Bull Shoals Lake
USACE Little Rock District • Built 1951 • 45,440 surface acres • 1050 miles shoreline
Bull Shoals Lake
Great Day on the Water
Level is right at normal conservation pool (-0.6 ft), water temp is a comfortable 73°f, light winds around 0 mph, no active algae or safety advisories.
What to Know About Bull Shoals Lake
One of the largest reservoirs in the Ozarks with over 1,000 miles of shoreline stretching between Arkansas and Missouri. The White River tailrace below Bull Shoals Dam is one of the premier trout fisheries on earth.
Boat Ramps & Usability
3 Ramps| Ramp / Access Point | Lanes | Fee | Usable Min Pool | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bull Shoals Lake Corps Recreation Area & Campground Waterfront RV sites with 50-amp electric hookups and beach access. | 2 lanes | $18-$28 / night | 653.0 ft | Open & Usable |
| Bull Shoals Lake Main Marina Full service marina with ethanol-free fuel, slip rentals, and bait shop. | 2 lanes | $10 ramp fee / free slip guests | 650.0 ft | Open & Usable |
| Bull Shoals Lake State Park Public Ramp Paved concrete ramp with dual courtesy docks and lit parking. | 4 lanes | $5 day-use pass | 652.0 ft | Open & Usable |
Full-Service Marinas
1 MarinasBull Shoals Lake Main Marina
Full service marina with ethanol-free fuel, slip rentals, and bait shop.
Fishing Regulations & Species
State Wildlife AgencyLicense Info: AGFC / MDC reciprocal rules apply on border waters.
Regulations Summary: Trout permit required for river tailrace fishing.
View Official Wildlife Department Regulations →Lake Rules & Boating Safety
All standard USACE and AGFC boating safety laws apply.
Recent Community Reports
Washita river arm has excellent clear green water. Ran south to Wood Island this morning; no floating logs or hazards observed. Striper boils active off Soldier Creek.
Highport ramp had 4 lanes moving with zero wait. Dock hands assisted with tie-off. Sandbars near North Island are clearly visible in the sun.
Recommended Gear for Current Conditions
Heavy-Duty 3-Rider Towable Tube & Quick-Connect
Water temp is a warm 73°F—ideal for family tubing and towing.
USCG Approved Inflatable Life Vest (Auto-Hydrostatic)
Low profile, lightweight, and legally compliant for adult operators.
Castable GPS Fish Finder & Depth Transducer
Pinpoint submerged humps, river channel dropoffs, and school bait balls.
Affiliate Disclosure: When you purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Recommendations are selected algorithmically based strictly on real-time water conditions and safety needs.
Featured Lake Partners on Bull Shoals Lake
Texoma Pro Striper Charters
Full-day & half-day guided striped bass fishing on 24ft custom center consoles. All tackle, bait, and fish cleaning included. Departs from Highport Marina.
Call for Booking: (580) 555-0199Lakeside Pontoon & PWC Rentals
Premium 24ft tri-toons with 150HP outboards, Bluetooth audio, and bimini tops. Double-decker slide boats available for weekend island raft-ups.
Reserve Online / Call: (580) 555-0144Living on Bull Shoals Lake
Considering buying a lake cabin, dockable waterfront home, or retirement property on Bull Shoals Lake? Water levels, dock stability, and flood pool buffers are critical factors in waterfront valuation.
Huge 36-foot flood storage capacity behind Bull Shoals Dam.
Mountain Home, AR
$215,000Twin lakes retirement and outdoor capital.
Connect with a Bull Shoals Lake Lakefront Specialist
Affordable Ozark lakefront retreats and White River trout acreage.