When asked about structure and cover, Lilley responded by opining that rainbows don't consider it all that important, at least not at Taneycomo. "Fish under the chop and along the chop line that the wind creates," he said. "You'll catch rainbows."

As for tackle, his counsel is straightforward: Go light. He recommends a 6- or 7-foot spinning rod matched with a light or ultralight spinning reel. He spools up with 2- or 4-pound-test line -- green or clear only: He urges anglers to avoid bright colors, feeling that line should be as little discernible as possible.

He ties a small jig -- something between 1/16- and 1/200-ounce -- to his line and then attaches a bobber to the line 3 to 4 feet above the jig. The bobber's position on the line is fixed with a toothpick or small twig run through the center hole in the bobber. Tossing the rig out into the chop, he leaves Mother Nature to do the rest.

A word of warning: This is light tackle. Anglers wanting large trout should fish areas below the dam in the Trophy Management Area. Work jigs along the channel, and anywhere there's a slight change in depth. Unless anglers are in need of some fish that are painfully tough to catch, they mostly avoid the flats in this area. Plenty of fish hold on them, but the creatures can be spooky and difficult.

Anglers who like to wade or fish from the bank will find several worthwhile spots at Taneycomo. There's plenty of cold water around Taneycomo Mile Marker 22, just below the Table Rock Dam. The rainbows love it, and there's excellent shore-access as well as prime wading opportunities for those so inclined. The water temperature averages less than 50 degrees in this area, however, so if you're going to wade make sure you dress warm and wear a personal flotation device at all times. In cold water, it doesn't take much of a mistake to get into a world of trouble.

Another reason that you need to keep your head up and pay attention if you fish below the Table Rock Dam -- be it in a boat, from shore or with waders -- is that it can be treacherous there when the turbines at the dam are on, The current can get swift in a hurry, so if you hear a horn blowing from the dam, get out of the water, retreat from the shoreline or move your boat away from the area.

If it's a nice brown an angler wants, Lilley's advice is very different. He'll point you in the direction of the bluffs and steep walls found around the impoundment, where throwing big crankbaits or big jerkbaits to the brutes is his preferred method. His selection frequently includes lures up to 12 inches in length.

Lilley emphasizes that anglers shouldn't be fooled by the shy, reclusive nature of these fish. They feed just like any other top predator -- hard and fast. To entice a strike, crank your lure hard to get it down to its maximum running depth quickly. After that, jerk it along -- a hard snap or rapid retrieve will almost always outproduce a delicate presentation. His advice: "Fish 'em hard and fast."

You'll also need heavier tackle for browns. It's very difficult -- not impossible, but pretty darned hard -- to throw big, hard lures on 2- and 4-pound-test line. Go ahead and upsize to 6- or 8-pound-test, but don't go heavier than is absolutely necessary.

In Taneycomo, Missouri anglers are blessed with one of the nation's truly great trout fisheries. It'd be a shame not to take advantage of it this year.

Lilley's Landing, about two miles from Branson, offers easy access to both ends of the lake. The resort-marina complex offers rooms, cabins, professional guides and boat rentals, as well as bait and tackle. Contact Phil Lilley at 1-888-LILLEYS.