Bull Shoals Lake was created when Bull Shoals Dam, the fifth largest in the nation at the time, was built in 1947-1951. Bull Shoals Dam is one of the largest concrete dams in the nation, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

The White River below Bull Shoals Dam has some of the finest trout fishing in the world. It has produced many world and state records for Browns, Rainbows and Cutthroat trout. At one time the White held the World record Brown Trout at 39 Lbs. It still has the state record Rainbow at 19 Lbs and a Cutthroat at 9 Lbs. Norfork River which runs 4 1/2 miles and empties in to the White River also had a former world record Brown at 38 Lbs. Actually 3 world record Browns have come out of these two rivers.

There are Trophy catch and release areas on both rivers. You can wade the rivers sometimes, but it can be very dangerous when they are generating power and releasing water. A boat maximizes your opportunities to access many more areas. There are river boats specially made for this area, as many times the river is so low navigation is difficult. There is an abundance of trophy fish but out of respect for the fish they did not get big by being dumb.

Fishing is good year round here but, December thru March is best for the big Brown Trout. Rainbows and Cutthroat are best late winter and into early spring. This is when they are spawning and they are more active and aggressive. Whether you are fishing the lake or rivers, we are here to help you get the most out of your trip to our area.

When the Corp. is not releasing water the river is very shallow and requires a boat that can navigate in shallow water. Because of this demand local boat builders have developed boats that are unique to this area only. This is a 21' long flat bottom with a 48" wide floor, we can move in about 18" of water.

Bull Shoals Lake is a fisherman's dream in all 4 seasons, with some of the finest largemouth, small mouth and Kentucky Bass fishing in the country. There's also white bass, blue gill, walleye, crappie, carp, trout and catfish just waiting for you.

Boating: Bull Shoals Lake has about 44,000 acres of water, stretches over 100 miles and reaches depths of close to 300 feet.
Scuba diving: Crystal clear waters are ideal for scuba diving. Tanks can be filled at Bull Shoals Boat dock, a complete dive shop less than a mile away from Promise Land Resort by water. We are located just across from the towering limestone bluffs that are a favorite diving area for many.