just spent a week at Branson but did not fish. i heard the trout fishing around the landing area is pretty good and there is a boat rental place on the landing if you do not want to haul your boat. anyone who works in city, state, or federal gov or retired or has family that works in this capacity (it is very broad) should check out Government Employee Travel Opportunities getravelop.com. I have used it three times for Branson and stayed at a very nice place $350 for seven nights. It is $350 whether you stay one night or seven nights. Make sure you get a room big enough for how many are staying. I always got a two bedroom, two bath, and full kitchen...it's a sweet deal.