What You'll Find at Fellows Lake

Fellows Lake is a 95-acre impoundment in Stone County, Missouri, roughly 15 miles south of Branson near the community of Galena. The lake holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white crappie, and bluegill, making it a solid choice for anglers targeting warm-water species in the Ozark region. The water is clear to moderately stained depending on recent rainfall, and the lake's modest size means you can cover productive water in a single outing without spending hours running a boat.

The lake sits at roughly 900 feet elevation and drains into the James River system. Its shoreline is a mix of wooded banks, rocky outcrops, and developed residential property. The bottom transitions from shallow flats near the dam to deeper channels and holes in the middle basin, which creates distinct seasonal patterns for different species.

Key Takeaways

  • Fellows Lake holds largemouth bass year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action in shallow cover and around structure.
  • Channel and flathead catfish are present and can be caught on cut bait or live bluegill, especially from late spring through early fall.
  • White crappie spawn in spring (March through May) and concentrate around brush, fallen timber, and deeper holes during summer.
  • The lake has a public boat ramp at the dam and limited shoreline access; a small boat or kayak is practical for reaching productive areas.
  • Missouri fishing regulations apply; you need a valid state fishing permit and must follow current size and bag limits for each species.

Largemouth Bass Seasons and Tactics

Spring (March through May) is the most reliable season for largemouth bass at Fellows Lake. Fish move into shallow water to spawn, and you'll find them around downed timber, brush piles, and rocky banks in water 2 to 8 feet deep. Throw soft plastics—creature baits, crawfish imitations, and small swimbaits—around cover. Early morning and late afternoon produce better than midday, though overcast days can extend the bite throughout the day.

Summer (June through August) pushes bass deeper and into shade. Fish the channel ledges, deeper holes, and the shadiest timber in the lake. Early morning topwater can work before the sun climbs, but by mid-morning, switch to deeper presentations: crankbaits that reach 8 to 12 feet, or soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. The bite slows considerably during peak heat, especially midday.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong bite as water cools and bass return to shallower feeding zones. Repeat spring tactics—shallow cover, soft plastics, and early-morning activity—and expect consistent action through October. By November, the bite becomes more sporadic as water temperature drops below 50 degrees.

Winter (December through February) is slow. Bass are lethargic and concentrated in the deepest holes. If you fish, focus on the main channel and the deepest basin with slow-moving soft plastics or live shiners fished vertically. Most anglers skip winter at Fellows Lake and fish elsewhere.

Catfish and Crappie Opportunities

Channel catfish are present throughout the lake and bite year-round, though late spring through early fall is most productive. Fish cut shad, bluegill, or chicken liver on the bottom in deeper holes or along channel ledges. Dawn and dusk are traditional times, but catfish will bite at night and during the day if the bait is fresh. A simple three-way rig with a sinker and a short leader works well; set your rod in a holder and wait for the bite.

Flathead catfish have established in Fellows Lake and are growing larger. They prefer live bluegill or shad and are most active at night. Fish live bait on the bottom in deep holes or along timber-lined banks after dark. Flatheads are aggressive and will take line quickly, so use heavier tackle than you would for channel catfish.

White crappie spawn in spring (March through May) and concentrate around brush, fallen trees, and deeper holes. Use small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with minnows or soft plastics in white, chartreuse, or natural colors. Fish slowly around cover in 4 to 10 feet of water. Summer crappie move deeper and become harder to locate; focus on the deepest timber and channel structure. Fall crappie return to shallower water and bite well through October.

Access, Facilities, and Regulations

Fellows Lake has a public boat ramp at the dam on the south end of the lake. The ramp is maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation and is free to use. Parking is limited but usually adequate on weekdays. There is no developed shoreline access for bank fishing; most of the shoreline is private residential property. A small boat, kayak, or canoe is necessary to fish the lake effectively.

The nearest services—fuel, food, lodging—are in Galena (5 miles) and Branson (15 miles). Branson has full amenities including tackle shops, restaurants, and hotels. Galena is smaller but has a few local businesses.

Missouri fishing regulations require a valid state fishing permit for anyone 16 and older. Current regulations set a 12-inch minimum length and 5-fish daily bag limit for largemouth bass. Catfish have no minimum length and a 25-fish daily bag limit. Crappie have a 10-inch minimum and a 30-fish daily bag limit. Regulations change periodically; check the Missouri Department of Conservation website before you fish to confirm current rules.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (March through May) is the best overall season. Water temperature climbs from the 50s to the 60s and 70s, fish move shallow, and the bite is consistent across all species. Expect moderate crowds on weekends, especially in April and May.

Summer (June through August) is warm and can be slow during midday heat. Early morning and evening are productive; midday fishing requires patience and deeper presentations. Crowds thin on weekdays but pick up on weekends.

Fall (September through November) offers excellent conditions: cooler water, lower crowds, and strong bass and crappie activity. October is particularly good. This is a popular time to visit the Branson area, so expect more boat traffic on weekends.

Winter (December through February) is slow and not recommended unless you're specifically targeting catfish at night. Water is cold, fish are inactive, and the lake can be windy and uncomfortable.

Gear and Tackle Recommendations

For largemouth bass, a 6-foot to 6-foot-6-inch medium-power spinning rod with 10- to 15-pound braided line works well for shallow cover and soft plastics. If you fish crankbaits or deeper presentations, a 6-foot-6-inch medium-heavy rod with 12- to 17-pound monofilament is better. Bring a variety of soft plastics (creature baits, crawfish, small swimbaits), shallow crankbaits, and topwater lures for spring and fall.

For catfish, a 6-foot-6-inch to 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 15- to 20-pound monofilament and a simple three-way rig is standard. Pack cut shad, bluegill, or chicken liver. For flatheads at night, use heavier tackle—a 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 20- to 30-pound line and live bluegill or shad.

For crappie, a 5-foot-6-inch to 6-foot light-power spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound monofilament and small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with minnows or soft plastics is ideal. Bring white, chartreuse, and natural-colored jigs.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip

Fellows Lake is located near Galena, Missouri, in Stone County. From Branson, take Missouri Highway 76 south toward Galena, then follow local roads to the lake. GPS coordinates for the boat ramp are approximately 36.9°N, 93.4°W. The drive from Branson is about 20 minutes; from Springfield, it's roughly 45 minutes.

Plan to spend a half-day or full day at the lake. A half-day trip (4 to 6 hours) is enough to fish the main basin and get a feel for the lake. A full day allows you to explore different areas and fish multiple times of day. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat; the Ozark sun is strong, and there is limited shade on the water.

If you're visiting Branson for other attractions, Fellows Lake is a convenient morning or afternoon fishing option. The lake is quiet and less crowded than Table Rock Lake or Beaver Lake, making it a good choice if you want to avoid heavy boat traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Fellows Lake?

Most of the shoreline is private residential property, so shore fishing is not practical. You'll need a boat, kayak, or canoe to fish the lake. The boat ramp at the dam is the only public water access.

What's the best time of year to catch crappie at Fellows Lake?

Spring (March through May) is best, when crappie spawn and concentrate around brush and timber in shallow water. Fall (September through October) is also good. Summer crappie move deep and are harder to locate.

Do I need a fishing permit to fish Fellows Lake?

Yes. Missouri requires a valid fishing permit for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a permit online through the Missouri Department of Conservation or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores.

Are there flathead catfish in Fellows Lake?

Yes. Flatheads have established in the lake and are growing larger. They prefer live bluegill or shad and are most active at night. Use heavier tackle than you would for channel catfish.

How deep is Fellows Lake?

Fellows Lake is relatively shallow, with a maximum depth of around 40 feet in the main channel. Most productive fishing happens in 4 to 15 feet of water, depending on the season and species.