Missouri’s Clearest Lake Is One You’ve Never Heard Of

For good reason, the Missouri lakes you hear the most about are Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals, etc. The clearest lake in the state, however, is likely one you've never heard of unless you live next to it.

One of the prettiest lakes in Missouri is one that rarely gets the attention of the more famous waterways that are near it

I've seen zillions of lists that name Table Rock Lake as the cleanest lake in Missouri and it's an amazing place, but this isn't that, but it also kind of is. One that gets mentioned frequently on the Missouri sub-Reddit is Lake Taneycomo.

Cleanest lake for swimming in MO?
byu/summerer6911 inmissouri

Explore Branson describes it as "incredible trout fishing, scenic views, water adventures, lakeside strolls and waterfront shopping". They're not wrong. It's all of those things, but it's not a name you hear brought up very often although its waters are a result of Table Rock Lake. Lake Taneycomo starts where the Table Rock Dam is located.

Branson Jet Boats traces Lake Taneycomo's beginnings to 1913. It was originally a warm water lake, but when Table Rock Dam was built in 1958, the water source for Lake Taneycomo changed. That's why the chilly water temps have been in the 50's ever since that happened. When you think of crystal-clear water in Missouri, it's fine to think of Table Rock Lake, but don't sleep on Lake Taneycomo. While the residents of Branson know it well, there are others that are not as familiar. Perhaps it's high time that changed.