Lake level update

WEDNESDAY MORNING

According to the lake level forecast posted yesterday, we're at 675 this morning - four feet higher than yesterday morning, and 21 feet above normal pool. As of yesterday the Corps predicted Bull Shoals Lake would crest at 685 on May 1 (this Sunday). However, it does state at the top of the page that "INDICATED FORECAST ELEVATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE". We had more rain last night, and more is predicted for today, so, yep, the forecast will likely change. I'll keep you posted.

Lake level update

The lake level is currently about 671 and rising (17 feet above normal pool). It was at normal pool on Friday (just four days ago). The good news is: no rain in the forecast for today! More rain tomorrow; but, it's supposed to be dry, sunny and 70s on Thursday and Friday. Too little, too late?

SUNDAY MORNING


MONDAY MORNING


TUESDAY MORNING

Rain, rain, GO AWAY!

Well, folks. We aren't dry anymore. The rain is relentless, and the lake is on the rise... fast. It has risen about 8 feet since yesterday morning, and it's still going. The USACE predicts another 15 feet by May 5, according to the lake level forecast, which may or may not be accurate. It all depends on how much more rain we get, of course. The good news is that the weather forecast predicts Tuesday, Thursday and Friday will be mostly dry, with more rain just on Wednesday this week. I'll try to keep you updated and post pictures soon.

Verne D. Cubbage Tournament Results

First Place: Russ Silvio (Isabella, Mo.) and Jerry Cubbage (Wildwood, Mo.), 14.48 pounds ($750); Big Bass - 4.64 pounds ($250)




Second Place: Brandon Williams (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) and Brad Welsh (Festus, Mo.), 13.54 pounds ($500)





Third Place: Reggie Stanifer (Ava, Mo.) and Steve Heinlein (Ava, Mo.), 13.31 pounds ($380)





Fourth Place: Tommy Skinner (Protem, Mo.) and Bobby Comstock (Protem, Mo.), 12.38 pounds ($260)





Fifth Place: Mark Sanders (Ava, Mo.) and Ronnie Curry (Ava, Mo.), 12.32 pounds ($110)






Young fishermen: Gavin Broderick (Gainesville, Mo.) and Trey Schroeder (Crestwood, Mo.) (not pictured: Caleb Hathcock, Washington, Mo.)

Verne Cubbage Tourney

Just a few of the boats in the tournament this morning, waiting to take off. We had 25 boats. Weigh-in is at 3:30 p.m. on the 500 dock. Come down and watch!

Fishing is Good

It has been a good year for fishing (and catching!) on Bull Shoals Lake this spring. We've been seeing more big bass come out of the lake than we have in recent years. Matt caught a limit of bass yesterday - these two both weighed 5 lbs, 6 oz. He also had a 5-pounder, one that was nearly 4 pounds and two smaller fish. He released all the big ones after the photo was taken.

Nice Catch

Steve Powell (St. Louis) caught this 7 lb, 6 oz largemouth when he was fishing out of Pontiac yesterday. He released it after the photo was taken.

Blessing shirts are here!

Long-sleeve navy shirts with white printing on front, back and down one sleeve. $25 each. Sizes small, medium, large, extra-large, and XXL. E-mail or call to reserve yours today! And don't forget the BLESSING IS MAY 7!

What's New

Hey all! Hope it's warmer where ever you are. Bitter old man winter decided to make one last appearance before letting spring completely take over Pontiac. We went from 80 degrees and sunny on a Sunday to freezing temperatures and precip by the following Friday. Yuck. Sad thing is all the trees and shrubs are blooming - hopefully this little cold snap didn't do them all in.

Couple of things to tell you about!

We moved the main fish cleaning table to the east side of the building that houses the marina store. It's sort of a long story why we did it - if you'd like to hear it, stop in and ask. In a nutshell it has to do with a new regulation the USACE (the Corps of Engineers) passed banning submersible pumps, which is what we used to feed water to our fish cleaning table. Anyway, I think the new set-up is pretty neat. It might take a little getting used to, since the same table had been in the same place for about 25 years. When you use the new table, please keep in mind we will be extending a roof out over it for times of inclement weather. Just be patient with us. :)

Also, the Verne Cubbage Memorial Bass Tournament is coming up on April 9. Entries have already started to roll in. You may sign up right up until the morning of the tournament, but you can also pre-enter to guarantee your take-off position. Cost is $110 per boat, which includes $10 for the Big Bass pot.

Just Jackie's is currently open from 3 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. She will be open full time - 7 days per week - beginning Memorial weekend.

Also, don't forget to mark your calendars for the SIXTH ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE FLEET ON MAY 7. The blessing will take place around 2 p.m. Picnic and entertainment in the park starting around 4:30 p.m. We hope to see you ALL there.

And finally, stop by the dock to check out some of our new merchandise - the shelves are beginning to fill up!

Proposed striper fishery on Bull Shoals to be discussed at open house meetings

The Missouri Department of Conservation is holding two public forums to discuss a proposed striped bass fishery on Bull Shoals Lake. The first open house is Tuesday, March 29 (tomorrow!) from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Taney Center in Forsyth. Address is 20130 U.S. Hwy 160. The second is from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, at Gainesville High School, 160 Bulldog Dr.

A beautiful day at the lake

Nothing too new to report from PCM. Today was sunny and 75+ degrees. Sure felt like spring! The dock was hopping with activity today. Several folks were out fishing, some just boat-riding, and one group of college boys went wakeboarding (they must be a little bit crazy). The dock is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily now. We're pumping gas and stocking the shelves. Sure wish this little one could pump gas and count minnows... oh, maybe in a couple of years. :)

Winter Blues Blast!

The Winter Blues Blast is coming up on Saturday, March 5, at the Pontiac firehouse. Music starts at 3 and goes until 9 p.m. We'll be selling food throughout the day as well as souvenir cups. A portion of the proceeds will help fund our annual fireworks over the lake, this year scheduled for Sunday, July 3. Come out and listen to some great local live music. Let's blast away those winter blues! Spring and boating season are just around the corner!

Boat dock hours

We are currently "officially" open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday; however, we are often around during the week, and if you catch us there, or call ahead to meet us there, we'll be happy to assist you. In just a couple more weeks we'll be opening full time again - starting March 5 we will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. March 5 is also the BLUES BLAST. (See previous post.) We hope to see you there!

Verne Cubbage Memorial Bass Tournament

The 5th Annual Verne Cubbage Memorial Bass Tournament is Saturday, April 9. Entry fee for a two-person team is $100, plus $10 for Big Bass. Entries will be taken up until 6:30 the morning of the tournament. Entries will be numbered, and boats will take off in the order in which they signed up. Cash prizes will be awarded as well as a Young Fisherman Award to a fisherman under the age of 16. Take-off is at 7 a.m.; weigh-in at 3:30 p.m. at Pontiac Cove Marina. Questions? Call us at 417-679-3676.

Oh, happy day!

Quite a few inches of snow fell on Pontiac yesterday. Not nearly as much as some counties in northwest Arkansas, thankfully. We're all getting pretty tired of the cold, wet stuff. Local schools have had so many snow days... they'll never get out for summer! But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Today the sun is shining, and the snow is beginning to melt. Next week's forecast looks pretty fabulous. Now, this I can live with: Click here.

Winter Blues Blast

There's no better time to start thinking about blasting away those winter blues than during a blizzard! We lucked out here in Pontiac - we hardly got any ice or snow. But, it's still bitter cold, so it's time to start thinking warm thoughts.

Don't miss our second annual Winter Blues Blast on Saturday, March 5, at the Pontiac firehouse. Assuming the weather cooperates, bands will be set up inside and outdoors. A small cover charge will be collected to cover fees for the bands. Proceeds from food sales and souvenir cups will help fund our annual fireworks over the lake this July.

The best part of the event is the musical talent - bands include Revolver, Traced, the Bull Shoals Blues Boys, Lija (pronounced Leah) and more.

Revolver

Traced


















Bull Shoals Blues Boys

Lija

Storm of the Century?

That's what they're calling it! Yep, we are under a winter storm warning right now in Pontiac. Counties to the north and west are under a blizzard warning. A blizzard? In Missouri?? So far we've gotten mostly rain, and it has just switched over to freezing rain and sleet in the last half hour. We're also predicted to get 3 to 6 inches of snow on top of the ice. I'll keep you posted as the day goes on... assuming we still have power. Hope it's warm(er) where ever you are!

Since it's too cold for swimsuits...

Event Schedule Changes

A couple of changes to our event schedule for 2011...

The Blues Blast will be March 5. More details to come.

The BLESSING OF THE FLEET (originally scheduled for April 30) will be MAY 7! Please make the change on your calendar. More soon!

Snow

We got a little dusting of snow overnight - about a half inch. It must have been enough to make the roads slick this morning, because Gainesville did not have school today. It was super windy on Friday, but all is well at the dock. Nothing too new to report down here! Quiet and cold. We're counting the days 'til spring!