent this time of year. Channel cats and flatheads feed heavily before the real cool-down of October. Anglers using cut shad, nightcrawlers, or stink baits along flats and creek mouths often enjoy steady action, especially in the evenings.

A Lake of Opportunity

One of the beauties of Table Rock is its sheer size and diversity. Whether you’re fishing from a bass boat near Kimberling City, jigging crappie brush in the James River arm, or casting from the shoreline at Cape Fair, cont page 10

September offers opportunities for every style of angler.

The lake’s clear water rewards precision - light line, natural presentations, and an eye for subtle movements often make the difference. At the same time, its sprawling habitat means anglers can always find a pattern that fits their strengths.

Tips for Success

Watch the baitfish: Shad movements dictate much of the action. Find them, and you’ll likely find predators.

Time it right: Early mornings and late afternoons are prime feeding windows.

Adapt to conditions: Bright, calm days often require finesse.

Windy afternoons or overcast skies favor power techniques.

Explore creeks: By month’s end, creeks hold increasing numbers of bass chasing bait into shallows.

Closing Thoughts

Fishing Table Rock Lake in September is about embracing change. The lake is shifting from summer’s heat toward autumn’s cool, and with that shift comes new opportunities. The mornings may be crisp, the afternoons warm, and the hillsides just beginning to blush with color. For those willing to adapt, it’s a month that offers both challenge and reward—a chance to experience the Ozarks at their most dynamic, rod in hand, eyes on the water.

Fall on Table Rock Lake

Where the Ozarks Slow Down

“Fall at Table Rock Lake is not about doing more. It is about slowing down and savoring the small, fleeting moments.”

When summer finally releases its hold on the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake slips into a season all its own. The speedboats thin out, the docks grow quiet, and the water reflects something softer and calmer. Fall has arrived, and with it comes a rhythm that feels less like a vacation and more like home.

In September, the lake exhales. Mornings arrive crisp and misty, fog curling off the coves, while afternoons are still warm enough for a peaceful boat ride. By evening, the air carries a gentle chill that invites a sweater or a crackling fire.

The shoreline, once a wall of green, slowly shifts into shades of amber, crimson, and gold, mirrored perfectly in the calm water below.

Autumn turns simple moments into rituals. A cup of coffee on the dock at sunrise feels almost ceremonial as the first light sparkles across the water. Lanterns flicker at dusk, casting golden reflections on the ripples while geese call overhead. The dock is no longer just a place to tie off a

boat. It becomes a quiet vantage point, a front-row seat to the gentle rhythms of fall life on the lake. For anglers, this is prime time. The cooling water brings out the bite in bass and crappie, making every cast more exciting than the last. For those who simply come to enjoy the view, the James and Kings River arms offer quiet corridors lined with fiery trees, creating a perfect escape from the rush of everyday life. Wildlife thrives quietly along the shore. White pelicans glide across the water, squirrels dart through oaks, and bald eagles begin their return, soaring high against a backdrop of blazing color. Even the air seems richer, carrying hints of woodsmoke and cedar as it drifts across the lake.

Fall at Table Rock Lake is a season to notice, a time to pause, cast a line without a clock, drift into a quiet cove, or linger a little longer in an Adirondack chair as the sun dips behind the Ozarks. Some of the best moments come when the world slows down enough to catch them.

27-Years of Innovation Comes Down to One Button

Protect Your Investment and Your Back will Thank You

Protecting your investment is our priority! For 27 years, Touchless Boat Cover has been the leader in remote-operated boat covers, known for quality, durability, and innovation. We’re not just another boat cover; we’re the original and the best! Our covers are built to last, backed by an industry-leading 7-year manufacturer’s warranty. Choose from 10 stock colors and 10 custom colors to match your boat and style. Plus, with lead times of only 4 weeks, you’ll be covered in no time! See the difference quality makes.

Wingsthe

Wings Over the Ozarks

Fall Bird Migration in Southwest Missouri

When the first crisp mornings of September arrive in Southwest, Missouri, they bring more than just the promise of changing leaves. Overhead, an ancient and invisible highway comes alive. The skies of the Ozarks begin to fill with travelers - migrating birds following instinctive routes that stretch across continents. For a few short weeks each fall, SW Missouri becomes a seasonal refuge and a rest stop, part of a story that links the hills and waters of Missouri with the farthest reaches of the Americas.

A Seasonal Highway in the Sky

Table Rock Lake lies along the western edge of the Mississippi Flyway, one of the most important bird migration corridors in the world. This flyway funnels millions of birds from their breeding grounds in Canada and the northern United States toward wintering habitats as far away as Central and South America. From the rugged Ozark hillsides to the wide-open expanses of Table Rock Lake, the county provides crucial habitat for these feathered travelers.

Migration is no casual journey. Some warblers weighing less than an ounce fly thousands of miles nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico. Raptors drift on shifting thermals for hours, conserving energy as they move steadily south. Ducks and geese navigate familiar rivers and lakes, sometimes returning to the same

cont page 18

coves and backwaters year after year. Each bird overhead carries a story of endurance and survival, and each fall the people of SW Missouri get a frontrow seat to this natural drama.

Warblers, Thrushes, and Songbirds

For many birders, fall is synonymous with warblers. In spring, these small songbirds are dressed in brilliant breeding plumage, but by autumn their colors have faded into subtle yellows, greens, and browns. Even so, their flitting movements through the treetops of the Mark Twain National Forest make them a delight to spot.

Tennessee Warblers and Nashville Warblers pass through in September, while Black-andwhite Warblers creep along tree trunks, searching for insects. Mixed in with them are Swainson’s Thrushes, secretive birds whose spiraling, flute-like calls

can be heard at dawn and dusk. By October, sparrows begin to dominate the landscape - White-throated Sparrows with their clear whistles, Harris’s Sparrows scratching in the leaf litter, and flocks of Dark-eyed Juncos returning to winter in Missouri.

Raptors on the Move

One of the most breathtaking sights of fall in SW Missouri is the migration of raptors. Hawks and eagles ride the thermals rising from the Ozark ridges, often seen in loose groups spiraling high into the blue autumn sky. Broadwinged Hawks are especially numerous in September, forming “kettles”—large swirling flocks that can number in the hundreds.

Table Rock Lake is a favorite hunting ground for Ospreys, which hover briefly before plunging feet-first into the water after fish. Bald Eagles, though more common in winter, begin to appear

in the fall as they follow waterfowl southward. Even the nimble Sharp-shinned Hawk, no larger than a jay, makes its presence known as it darts through the trees in pursuit of smaller birds.

Ducks, Geese, and Shorebirds

As October deepens, waterfowl begin to arrive in force. The broad coves of Table Rock Lake and the quiet sloughs along its shoreline become staging areas for ducks and geese. Mallards, Gadwalls, and Greenwinged Teal mingle in mixed flocks, dabbling in the shallows. Canada Geese, often in V-shaped formations, call loudly as they pass overhead, their honking echoing across the hills.

During years when water levels are low, the exposed mudflats provide habitat for migrating shorebirds. Greater Yellowlegs, Least Sandpipers, and Pectoral Sandpipers probe the soft earth for insects and invertebrates. Their presence is fleeting but underscores the diversity of species that rely on these habitats during migration.

Where to Experience the Migration

For those eager to witness this seasonal spectacle, SW Missouri offers several prime birding spots.

Table Rock Lake: With its expansive waters and forested shoreline, the lake is a magnet for waterfowl, Ospreys, and eagles. Public access areas near Kimberling City, Cape Fair, and the dam offer open views.

Mark Twain National Forest: The wooded trails around Piney Creek Wilderness and other tracts provide excellent opportunities for spotting migrating songbirds. The dense oak-hickory forests echo with sparrow calls in late fall.

Local Backyards and Feeders: Don’t underestimate the power of a simple feeder. White-throated Sparrows, finches, and even the occasional Rose-breasted Grosbeak may stop by for a quick meal before continuing south.

A Global Connection

What makes fall migration so captivating isn’t just the variety of birds - it’s the reminder of how interconnected the world is. A warbler gleaning insects from a local oak may soon be wintering in the cloud forests of Costa Rica. A goose overhead might be bound for the Gulf Coast marshes of Louisiana. These birds link the Ozarks to ecosystems thousands of miles away, their journeys tying together landscapes, climates, and cultures.

For residents of the Table Rock Lake, migration season is both a spectacle and a gift. It’s a chance to slow down, lift our eyes to the sky, and marvel at the timeless rhythm of wings on the move.

As the days shorten and the hills blaze with fall color, the air above carries a reminder: the Ozarks are not just home to us, but a vital stopover on one of nature’s grandest journeys.

Fresh Recipe The Rogue Chef

Ozark Smoked Trout Cakes with Lemon-Dill Aioli

Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

For the Trout Cakes:

• 1 Lb Smoked Trout, flaked (skin and bones removed)

• 1 C Panko Breadcrumbs

• 1⁄2 C Mayonnaise

• 1 L Egg, beaten

• 1 T Dijon Mustard

• 1 T Worcestershire sauce

• 2 Green Onions, finely chopped

• 1 Small Red Bell Pepper, finely diced

• 2 T Fresh Parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp Lemon Zest

• 1⁄2 tsp Smoked Paprika

• Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste

• 2 T Olive Oil (for pan frying)

For the Lemon-Dill Aioli:

• 1⁄2 C Mayonnaise

• 1 Clove Garlic, minced

• 2 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice

• 1 tsp Lemon Zest

• 1 T Fresh Dill, chopped

• Salt & Pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Shape the Patties - Form the mixture into 8–10 small patties, about 3⁄4-inch thick. Place on a tray and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up.

• Prepare the Aioli - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

• Cook the Trout Cakes - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

• Serve with Flair - Plate trout cakes on a rustic wooden board or platter. Drizzle with Lemon-Dill Aioli and garnish with lemon wedges, fresh dill sprigs, and microgreens.

Go Rogue by serving the cakes over a bed of fried green tomatoes or cornbread rounds.

• Mix the Trout Cakes - In a large bowl, gently combine smoked trout, panko, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon, Worcestershire, green onions, red pepper, parsley, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep cakes tender.

Want Chef Jeff to make this delicious dish for you? Contact him at www.TheRogueChef.com.

A Bass-Fishing Spectacle at Table Rock Lake

In mid-April 2026, an air of anticipation will sweep across the Ozarks as Table Rock Lake transforms into the epicenter of professional bass fishing. This majestic reservoir near Springfield, Missouri, will host Bass Pro Shops REDCREST, the championship of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour, from April 17–19. For the first time in event history, the championship will take place amid the pristine beauty of the Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters — a fitting testament to the brand’s roots and reverence for angling tradition.

A sleek fusion of elite competition and outdoor festival, REDCREST brings together 35 of the world’s top bass anglers, each battling for the seventh REDCREST championship trophy and a top prize of $300,000 (Major League Fishing). The lineup is a who’s who of bass-fishing royalty — names that stir excitement among fans and command respect on the water:

Adrian Avena (Vineland, NJ), Matt Becker (Ten Mile, TN), Zack Birge (Blanchard, OK), Keith Carson (DeBary, FL), three-time REDCREST winner Dustin Connell (Clanton, AL), Justin Cooper (Zwolle, LA), Mark Daniels Jr. (Tuskegee, AL), Mark Davis (Mount Ida, AR), Ott DeFoe (Blaine, TN), Brent Ehrler (Redlands, CA), James Elam (Tulsa, OK), Edwin Evers (Talala, OK), Todd Faircloth (Jasper, TX), Cole Floyd (Leesburg, OH), Drew Gill (Mount Carmel, IL), Nick Hatfield (Greeneville, TN), Marshall Hughes (Hemphill, TX), John Hunter (Shelbyville, KY), Alton Jones Jr. (Waco, TX), Jake Lawrence (Paris, TN), Justin Lucas (Guntersville, AL), Colby Miller (Elmer, LA), Michael Neal (Dayton, TN), Ron Nelson (Berrien Springs, MI), Takahiro Omori (Tokyo, Japan), Spencer Shuffield (Hot Springs, AR), Jeff Sprague (Wills Point, TX), Wesley Strader (Spring City, TN), Matteo Turano (Puryear, TN), Jacob Wall (New Hope, AL), Jacob Wheeler

(Harrison, TN) — plus several slots reserved for the 2025 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Champion, the 2025 Toyota Series Boater Champion, the highest-finishing College Fishing National Champion at the Toyota Series Championship, and the International Division Winner at the Toyota Series Championship.

Imagine the energy: 35 anglers from across the nation, and one from Japan, converging on Table Rock’s shimmering waters for three days of intense pursuit. MLF’s signature catch-weigh-immediate-release format heightens the stakes, feeding real-time results through SCORETRACKER® with live coverage on MLFNOW! and MajorLeagueFishing.com.

But REDCREST is more than a showdown—it’s a celebration. Fans gathering at the Bass Pro Shops campus will discover a three-day Outdoor Sports Expo, a vibrant, open-air festival teeming with top-tier gear displays, interactive brand booths, casting challenges for youngsters, live entertainment, and savory food experiences to savor (Major League Fishing). Meanwhile, on-water action plays out in cinematic fashion, with every catch captured and celebrated in real time.

The championship extends beyond competition. It pulses with community connection as anglers visit local schools, give back with lake cleanups, and host meetand-greets with fans. A White River Marine owner’s tournament runs alongside, offering everyday

anglers a spotlight moment during the Championship Sunday postgame show.

There’s something poetic in the venue: Table Rock Lake’s clear waters, rocky banks, and dynamic spring patterns will test every angler’s adaptability. Bass shifting into spawning zones, changing weather, and variable depths promise a chess match of skill and instinct. Coupled with the Ozarks’ awe-inspiring vistas, REDCREST 2026 gains the air of something epic—an event as worthy of the scenery as of the sport’s best.

As daylight fades on April 19, one angler will stand triumphant, holding the REDCREST trophy aloft. But win or lose, all who attend—competitors, fans, and families—will carry away memories bathed in Ozark springtime light, echoes of cheering crowds, and the reverent stillness of a lunker hitting the scale.

REDCREST

2026 at Table Rock Lake isn’t just a championship; it’s a convergence of history, heart, and high-stakes angling.

Financial Focus

WHEN INVESTING, ONE OF THE BEST ABILITIES IS DURABILITY

You’ve probably heard about “genius” investors or those who got in on the “ground floor” of a company that grew to be a huge success. These stories may be interesting, but they are also rare — and sometimes not even true.

The truth is that successful investing isn’t glamorous, and it isn’t necessarily quick. Instead, a well-founded investing strategy is a durable one — one that can withstand the test of time.

Here are some actions that can help you build durability.

Take your time: Most individual investors make their money over time, not overnight. Despite stories about fortunes made on one or two trades, you’re more likely to be successful making money over time. You’ll want to own a well-diversified portfolio of quality investments — and plan to own those investments for the long term.

A long-term perspective can help you ignore the constant noise in the markets and stay invested. When you hear about the latest “hot” investment tip, especially if it’s already performed well, the best advice is this: Ignore it. Although it may be tempting to buy a popular investment, it may not fit with the rest of

your portfolio, it may have already peaked and it may be riskier than you expect. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Invest

in quality: When building your investment portfolio, quality should be a top priority. For stocks, quality is frequently measured by the steadiness of earnings and dividend growth over time. For bonds, one measure of quality is an investment-grade credit rating, which indicates that the borrower has a good track record of making its promised interest and principal payments and the bond has a relatively low risk of default.

Quality investments are more likely to overcome temporary challenges, which is why a good track record can be an indication of quality. Don’t reach for yield by looking for investments offering the highest dividend or interest rate without considering the risk. Remember, there is no perfect investment — a higher rate generally means higher risk.

Stick to your strategy:

Building a long-term strategy can anchor your decisions and provide a roadmap for your investment choices. Your strategy should consider your goals, tolerance for risk and the time needed to save toward each goal.

Within that strategy, you can be flexible. Buy and hold, for example, doesn’t mean buy and forget. Over time, your goals may change, or you may choose to hold more conservative investments. But it’s important to make changes for the right reasons, not simply because stocks or your other investments may have dropped in price.

Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes you can make is trying to time the markets, moving in and out in response to short-term declines or the latest prediction. This often results in getting into and out of the market at the wrong times, costing time and money — and resulting in lower returns over time.

Remember that investments don’t all move up or down at the same time but portfolio diversification can help smooth the ups and downs of the market. A long-term perspective can help you see past short-term fluctuations in some investments.

Successful investing isn’t about making dramatic moves or chasing the latest trends. It’s about developing a durable strategy personalized for your life, then sticking with it through market ups and downs. In investing, as in life, slow and steady could help win the race.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC Presentedbyourlocal Edward Jones Financial Advisor: GrantBeasley 417-739-5575

Summer 2025

Caring for Nature

Each fall, the skies over Southwest Missouri shimmer with movement. From tiny warblers to the sparkling flash of ruby-throated hummingbirds, migrating birds turn the Ozarks into a seasonal flyway. For these travelers, food and water along the way are more than a comfort—they’re the difference between survival and exhaustion.

In the hills, hollows, and lake country of the Ozarks, backyards become vital pit stops. Hummingbirds, in particular, steal the show. Weighing less than a nickel, they must consume nearly half their body weight in nectar each day to fuel their journey south. A simple feeder filled with sugar water can keep them strong enough for the next leg, some flying all the way across the Gulf of Mexico in a single push. But hummingbirds aren’t the only visitors. Grosbeaks, orioles,

sparrows, and finches all sweep through, searching for safe feeding grounds. Every seed feeder, every blooming native plant, and every clean dish of water helps. When you stock a feeder or plant a berry-laden dogwood, you’re offering more than a meal— you’re offering a way forward.

The Ozarks are known for their wild beauty, but they’re also known for hospitality. Extending that same welcome to the birds overhead connects us to the rhythms of migration, reminding us that even our small actions ripple outward.

So as autumn mornings cool and September skies brighten with wings, keep your feeders fresh, your birdbaths full, and your gaze lifted. The travelers are passing through, and you have a chance to help them on their extraordinary journey.