| Lake | Fish |
|---|---|
| Atkinson Lake | Catfish |
| August A. Busch Memorial C.A. | Crappie, Channel catfish |
| Belcher Branch Lake | Crappie, Channel catfish |
| Ben Branch Lake | Channel catfish, Bluegill |
| Bilby Ranch Lake | Redear sunfish, Walleye |
| Binder Lake | Channel catfish, Largemouth bass |
| Blind Pony Lake | CLOSED |
| Blue Springs Lake | Channel catfish, Hybrid striped bass, Carp |
| Buffalo Bill Lake | Bluegill, Channel catfish |
| Bull Shoals Lake | Largemouth bass, Walleye |
| Bushwhacker Lake | Bluegill, Redear, Crappie |
| Cameron Res. #3 | Hybrid stripers, Crappie |
| Che-Ru Lake | Flathead catfish |
| Clearwater Lake | Crappie, Largemouth bass |
| Council Bluff | Lake Redear sunfish |
| Crane Lake | Channel catfish |
| Cypress Lake | Redear sunfish, Bluegill, Channel catfish |
| Deer Ridge Lake | Crappie, Bluegill |
| DiSalvo Lake | Largemouth bass |
| Duck Creek C. A. Pool #1 | Largemouth bass, Chain pickerel |
| Farrington Park | Lake Bluegill |
| Fellows Lake | Largemouth bass, Muskie, Channel catfish |
| Forest Lake-Thousand Hills State Park | Largemouth bass |
| Green City Lake | Channel catfish |
| Grindstone Reservoir | Largemouth bass |
| Happy Holler Lake | Largemouth bass, Crappie |
| Harmony Mission Lake | Redear, Hybrid striped bass |
| Harrison County Res. | Bluegill |
| Hartell C. A. Lakes | Largemouth bass, Crappie Bluegill |
| Hazel Creek Lake | Muskie, Largemouth bass |
| Hazel Hill Lake | Largemouth bass, Crappie |
| Henry Sever Lake | Crappie, Redear |
| Hunnewell Lake | Bluegill, Redear |
| Indian Creek Lake | Crappie |
| James A. Reed Memorial W.A. | Crappie, Rainbow trout |
| K. C. Urban Fishing Lakes | Channel catfish, Rainbow, Brown trout |
| Kellogg Lake | Largemouth bass, Channel catfish |
| Labelle Lake | Redear, Black crappie |
| Lake Girardeau | Largemouth bass, Redear |
| Lake Jacomo | White bass, Largemouth bass, Channel catfish |
| Lake of the Ozarks | Largemouth bass, Crappie |
| Lake Paho | Largemouth bass |
| Lake Remembrance | Black bass, Crappie |
| Lake Show-me | Crappie, Walleye |
| Lake Springfield | Largemouth bass, Channel catfish |
| Lake Taneycomo | Rainbow, Brown Trout |
| Little Compton Lake | Largemouth bass, Channel catfish |
| Little Dixie Lake | Crappie, Redear |
| Long Branch Lake | Blue catfish |
| Longview Lake | Largemouth bass, Carp |
| Manito Lake | Channel catfish |
| Maple Leaf Lake | Channel catfish |
| Mark Twain Lake | Largemouth bass, Flathead catfish |
| Montrose Lake | Channel, Flathead catfish |
| Mozingo Lake | Walleye, Channel catfish |
| Nodaway County Community Lake | Largemouth bass |
| Norfork Lake | Walleye, Largemouth bass, White bass |
| Perry County Lake | Black and White crappie, Redear sunfish |
| Pomme de Terre Lake | Black bass, crappie, White bass, Muskellunge |
| Pony Express Lake | Channel catfish, Blue catfish |
| Rinquelin Trail Lake | Largemouth bass, Channel catfish |
| Robert DeLaney | Lake Bluegill |
| Rte. J Reservior | Bluegill, Largemouth bass |
| St. Louis Urban Fishing Program Lakes | Channel catfish, Rainbow trout |
| Shawnee Trail CA | Channel catfish, Largemouth bass, Sunfish |
| Smithville Lake | Crappie, Flathead, Channel catfish, Walleye, White bass |
| Stockton Lake | Crappie, largemouth bass, Walleye, White bass |
| Table Rock Lake | Black bass, Walleye |
| Thomas Hill Lake | White crappie, Hybrid striped bass |
| Truman Lake | Black bass, Walleye, Hybrid striped bass |
| Unionville City Lake | Channel catfish |
| Wappapello Lake | Crappie, Bluegill |
| Watkin’s Mill State Park Lake | Largemouth bass, Channel catfish, Redear |
Atkinson Lake (Kansas City Region)
Information: (417) 876-5226
Atkinson Lake (Schell-Osage CA; Vernon/St. Clair Counties) level has returned to normal, but it experienced severe flooding in July 2007. The impacts to the fishery are unknown at this time. The dingy nature of Atkinson Lake typically produces slow growth of crappie, but an infusion of Truman Lake crappie sometimes improves the crappie population for a few years after the flood. Anglers are encouraged to take up to the daily limit of fifteen crappie.
The effects of flooding on the largemouth bass population are also unknown at this time. Sampling in recent years shows low numbers of largemouth bass. The daily limit of two bass reflects that natural reproduction is limited in the lake. The Missouri Department of Conservation stocked 1000 young bass in 2003 and again in 2004 to boost the population. All black bass less 15 inches must be returned to the water unharmed.
Angling for catfish is the best bet for this lake. Rod and reel, limb lines and bank lines are the only legal methods in Atkinson Lake; trot lines, throw lines and jug lines are not legal. Limb lines are attached to a natural overhanging limb above the water and have a single hook. They may be without weight or a may have a small weight. Bank lines are similar except that a wooden, fiberglass, metal or similar pole is inserted in the bank and takes the place of natural vegetation which defines a limb line. Lines with multiple hooks, or lines with substantial weights which render them effectively stationary are considered trot lines or throw lines and are not legal at Atkinson Lake. Lines attached to a jug which serves to suspend the hook and bait, whether anchored or not, are considered jug lines and are not legal at Atkinson Lake. Bobbers may be used when rod and reel fishing.
Cut baits, especially shad, are always effective. Rod and reel anglers interested in channel cat may opt for blood or cheese baits fished below a float or tight-lined on the bottom. Daily limit for channel, blue and flathead catfish in the aggregate is four. All flathead less than 24” must be returned to the water unharmed. Flathead respond best to live baits such as bluegill or green sunfish.
August A. Busch Memorial and Weldon Spring Conservation Areas (St. Louis Region)
Information: (636) 441-4554
The Busch/Weldon Spring Areas receive over 125,000 fishing trips annually on just 574 acres of water. This means many of the lakes are fished heavily. MDC tries to prevent over harvest through more restrictive regulations. Following these regulations will help sustain the fishery for the future.
The Kids-Only fishing lake on the area has been a popular place for the kids, but not too crowded. Lake 12 is open year-round for kids ages 15 and under. It is an excellent place for kids to catch 6-8” hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and bass. Fish with crickets and worms around brush piles, stumps and weed beds. Special regulations apply.
The lakes where largemouth bass are plentiful, but most are smaller than the 15" length limit, are lakes 11, 16, 19, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 31, 34 and 37. Use small spinner baits, crankbaits, and topwater baits along rocky shorelines, brush piles, and in weedy coves for best results. These are great lakes to practice your hook setting skills as indicated by our spring samples. Electrofishing catch rates exceeded 200 bass per hour. The best lake for big largemouth bass is Lake 33 where 57% of the bass were larger than 15" and 16% were larger than 18" from a sample of 90 bass caught this spring. Lakes 5, 6, 7, 12, 24, 30, 35, 38, and will also have 25-55% of the bass population larger than 15" and 10% larger than 18 inches.
Remember there is an 18" minimum length limit on lakes 33 and 35. In spring and fall bass will be in shallow water and can be caught on spinnerbaits, jig and pig, and crankbaits. In the summer, fish go to deeper, cooler water. Bigger bass can be caught along the rock dams and dropoffs near log structures. Plastic worms, crankbaits, and jig and pigs are productive in early morning and evening hours.
Seven-inch crappie will again be plentiful in Lake 33, 35, and 30. Please remove all sizes of crappie up to the daily limit of 30. Although you can pick up occasional 13 - 15" crappie in Lake 33, less than 10% are >8". Better lakes to catch larger crappie are Lakes 6, 8, 34, 35, and 37. The best crappie fishing is from mid-April through mid-May . There is also some good fall crappie fishing in October.
Channel catfish will be best in lakes 3, 4, 5, 7, and 24 where one pound catfish are stocked bimonthly May through September. Lakes where channel catfish greater than 10 pounds are consistently caught are lakes 33, 34, and 35 and Prairie Lake on Weldon Spring Conservation Area.
Flathead catfish have a minimum length limit of 24" and are most common in 33 and 35. One 35 lb brute was caught this spring. Live bait fished in rootwads along the rock dams and in root wads will produce the best results.
Try the shallow coves of lakes 20, 24, 30, 34, 37, and 38for the best grass carp fishing. Anglers must be patient and sit very still to catch grass carp, whether they use canned corn, tomatoes, or other plant based bait. This under-utilized type of fishing can reward anglers with the 20-50 lb fish of a lifetime. For anglers who enjoy fishing for common carp, Lake 33 and the Femme Osage Slough on Weldon Spring are your best bets.
Bluegill >7" should be best in lakes 6, 8, 9, 10, 22, 34, 37, and 38. If you just want lots of action try lakes 10, 20, 21, and 30 where there are lots of 4-6" bluegill. Try fishing for redear sunfish in lakes 6, 20, 21, 30, 34, 35, 37, and 38. Redear will not be as numerous as bluegill, but there are Master Angler sized redear >10" in all of these lakes. Fish with worms or crickets on the bottom near weedbeds. Sunfish (bluegill, redear, and green sunfish in combination) bag limit is 10.
Trout are stocked in several lakes from November to February on the Busch Conservation Area. The fishing is excellent through the winter. Call for specific details or pick up a trout brochure at Regional Office.
If you like to catch a lot of fish and release them, Lakes 16, 31, and 32 are CATCH-AND-RELEASE-LAKES. Only artificial lures may be used and fish must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught.
Muskies in the 20-40” inch size range are occasionally caught at Lake 35 with 60% of the spring sample larger than 36” legal length. Large rattle traps have been most productive. The size limit is 36 inches for muskies- please practice catch-and-release for these trophies.
Lakes 6, 15, 33, and 34 have facilities for persons with disabilities, including parking areas, paved ramps, wheelchair accessible picnic tables and rest rooms. In addition, Lake 6 has paved fishing jetties and lakes 15, 33, and 34 have floating covered docks.
Lakes 1, 2, and 15 are used for Aquatic Resource Education and closed to public fishing.
Belcher Branch Lake (Northwest Region)
Information: (816) 271-3100
Largemouth bass fishing remains consistent with 75% of the fish reaching 12”. Only 6% of the bass reach the 18” length limit, but there are a few largemouth bass that reach 22”. Crappie fishing should continue to be good in 2008, especially in the early spring. Most crappie range from 6-9”, but crappie above 10” are not uncommon. Anglers are encouraged to keep all crappie caught up to their daily limit of 30. Anglers should concentrate their efforts in the standing timber and around the brush piles near the fishing piers. Bluegill are common with average sizes in the 5-7” range. Redear sunfish are plentiful and run a bit larger than the bluegill. Most redear sunfish range from 7-9”, but 10” fish are not uncommon. Fish with tube jigs and worms near the shore in the spring to catch these fighting fish. Channel catfish of all sizes are very plentiful and continue to be restocked in the lake every year.
Ben Branch Lake (Central Region)
Information: (573) 884-6861
This 44-acre lake is located about 10 miles northeast of Linn on Highway 89. Channel Catfish should be good in 2008 due to annual stocking by the Department of Conservation. Largemouth bass fishing should be fair in 2008. The size structure is improved. Electrofishing samples in May 2007 indicated 36% of the adult bass are 12” or longer and 5% are 15” or longer. Bluegill fishing should be fair in 2008. Only 21% percent of the bluegill stock is six inches or longer, however, 5% of the stock is 8” or longer.
Bilby Ranch Lake (Northwest Region)
Information: (816) 271-3100
Largemouth bass from 16-20” await bass anglers trying this 110 acre lake 15 minutes west of Maryville. Electrofishing surveys again showed terrific bass size structure, with 69% of bass in the lake greater than 15 inches. Concentrate your efforts along the rip rap of the dam, over the rock islands, or in the flooded timber in the upper two arms of the lake. Unfortunately, due to the ill-advised (and illegal) introduction of gizzard shad and common carp, bluegill and crappie arecurrentlyrunning on the small side. Recently it has become more difficult to find numbers of large panfish, but bluegill up to 8-inches and master angler-sized redear sunfish upto 10 inches are still a possibility to patient anglers willing to throw back the smaller fish. Although crappie size structure has gone down in the last few years, there are plenty of fish available to be caught. Fishing with small plastic baits and jig and minnow combinations over the newly installed cedar tree brush piles, off the covered fishing dock, or over the submerged rock piles will produce pan-sized fish. Anglers are encouraged to harvest their limit of crappie. Channel catfish are plentiful in Bilby Lake, with some very nice fish in the 10 pound range available. Try the rip rap of the dam with dip bait and liver. Walleye from the 2002 and 2005 stocking are growing extremely well in Bilby Lake’s clear water, with many fish now over 20”. During spring of 2007, 74 adult walleye were taggedwith $25 reward tags to determine angler use and exploitation, so keep an eye out for tagged walleye. Try trolling crankbaits over main lake points adjacent to brush or rock for these tasty gamefish. A disabled-user accessible covered fishing dock at the boat ramp has brush piles and deep water within easy casting distance, and produces good catches of all species for bank anglers. Anglers should also take advantage of the new fish cleaning station located near the main parking lot. Numerous 1-acre and larger ponds on the area hold good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish for those anglers willing to walk in from the public parking lots.
Binder Lake (Central Region)
Information: (573) 884-6861
Binder Lake is approximately 150 acres and is located about three miles west of Jefferson City. Largemouth bass should be fair in 2008. The size of the fish is the best it has been in quite a few years. Over 76% of the adult bass are 12” or longer and nearly one out of every six bass is 15” or longer. Unfortunately, the bass numbers are down. Bluegill fishing will be fair in 2008. Bluegill numbers are very high but the fish are small. Redear sunfish will also be fair. The size of the redear sunfish is excellent but they are more difficult to catch than bluegill. The channel catfish fishery should be excellent in 2008. The size of the catfish stocked in the fall of 2007 was about one pound per fish on average, and many of the fish were much larger than the average. Crappie fishing should be fair. The size of the fish is good but the crappie are not numerous.
Blind Pony Lake (Central Region)
Information: (573) 884-6861
Blind Pony Lake, which is located about six miles north of Sweet Springs on Highway ZZ, remains closed. The lake was built over thirty-five years ago and over that time silt has collected in the lake, reducing the water available for the hatchery and hurting the water quality. This factor limited the hatchery’s ability to grow sport fish for stocking statewide. It also limited the hatchery’s capacity to raise the federally endangered pallid sturgeon for restoration efforts in the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. This prompted the federal government to help pay for deepening the lake, replacing hatchery water supply lines, and inspecting and refurbishing fishing docks, jetties, and other facilities. As of the fall of 2007, the lake had nearly refilled to its normal level. Fingerlings were restocked in 2006 and 2007. The Department is tracking the growth of the young fish population and will reopen the lake when the population is ready for fishing pressure. Only the lake is closed. The rest of the area, including four small ponds, is open as usual.
Blue Springs Lake (Kansas City Region)
Information: (816) 655-6250
An exotic aquatic plant, Eurasian watermilfoil, continues to be the dominant species of aquatic vegetation in the lake. Since native aquatic vegetation provides excellent habitat for invertebrates and young fish, biologists again constructed shallow water enclosures and filled them with suitable plants this year. This will provide a variety of aquatic vegetation in the lake should the exotic watermilfoil die-off. Channel catfish from 1 to 3 pounds are abundant, and even beginners should be able to land of few of these fish this summer and into the fall. Some nice-sized channel catfish and a few flathead catfish can be found along the dam early in the summer. Try using green sunfish or bluegill for bait which can easily be caught along the dam with light tackle. Hybrid striped bass continue to provide a unique fishing opportunity in the Kansas City area. We received surplus hybrid striped bass in 2007 in addition to our regular stocking. More than 22,200 young hybrids were stocked last year. Anglers should look for schooling hybrids at the upper end of the lake in the early spring near the Lake Jacomo spillway after heavy spring rains, and along the dam and main lake points in the summer and early fall. The Jacomo discharge pipe (known locally as the “blow hole”) provides some of the hottest action every year, especially in the very early morning after moderate rainfalls. Watch for hybrids hitting shad on the surface in Marina Cove in early June. Fish 7 pounds and larger have been caught. Try jigging, casting, and trolling along any of these areas. Some folks even use livers on the flat near Woods Chapel Road. Carp are overabundant and easy to catch with small chunks of dough bait. Anglers are encouraged to keep the carp they catch. Recipes for dough bait, cleaning and cooking carp can be obtained by contacting the Kansas City Regional office at the number above.
The largemouth bass population, though still low in density, seems to be improving as we see more fish in our surveys each year. The size structure of the population continues to be good with fish captured in all size classes. Anglers should concentrate their efforts along the outside edges of the weed beds and in the fallen timber east of Woods Chapel Road. In the fall, try the dropoffs on the main lake and the channels in the coves. Trapnet surveys show black crappie will continue to be small in size and more abundant than white crappie, though some large white crappie will be caught. Most black crappie will be less than 9 inches in length.
NOTE: The Conservation Department will host the 7th annual disabled angler carp fishing event in early June 2008. Disabled anglers who would like to participate should contact the phone number above to inquire further.
Buffalo Bill Lake (Northwest Region)
Information: (816) 675-2205 or (816) 271-3100
This 45-acre lake is located on the northern edge of Pony Express Lake Conservation Area. The lake goes unnoticed by many anglers on the area but it can provide excellent fishing whether targeting bluegill or largemouthbass. Thirteen new brushpiles were added along the shoreline east of the boat ramp and along the southern part of the dam during 2007. Good catch rates for nice-sized bluegill (7-9”) are common. The bass are abundant and put up a good fight, but sizes tend to be less than 15”. Black and white crappie are tougher to locate but can provide fast action and an excellent meal.
Bull Shoals Lake (Ozark Region)
Information: (417) 256-7161
In 2007, bass anglers can expect increased catch rates of legal size largemouth, >15”. Even though bass numbers are the highest they have been in several years, anglers catching smallmouth and largemouth are encouraged to practice catch and release, in order to help maintain the bass population. Anglers wanting fish to eat can harvest spotted bass, >12". This will also help reduce competition between them and the largemouths. Anglers can identify the largemouth and spotted bass by using differences in the jaw bone length, cheek scale size, and absence/presence of a tongue patch. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, and plastic worms catch the majority of the black bass species. Walleye numbers continue to be good throughout the lake, due to an increase in annual stockings and the 18" minimum length and four fish per day limits. Rogues, live bait, and jigs catch the majority of fish during the early spring months. In the months following, minnows and nightcrawlers, rigged on bottom-bouncers, and crankbaits slowly trolled along flats and points catch good numbers of fish. Anglers are reminded that from February 20 through February29, walleye can be taken and possessed only between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (CST), in the Swan Creek arm upstream of U.S. Highway 160. Beginning March 1, 2008 until April 14, 2008, walleye can be taken and possessed only from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, upstream of U.S. Highway 160.
Missouri residents, those 16 years of age and older, who fish the Arkansas portion of Bull Shoals Lake should take advantage of the $10 White River Border Lakes Permit. This permit allows these anglers to fish the Arkansas portion of this lake without purchasing an Arkansas Non-Resident fishing permit.
Bushwhacker Lake (Kansas City Region)
Information: (417) 876-5226
Largemouth bass are very abundant at the 157-acre Bushwhacker Lake, but most are smaller than 12 inches long. Anglers are encouraged to harvest their limit of 6 bass < 12" per day. A slot length limit protects 12-15" bass from harvest. Anglers should experience good angling for 7-9" bluegill and redear sunfish. Fishing shoreline areas and coves during April and May with small spinners and small crank baits, such as artificial crayfish, is a productive method to catch both bass and sunfish. Once shallow waters become warm in June and July, anglers may be more successful using worms and slip bobbers around flooded trees. Anglers may also catch black crappie and are encouraged to harvest their limit of 30 crappie per day. Crappie angling is best using minnows and jigs during April. Channel catfish angling is good. Catfish anglers should try using stink baits or chicken livers, and fishing from the jetties or the dam in the evening. The daily limit for channel catfish is 4.
Outboard motors larger than 10 horsepower may be used but are required to be operated at no wake speed.
Cameron Reservoir #3 (Northwest Region, in cooperation with the City of Cameron)
Information: (816) 675-2205 or (816) 271-3100
This 96-acre lake is located just west of Cameron and is the northernmost of the City of Cameron’s three older drinking water reservoirs. Mid-lake bubblers prevent this lake from stratifying during the summer and help to maintain good water quality year round. Recent surveys reveal a wide variety of fishing opportunities for many different types of anglers. Catfishermen can expect many channel catfish from 12-16” in length. Flathead catfish are an underutilized resource in the lake. They are regularly captured during surveys from 25-32” in length, with a few individuals reaching sizes of 40+ inches and 40+ pounds! Hybrid stripers are stocked every three years and commonly reach lengths of 15-24”, with a few individuals reaching sizes of 10 or more pounds. This year, 2,400 4-6” hybrid stripers were stocked to replenish the existing population. Many crappie ranging in size from 7-9” and a few from 11-14” can be found in the spring and fall. Largemouth bass show good overall growth and sizes ranging from 12-20”. Remember, largemouth bass must be a minimum of 15” (limit 6) and hybrid stripers must be a minimum of 20” (limit 4) to be harvested from this lake. Cameron #3 is an electric motor only lake.
Che-Ru Lake (Northwest Region)
Information: (660) 646-6122 or (660) 938-4124
This 160-acre lake on Fountain Grove Conservation Area offers anglers a unique fishing experience. Numerous habitat types such as submerged levees, borrow ditches, rock reefs and standing timber hold several fish species. The lake has moderate numbers of largemouth bass with several longer than 15 inches. Anglers fishing with crank baits, jigs, or live bait may pick up an occasional walleye. The crappie population has good numbers of 9 to 11-inch fish. White bass can offer fast paced action on windy days. The lake is gaining a reputation for trophy flathead catfish. The lake has several flatheads over 20 pounds. In order to estimate harvest, several flathead catfish have been tagged. If an angler catches a tagged fish, they should contact the Missouri Department of Conservation at 660/646-6122. A new disabled user fishing dock and privy have been popular additions to the lake. The lake is closed to fishing from October 15th through February 15th.
Clearwater Lake (Southeast Region)
Information: Paul.Cieslewicz@mdc.mo.gov or (573) 290-5730
White Crappie fishing will continue to be good at Clearwater Lake. The majority of the white crappie will be greater than 9". According to our spring 2007 fish population surveys, 64% of the white crappie were >9" and 52% were >10”.
Largemouth bass angling should be excellent. During our spring 2007 survey, 30% of the bass were >15” and 22% were >18”. Spotted bass fishing should be fair. Our surveys showed that 25% of the spotted bass were >11” and 8% were >14”. Clearwater Lake has no size limit for black bass.
Clearwater Lake supports a good white bass population. In April and early May, white bass migrate up the Black River to spawn; the best fishing is upstream of Sinking Creek. White bass of 1-3 pounds are common.
Channel catfish are common throughout the lake. Flathead catfish are present in the lake in low numbers. However, every year I receive reports of large flathead catfish (40lb+) caughton trotlines.
Each fall, Corps of Engineers and Missouri Department of Conservation staff construct several large, hardwood brushpiles in the lake. These brushpiles always hold good numbers of bass and crappie. Maps showing the brushpile locations can be obtained by calling the number above.
Council Bluff Lake (Southeast Region)
Information: (573) 290-5730
This 440-acre lake, located on Mark Twain National Forest in Iron County, boasts the best redear sunfish population in the region. Fish 7-10” are very abundant (Master Angler fish = 10”), although 11-12” fish are not uncommon. These fish are most readily caught during the spring and early summer on small worms or crickets. Due to very clear water, fish are often found deeper than in other lakes, even during the spawn. Fish for redears on the bottom in water 4-15' deep, targeting points and the mouths of coves. Bluegill are less abundant but of quality size (7-9”) and can be found in the lake’s abundant submerged timber. Look for redear and bluegill spawning beds in shallow water in May and June. Largemouth bass are abundant and they average 12-18”. They can be challenging to catch in the clear water, requiring finesse and light tackle. Topwaters in the very late evening and early morning are often the ticket. Channel catfish are stocked annually. The MDC is conducting a study on channel catfish in Council Bluff. A number of catfish in the lake have been marked with tags worth from $10 to $100. If you catch a tagged catfish, return the tag to: Mo. Dept. of Conservation, 1110 South College Avenue, Columbia, MO 65201. Along with the tag, be sure to send the following information–date fish was caught, length of fish, whether fish was kept or released, and your name and address. Angling should continue to be good for catfish up to 20”. There is a concrete boat ramp off Highway DD and a gravel ramp off Highway 32.
Crane Lake (Southeast Region)
Information: (573) 290-5730
This 99-acre U.S. Forest Service lake is located in Iron County. The lake is very clear making fishing challenging on bright days. An aquatic-plant establishment project is ongoing by the USFS and MDC in an attempt to improve fish habitat. In addition, the USFS and MDC placed several large brush piles along the north shoreline of the lake. Largemouth bass average 10-15”, with a few larger fish to be found. A 12-15” slot length limit is in effect and anglers are encouraged to harvest smaller bass to improve overall bass size. Bass can be found around beaver lodges, downed trees, overhanging vegetation, and aquatic vegetation planting exclosures. Lighter lines and smaller lures are often the key to taking bass from the lake’s clear water. Channel catfish are very abundant, averaging 10-17”, with a few fish to 20”. Fish the shallow coves around woody cover in May and June. An occasional redear sunfish can be found; most are 8-12”. Look for redear spawning beds in shallow water in May and June. Black crappie are present in low numbers and can be found around beaver lodges and deep water stumps. The lake has an earthen fishing jetty and newly-paved boat ramp.
Cypress Lake (Southeast Region)
Information: 573/290-5730
This 95-acre lake is located on Otter Slough Conservation Area, near Dexter. Redear sunfish and bluegill are abundant; redear will average 5-7” and bluegill 5-6”. Channel catfish angling continues to be excellent. Fish average 12- 20” with many fish >20”. Largemouth bass angling will continue to be very good, with most fish 12-20”. Bass anglers frequently report catching fish in excess of 20”, often several during a fishing trip. A 15-inch minimum length limit is in effect for largemouth bass. Black and white crappie angling should be good, with fish 9-12”. A 9-inch minimum length limit and a 15- fish daily limit on crappie takes effect in March, 2008. The lake has numerous brush piles. A disabled-accessible fishing dock with fish cleaning table and boat ramp are located on the lake. The lake is closed from Oct. 15 to Feb. 1 as a waterfowl refuge.
Deer Ridge Lake (Northeast Region)
Information: (573) 248-2530
This 48-acre lake, nestled among the timber in Deer Ridge Conservation Area, continues to be favored by anglers seeking solitude and a picturesque setting. All species supported good fishing during 2007 and will again during 2008. Largemouth bass remain very numerous, although most are less than 15 inches long. A few bass over six pounds are present. Bluegill 7 to 8 inches long are plentiful, and the abundance of bluegill over 8 inches long has increased. Crappie anglers should continue to enjoy catching 8 to 10-inch long black crappie, especially during springtime. However, summertime crappie fishing can also be good around standing timber and brush piles. Anglers seeking channel catfish should find fishing to be fair; most catfish are 16 to 26 inches long. Anglers will enjoy using the new barrier-free fishing dock. Area visitors may also want to take advantage of the primitive camping areas, hiking trails, and shooting range available at this Conservation Area.
DiSalvo Lake (Southeast Region)
Information: (573) 290-5730
This 210-acre lake is located on Bismarck Conservation Area in St. Francois County. Largemouth bass are abundant and average 8 -14” with an occasional larger fish. Anglers fishing along weed lines with soft plastics and topwaters do best. A 12-15” slot-length limit is in effect. Anglers should consider keeping bass <12” in order to improve the average size of bass. Bluegill and redear sunfish will average 5-7”. Target these fish along shorelines and near the boat launch from April through June when fish are spawning. Sunfish beds can often be found in stands of lotus along shorelines. Channel catfish are abundant, with most fish in the 10-17” range. Crappie are average both in number and size, although an occasional large (>12") fish is taken. Crappie are most often taken in the main lake channel--in early spring and fall--by drifting or trolling minnows and jigs. The lake has an abundance of aquatic vegetation that can hinder boat launching and bank angling during the summer months, but herbicide treatments are made to improve access. A courtesy dock for boats was installed in 2007. There is also a paved fishing jetty.
Duck Creek C.A. Pool #1 (Southeast Region)
Information: Paul.Cieslewicz@mdc.mo.gov or (573) 290-5730
Fishing Pool #1 is a unique experience because of the extensive amounts of aquatic vegetation present. The aquatic vegetation can make navigation and fishing very difficult later in the summer, but this vegetation is the primary reason for the excellent fish populations that exist in the lake. To create open water areas, Fisheries personnel will apply aquatic herbicides in June 2008. The treatment sites will be located along the south levee. Maps showing the herbicide treatment areas can be obtained by calling the number above.
Crappie fishing should be good, with fish greater than 10 inches common. The best crappie fishing occurs in April as the water temperature approaches 50oF. Sunfish angling should also be good, with large fish (>8”) abundant. The best time to fish for bluegill, redear sunfish, and warmouth is during May and June. During this time, many sunfish anglers use crickets or jigs. Because the water is crystal clear, anglers need to use light (4 lb) fishing line.
Pool #1 supports an excellent largemouth bass population. You may not catch many bass, but the bass you catch could be large. In the 2007 fish survey, 47% of the bass were >15”. The chain pickerel population is underutilized and Master Angler size pickerel (>23”) are fairly common. The best pickerel fishing is in February, March, and April. You should use spinner baits, other weedless lures, or large minnows.
Farrington Park Lake (Kansas City Region)
Information: (660) 885-8179
The spring and summer of 2008 look to provide some promising fishing for anglers visiting Windsor’s Farrington Park Lake. Recent samples indicate a good number of quality-sized bluegill, some nearing the 9 inch range and redear sunfish as big as 11 inches. Fall samples also indicated a good number of crappie between 8 and 9 inches. These fish should reach 10 inches this spring and summer and provide good fishing. The lake also contains quality largemouth bass with a good number of bass between 15 and 20 inches. Channel catfish were also re-stocked in the fall of 2007. A good place to try are any of the brushpiles recently placed throughout the lake. Samples showed the brush to be holding good numbers of bass, crappie, and bluegill. Expanding colonies of water lily should also provide good fishing cover. Shallow spawning areas are good places to target bluegill and redear during the early summer months.
Fellows Lake (Southwest Region, in cooperation with Springfield City Utilities)
Information: (417) 895-6880
Fellows Lake, located just north of Springfield, offers diverse, close-to-home fishing opportunities. Largemouth bass fishing should remain good during 2008. Population data indicate that approximately 34% of bass are >15”. This represents an increase in the proportion of quality sized fish since 2002. A 12-15” protected slot length limit helps provide excellent catch-and-release fishing. Fish attractors, constructed from deciduous trees, continue to provide good areas to catch fish. Selected brush structures were replenished in 2004, 2005, and 2007. For a detailed contour map and brush pile locations, contact the Missouri Department of Conservation (417/895-6880) or check the MDC website (www.mdc.mo.gov) for an on-line map. Muskie fishing should be fair to good in 2008 as sampling data indicate that 52% of the population is >36” (legal harvest size). Expect best fishing success on overcast, rainy days during the fall or early spring months when water temperature is below 70°F. Fish large spinners, bucktails, or plugs near brush structure or weed beds. Muskie are occasionally caught as anglers fish for largemouth bass. Carefully handling both sub-legal and legal muskie at the water’s surface will increase their chances for survival. Channel catfish remain abundant throughout the lake and commonly run from 8-19”. Preferred baits include chicken livers, nightcrawlers, prepared baits, and cutbait. Walleye and crappie anglers should expect fair fishing success in 2008. Walleye can be caught fishing gravel points in the spring, the backs of coves in the summer using crappie jigs, nightcrawlers, or minnows, and trolling deep-diving crankbaits across main lake points. The minimum length limit for walleye is 15”. Minnows and tube jigs are the preferred baits for crappie anglers in and around brush piles and vegetation. Spring will provide the best opportunity for catching quality (10-13”) fish. Both white and black crappie are present with most fish ranging from 7-10”. Bluegill fishing will be fair this year but most will range from 3-5”. Quality sized bluegill (>6”) make up approximately 12% of the population. Small pieces of worms and a bobber make an excellent rig for children to catch this species. Redear sunfish were collected during spring sampling and will provide the opportunity to battle a larger sunfish species. Springfield City Utilities owns Fellows Lake and requires an annual boat permit. Boat motors are limited to 40 horsepower or less. A disabled user accessible fishing dock is located on the northeast arm of the lake, and a 2-lane boat ramp with disabled access and courtesy dock is located at the marina area.
Forest Lake – Thousand Hills State Park (Northeast Region)
Information: (660) 785-2420
Nestled in the forested hills of Thousand Hills State Park near Kirksville, this 573-acre lake provides a variety of recreational opportunities including fishing. Largemouth bass are numerous, particularly those shorter than 12 inches, although anglers will find plenty of action from fish within the 12- to 15-inch slot length limit. Bass reproduction and survival has been good, so anglers are encouraged to harvest up to their daily limit of six bass less than 12 inches long. White crappie are plentiful, especially in the 8-10” size range. Annually stocked channel catfish provide some of the best fishing in the northeast region for cats in the 1- to 3-pound range. Walleye fingerlings stocked in 2002 have faired well. A spring 2007 survey resulted in the capture of 56 walleye, 15-inches or longer per hour of electrofishing. Walleye were again stocked in 2005 and 2007. The 2005 year-class will meet or exceed the 15-inch minimum length limit in 2008. To facilitate bank angling, the Missouri Department of Conservation constructed a barrier-free fishing dock on the lake in 2002. Fish-attracting structures have been placed around the fishing dock in order to attract panfish. There is a 90-horsepower limit on boat motors, and the City of Kirksville charges for a permit to operate private boats based upon horsepower rating.
Green City Lake (Northeast Region)
Information: (660) 785-2420
This 60 acre lake in Sullivan County should provide excellent fishing for channel catfish in 2008. Recent surveys of catfish show good numbers of fish over four pounds, with many reaching or exceeding six pounds. The lake is also stocked annually with 300 catfish (5/acre), so anglers should be able to harvest their daily limit of 4. In fall 2004, 300 channel catfish were stocked with reward tags worth from $10 to $100 as part of a research study. Largemouth bass numbers were good during spring sampling in 2006. Forty-five percent of the bass sampled were at least 15 inches long. Anglers are encouraged to harvest bass less than 12 inches long, up to their daily limit of 6. Good numbers of 6-8 inch long bluegill can be found, so fishing for that species should be good. Crappie fishing should be fair, with some longer than 13 inches. Boaters are reminded that outboard motors in excess of 10 horsepower are allowed but must be operated at slow, no-wake speed.
Grindstone Reservoir (Northwest Region, in cooperation with the City of Cameron)
Information: (816) 675-2205 or (816) 271-3100
The City of Cameron raised the outlet height on this 208-acre reservoir in 2005 to increase the amount of water in the lake (from 180 acres to 208 acres). Higher water levels have flooded additional shoreline which has provided added nutrients and increased cover for fish. However, the very large watershed of this lake causes water levels and water clarity to fluctuate dramatically after rainy periods and fishing success can drop until lake settles down. Channel catfish may be caught despite unsettled conditions with good catch rates for fish from 15-24”. Crappie fishing can be good during more stable times for 7-9” fish, and a few from 11-13”. The largemouth bass show good overall sizes with most fish from 12-20”. Two artificial structures were placed off the corners of the fishing dock during 2007 to attract crappie and other panfish for greater fishing success.
Happy Holler Lake (Northwest Region)
Information: (816) 271-3100
Happy Holler Lake continues to be a solid performer in both the size and number of fish available. Hook-less habitat structures were added to the front of the fishing dock during the spring of 2007. Largemouth bass fishing seems to be the most popular among boat anglers. Although spring sampling in 2007 indicated that only 15% of the population is greater than the 18” length limit, there have been reports of anglers catching fish greater than 9 pounds. Crappie fishing continues to be popular among boat anglers as well. The crappie population is characterized by relatively low numbers of quality-sized fish. Surveys in spring 2007 indicate 80% of the fish are greater than 9 inches. Anglers fishing for crappie should concentrate their efforts in the standing timber and over the newly installed brush piles. Bluegill are common in the 6-8” range and are overall slightly larger than last year. They can be found near the brushpiles or in the vegetation near the shore. Redear sunfish continue to range in size from 7-9”, with 17% of the population reaching 9 inches. Fish the flats out in front of the boat ramp and areas adjacent to the fishing jetties with tube jigs and worms to catch the redear sunfish. Channel catfish continue to be stocked and all sizes are readily caught off the banks and rock jetties.
Harmony Mission Lake (Kansas City Region)
Information: (417) 876-5226
At Harmony Mission Lake in Bates County angling for black bass should be good in 2008. The lake has abundant bass up to 17 inches. Anglers are encouraged to take up to their daily limit of six black bass under the 12-15 inch protected slot length limit. The lake produces some good bass over 20 inches long.
Harmony Mission Lake provides good action for sunfish anglers. Casting small baits near submerged cover can produce plenty of action for bluegill up to 7 inches. Anglers can catch Redear sunfish between eight and nine inches. Anglers may take up to twenty non-game species in the aggregate.
More than 6000 fingerling hybrid striped bass were stocked cumulatively in 2002, 2003 and 2004 to feed on gizzard shad. Many of these fish should be above the minimum length limit of 20 inches. Anglers may take up to 4 hybrid striped bass at least 20 inches long daily.
Sampling in the spring of 2005 showed abundant channel catfish. More than ten thousand channel catfish have been stocked since 2000. Many should exceed six pounds in 2008. Anglers may take up to four catfish daily.
Eurasian Watermilfoil is an aggressive non-native aquatic plant which has ringed Harmony Mission Lake. MDC has stocked grass carp in an attempt to reduce the plant dominance. More aggressive efforts are needed to eradicate this plant. Anglers are asked to thoroughly clean their boat before leaving the area so as to limit the spread of this plant to other bodies of water.
Harrison County Reservoir (Northwest Region,in cooperation with Harrison County)
Information: (816) 675-2205 or (816) 271-3100
Harrison County Lake (280 acres) should continue to provide excellent fishing opportunities for bass, panfish, and catfish during 2008. Surveys during spring 2007 showed higher numbers of largemouth bass from12-18” concentrated in submerged brush along the shore. Crappie sizes continue to improve with most fish between 9-11” in length by fall of 2007. Good numbers of quality-sized bluegill (7-9”)may be caughtoff shallow beds during spring and early summer, suspended near brush along old stream channels during midsummer to fall, and near the bottom when ice-fishing conditions are safe. Additional brush piles were installed in 2007 to enhance concentrations of panfish, and more brush piles are planned for 2008. Channel catfish remain abundant with larger fish greater than 26”.
Hartell Conservation Area (Clinton County Sportsmen’s Club) (Northwest Region)
Information: (816) 539-2035 or (816) 271-3100
The fishing at Hartell CA can be described by saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words” and pictures don’t lie. Do not forget your camera if you’re going to fish at Hartell Conservation Area, located just NE of Plattsburg. Hartell has produced many pictures of trophy fish in 2007, and 2008 should be even better. This area hosts 5 small lakes (2-5 acres) which are intensively managed for high-quality fishing and a 6th pond reserved exclusively for special fishing events. Hartell CA has been a catch-and-release only area and anglers are allowed to only use artificial lures and flies (no live or natural baits) since the area was donated to the Department (by the Clinton County Sportsmen’s Club) in 2000. These restrictive regulations are really starting to pay off with phenomenal catches of large fish. These strict area fishing regulations have allowed a trophy fishery to develop for all species. A direct result of this management approach are area anglers posing for photos with 6-7 pound largemouth bass, 16” crappie, and 10” bluegill which are frequently caught. All lakes are accessible for small boats and canoes (electric motors only) and a few boats are available to use at no charge. While visiting the area, fish Picnic Lake and Lunker Lake for trophy largemouth bass and concentrate your efforts for big bluegill in Redear Lake and Quarry Lake. Visit Hartell CA, and have your cameras ready, you never know what the next cast might bring.
Hazel Creek Lake (Northeast Region)
Information: (660) 785-2420
The largemouth bass population continues to improve at Hazel Creek Lake, and spring 2007 electrofishing survey results now reflect management objectives. Due to recent positive changes in the population, the restrictive 18-inch minimum length limit and two fish daily limit is no longer necessary. On November 1, 2007, the minimum length limit was reduced to 15-inches with a daily limit of six bass. Anglers will find that 30-40% of the bass they catch will be 15 inches long or greater, and approximately one out of ten fish are expected to be 18 inches or longer. The white crappie population continues to improve, but most fish caught by anglers in 2008 will be less than 8 inches long. Muskie fishing is predicted to be fantastic again in 2008. No surveys were conducted in 2007, but in spring 2006, nearly 60% of the muskies captured with fyke nets were 36 inches or longer! Anglers should be aware that on March 1, 2008, the 42-inch minimum length limit will be reduced to the statewide minimum length limit of 36-inches. The change was made due the high voluntary release rate of musky statewide. The daily limit of one musky will remain unchanged. In order to safely release these large, toothy predators at boat side, anglers should keep a floating ruler, needle-nose pliers, hook cutter and leather gloves handy. Anglers who wish to assist first-hand with muskie management in Missouri are encouraged to participate in the ShowMe Muskie Project, a volunteer angler diary program. Anglers can find out more about the ShowMe Musky Project by visiting the Missouri Department of Conservation web page at www.mdc.mo.gov . Channel catfish in the 2-to 4-pound range are available, but not in great numbers. Blue catfish were stocked in 1990 and can be caught in spring using dead shad as bait. Bow fishing for common carp and grass carp is highly encouraged and can be very exciting throughout the spring and summer months.
Hazel Hill Lake (Kansas City Region)
Information: 660/530-5500
Largemouth bass are abundant at the 71-acre Hazel Hill Lake. Most bass caught by angers in 2008 will be 10-14 inches long., but some larger bass are present. Seven percent of the bass collected in the spring of 2007 that were over 8 inches long exceeded 18 inches. Anglers should experience fair angling for bluegill and redear sunfish. Most bluegill sunfish are smaller than 8 inches, but 1/3 of redear sunfish exceeded 9 inches. Fishing shoreline areas and coves during April and May with small spinners and small crank baits, such as artificial crayfish, is a productive method to catch both bass and sunfish. Once shallow waters become warm in June and July, anglers may be more successful using worms and slip bobbers around flooded trees. Angling for crappie is good during April and May using minnows and jigs. Channel catfish angling is good. Catfish anglers should try using stink baits or chicken livers, and fishing from shore or along the dam in the evening.
Anglers should note that fishing regulations on Hazel Hill Lake are: largemouth bass 6 daily with a 15 inch length limit, the daily limit for crappie is 30, the daily limit for sunfish (bluegill, redear, green sunfish and their hybrids) shall be twenty (20). The daily limit for channel catfish is 4. Outboard motors larger than 10 horsepower may be used but are required to be operated at no wake speed.
Henry Sever Lake (Northeast Region)
Information: (573) 248-2530
This 160-acre lake will provide good fishing opportunities in 2007. Largemouth bass numbers are fair with large numbers of small fish and several larger fish exceeding 18 inches. A 12 to 15-inch slot length limit is enforced on the lake. The number of muskellunge exceeding 36 inches continues to increase. Muskie activity in the spring is highest in the downstream half of the lake.
Panfish such as crappie, bluegill, and redear will provide fast action on light tackle. Crappie exceeding 12 inches, including one over 17 inches, and numerous 8-inch and larger redear were collected during Spring, 2007 sampling. Catfishing continues to be one of the most popular activities on the area with captures of 10+ pound fish being commonly reported. This conservation area includes a concrete boat ramp, rental boats (motor not included), two fishing jetties, a handicap-accessible fishing dock, privies, a picnic pavilion, and primitive camping.
Hunnewell Lake (Northeast Region)
Information: (573) 248-2530
This 228-acre lake consistently provides good to excellent fishing for most, and 2008 will be no exception. Largemouth bass anglers can expect plenty of catch-and-release action due to very numerous bass in the 12 to 15-inch protected length range. One of every twenty bass caught should be 15 inches or longer and a few bass over 22 inches long are present. Bass growth has slowed in recent years, so we encourage anglers to harvest bass up to their daily limit of six bass less than 12 inches long. The most exciting fishing opportunities in the lake are for bluegill and redear sunfish, especially during late May. Panfish anglers will find bluegill up to 9 inches long and redear sunfish over 11 inches long. Crappie are also abundant, and a good proportion of them will exceed 9 inches in length. Catfish angling (both channels and blues) will continue to be good during 2008. Blue catfish are stocked annually, and several exceeding 30 pounds are caught in the lake each year. Private boats are prohibited on this lake to protect Hunnewell Hatchery from zebra mussel invasion. Effective March 1, 2008, only electric motors will be permitted. Rental boats are available.
Indian Creek Lake (Northwest Region)
Information: (660) 646-6122
Indian Creek Lake is a 192-acre lake located on Poosey Conservation Area in northwest Livingston County. Largemouth bass fishing is good. A 12 to 15-inch protected slot length limit continues to improve the bass population. Bass anglers can expect the majority of their catch to be fish 12 to 15 inches long. However, catches of large bass are increasing. A high quality channel catfish population exists in the lake with several fish longer than 20 inches. Anglers should use night crawlers or prepared baits fished off the bottom. During the summer, be sure to fish in water less than 12 feet deep. Dissolved oxygen levels in many Missouri lakes get too low to support fish at depths below 12 feet during mid to late summer. Anglers interested in panfishing will find good numbers of bluegill and redear sunfish. At times, crappie anglers can experience good catches of fish longer than 10 inches. Regardless of the catch, fishing is always a good experience at what many people consider the prettiest lake in north Missouri. A fish cleaning station is located near the lake’s boat ramp.
James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area (Kansas City Region)
Information: (816) 622-0900
The Reed Area is open for year-round fishing. Fishing is permitted from 6:00 am until 6:00 pm from October 1, through March 31. From April 1, through September 30, fishing is permitted from 6:00 am until 9:00 pm. Bluegill and Redear sunfish will spawn at all the lakes starting in late April and will run until early June. The best populations can be found at Plover, Coot, Catclaw and Nell Lakes. Try fishing the coves with red worms or crickets under a bobber for bluegill and dragging the bottom for redear. Crappie fishing takes off in early April and remains very good until mid-May. Try fishing Gopher, Nell, Catclaw or Coot for the best populations of crappie on the area. They spawn on the rocky banks and near woody cover. After the spawn crappie can be caught by renting a boat and fishing the deep water brush piles at Gopher Lake. Using minnows or jigs works best. Largemouth Bass start spawning in late April. Work the weed beds and the brush piles for the best action using a plastic worm or a jig and pig. All lakes hold good bass populations but top lakes would be Gopher, Bluestem and Catclaw Lakes. In the summer months try fishing early and late in the day using top water or spinner baits. Work these baits along and around the aquatic weed beds. Channel catfish action picks up in June and is good most of the summer. All lakes where stocked and hold good populations. Chicken liver and cut shad are the best summer time baits. After the water gets to 80 degrees float these baits under a bobber. Following spring rains fish the creek channels running into the lakes by drifting night crawlers. Trout will be stocked into Coot and Plover Lakes in November of 2007 to establish a winter fishing season. These fish can be harvested by statewide regulations. Trout will also be stocked into Honker Pond (Kid’s fishing only 15 years old and younger). Additional trout will be stocked in 2008 to extend the trout fishing into the spring. All anglers including children must have a trout permit to harvest trout. Take note the statewide limit on trout is 4 trout per day, with a possession limit of 8 trout. For more information call our office at (816) 622-0900.
Kansas City Urban Fishing Lakes (Kansas City Region)
Information: (816) 655-6250
Eleven Kansas City and Jackson County park lakes will be stocked with 30,000 channel catfish (one-pound average) in 2007. Jerry Smith Farms Park Lake and Lake Migliazzo have been added this year to the lakes that are stocked on a regular basis. Stockings will take place throughout the summer (April thru September). Statewide limits apply at all the lakes, with the exception of Alex George where the daily limit is 4 catfish in the aggregate per day. Anglers should try using baits such as nightcrawlers, various stink baits, and hotdogs on the bottom of the lake or under a bobber. In addition to the catfish stockings, rainbow trout and brown trout (3/4-pound average) will be stocked four times during winter months (November thru March) at select lakes. Three lakes at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area will be stocked with trout. Coot and Plover Lakes and Honker Pond (only children under the age of 16 can fish in Honker Pond) will all be stocked with trout this year. Additionally, Alex George Lake (Jackson County) and Chaumiere Lake (Clay County) will be stocked with trout. Rainbow and brown trout can be caught on live and artificial baits. Rainbow trout are often caught on prepared dough baits, worms, minnows, small jigs, spinners, and flies. Brown trout are frequently caught on worms, minnows, jigs, and spinners. Maps showing the locations of stocked lakes are available at the Kansas City Regional Office (816/655-6250).
Kellogg Lake (Southwest Region, in cooperation with the City of Carthage)
Information: (417) 451-4158
Largemouth bass fishing should be good. Numbers are excellent and bass >15" are present in low numbers. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, soft plastics, and minnows fished near brush or the edge of vegetation should draw strikes from largemouth bass. Stocked channel catfish should provide good fishing. Favorite baits for catfish include nightcrawlers, liver, and prepared dough baits fished on the bottom in 2-7 feet of water. Bluegill fishing will continue to be poor as overall size structure is dominated by fish <6". Crappie less than 8 inches in length are numerous and should provide fast action. Common Carp are present in low numbers, but larger sized fish (in excess of 10 lbs) have been observed. For anglers who want to catch a large fish, these carp should provide a real battle. Water willow is becoming more abundant around the shoreline in shallow water. This should provide fish habitat and increase the success of anglers who are limited to bank fishing. Brush pile fish attractors should provide fishing opportunities for both bank and boat anglers. Community Assistance Program fishing facilities are available and include a fishing jetty and a boat launching ramp. See posted regulations on the area for size and creel limits.
LaBelle Lake (Northeast Region)
Information: (573) 248-2530
This 112-acre lake has become one of the region’s most popular fisheries. Fishing will be good for all species during 2008. Largemouth bass are very abundant with plenty of fish smaller than 14 inches and good numbers in the 14 to 18-inch protected length range. In fact, one of every four bass caught should be at least 15 inches long, and one of every 20 should exceed 18 inches long. To reduce bass abundance and maintain good bass growth, anglers are encouraged to keep bass less than 14 inches long, up to their daily limit of six. The bluegill population has improved with excellent numbers of fish 6 to 8 inches long and many over 8 inches. One of every three bluegill should be over 8 inches. Redear sunfish up to 11 inches long are also moderately abundant. In recent years, this lake has become a hotspot for crappies anglers, and crappie anglers can expect another good spring season in 2008. Black crappie over 9 inches long are common and easy to catch during the spring. Children, elderly, and disabled anglers will enjoy using the new barrier-free fishing dock recently constructed on the west side of the lake. Brush piles have been sunk below the covered dock to attract big panfish. Channel catfish will also provide excellent fishing opportunities during 2008. Good numbers of catfish up to 18 inches long are present.
Lake Girardeau (Southeast Region)
Information: (573) 290-5730
The lake continues to support a good largemouth bass population. All sizes of bass are present, including many bass <15". Each spring, a few 8-10 pound bass are caught. It appears that harvest is reducing the number of bass >15". Therefore, anglers are encouraged to release larger bass. Anglers will find low numbers of black and white crappie. Bluegill angling should be fair with a few >8". Most of the redear sunfish are 7-10", with a few up to 12”. Channel catfish angling will again be good.
Lake Jacomo (Kansas City Region)
Information: (816) 655-6250
Lake Jacomo will continue to produce some Master Angler-sized white bass. Anglers should look for surfacing whites and troll and cast along windy and rocky shorelines with small crankbaits and shiny spoons, especially in the summer and early fall. The largemouth bass population remains in very good condition. A larger percentage of the fish population will be of legal size. We had another strong year class in 2005 that should exceed 15 inches in length and provide some excellent action beginning in 2008. Watch for bands of water willow that ring the shoreline to start “greening” up in May. Large bass can be found along the outer edge of this aquatic vegetation. In addition, underwater fish habitat maps showing brushpile locations and their depths are available by calling the number above. Channel catfish are common with good numbers over 15 inches in length and many in the 10 to 15 pound range. The lake also supports a low density flathead catfish population with many of these fish in excess of 15 pounds. Fish for flatheads using live bait and concentrate near deep, rocky structure and creek channels in the late spring and early summer. The black and white crappie populations should be similar to those in 2007. Most crappie captured will be approximately 9 inches in length. However, some anglers have reported catching an occasional fish over 12 inches in length. White crappie tend to be larger than the slower-growing black crappie. Anglers should continue to have good success off the north marina boat dock and accessible dock during winter. However, several brushpiles in Liggett Cove have also produced nice stringers of fish and new brush was added to these structures. New brushpiles were also added around the south accessible dock and in Sailboat Cove. Jacomo is also being stocked with walleye. More than 19,000 walleye fingerlings were stocked in the spring of 2007. Many anglers have been catching legal-sized walleye due to past walleye stockings. Try your luck fishing after dark along the spillway in late March and early April and on the flats in the upper lake summer and early fall. The rocky bluffs along Liggett Cove and the shallow water on the south side of Sailboat Cove have also produced some nice walleye. Popular walleye methods include trolling deep-diving crankbaits or drifting with jigs tipped with minnows or night crawlers.
Lake of the Ozarks (Central Region - Camden, Miller, Morgan, and Benton Counties)
Information: (573) 346-2210
Largemouth Bass electrofishing surveys conducted during the spring of 2007 indicated that the percentage of the population equal to or greater than the 15-inch size limit was slightly below average on the Niangua Arm and well above average on the Glaize Arm. This trend should continue into 2008. The outlook for spotted (Kentucky) bass over the 12-inch size limit is average. Although bass can be caught year-round, the best times are spring and fall. Fish points, brush, and docks. The best producing lures are topwater baits (low light periods), plastic worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Winter is also an excellent time to fish for bass by slowly fishing jerkbaits off points or pea gravel banks.
Crappie fishing should be good this spring with 69% of the fish sampled in the fall of 2007 equal to or greater than the 9-inch minimum length limit (Glaize Arm). On the Niangua Arm, 57% of the fish sampled exceeded 9 inches. Concentrate on brushpiles, especially those located on or near points. The ability to locate good structure is the key to successful crappie fishing on Lake of the Ozarks. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) and minnows are the best baits.
Catfish action should be similar to the past few years. The best months are April through September. Drifting and fishing live or cut shad on the bottom on days with a light breeze consistently produces the best catch.
White bass fishing in 2008 should be average. Fish windy points, submerged islands and long, sloping points using either artificial lures or shad. Opportunities for catching hybrid white bass are good in the Truman Dam tailwater and, during the summer and winter months, in spring-fed areas of the lake.
Walleye are now well established in Lake of the Ozarks after 10+ years consistent stocking. Although most walleye are caught incidentally by anglers targeting other species, anglers targeting walleye are becoming increasingly successful. Walleye are typically caught on steep rocky points and humps on crankbaits and jigs tipped with either minnows or nightcrawlers.
The lake also offers good fishing for a number of other species including paddlefish, sunfish, gar, and carp. Remember to use proper handling techniques when releasing sublegal (or legal) fish back to the water to ensure their survival.
Lake Paho (Northwest Region)
Information: (816) 675-2205 or (816) 271-3100
This 273-acre lake is located within a 2,350-acre MDC conservation area just west of Princeton. As one of MDC’s oldest reservoirs, anglers have enjoyed Lake Paho for over 55 years. Water levels in the reservoir typically fluctuate through the summer, due to necessary releases for MDC’s catfish rearing ponds below the dam, and fish habitat is often limited near shore. However, MDC acquisitions in the watershed have improved water quality, and many brush piles are added annually along shorelines to help concentrate fish for anglers. Bigger largemouth bass (>18”) are found in these brushpiles, but overall numbers of bass are low due to the limited vegetation for rearing habitat. To protect from over-harvest, bass must be over 18” long before they can be kept, and the daily limit is two. Crappie continue to be numerous but small (7-8”). Hybrid striped bass (striped bass x white bass)were experimentally stocked in 2007 to provide an additional hard-fighting sportfish that can feed on the over-abundant gizzard shad and stunted crappie found in the lake. It will take a few years for these hybrids to grow to harvestable sizes (>18” is proposed), but once they do, hold on if you hook one!
Important note to Lake Paho anglers… pending final approval, the following three new restrictions will be effective after March 1, 2008 on Lake Paho: 1) use of private boats, 2) outboard motors, and 3) bait transported or held in water will be prohibited on the lake. These restrictions are necessary due to the serious threat of zebra mussels (an extremely-aggressive exotic clam) becoming established in this lake, and the potential impact on MDC’s catfish rearing facilities below Lake Paho dam. MDC fishing boats will be available for use by the public at no charge. Anglers may use their electric trolling motors on the MDC boats, but windy conditions and limited battery power will occasionally limit boating use. Please plan accordingly. For more information on zebra mussels, check out the following MDC website: www.mdc.mo.gov/nathis/exotic/zebra/
Lake Remembrance (KC Region)
Information (816) 655-6250
This newly opened 54-acre lake is located on the eastern edge of Blue Springs, a stone throw away from I-70, which is accessed by Adams Dairy Parkway and the South Outer Road (N.E. Jefferson Rd.). Anglers will find an expansive paved parking lot on the dam, along with good fishing for a variety of species.
Largemouth bass aremoderately abundant in the lake. Anglers will find fair numbers of bass that are 9-12 inches with fish 15-19 inches occurring occasionally. Fishing spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics around timber, emergent vegetation, and submerged weed edges should result in success for bass anglers.
Lake Remembrance should provide plenty of action in 2008 for anglers looking for panfish. Bluegill are numerous in the 6-7 inches range. These fish have excellent body condition, which will make them ready and able to bend a rod. Try fishing areas near vegetation especially the north jetties. Be sure to bring nightcrawlers or crickets to ensure plenty of bites.
Redear sunfish are not as common as the bluegill but theyare nice-sized. Eight inch and larger redear will be found lurking in most sections of the lake. Redear anglers should use a slip bobber with a small hook tipped with a piece of nightcrawler and concentrate along the shoreline during April and May.
Crappie are fairly abundant with both species being present. Black crappie out number the white crappie but they are smaller, with most fish being 7-9 inches. White crappie are generally larger with many fish between 10-12 inches. Look for the best chance to catch these tasty fish in the spring when they move shallow and begin to spawn; reportedly, the dam is where they will likely be when the water temperature increases. Try minnows along with jigs and tubes to entice some strikes.
Finally, channel catfish will add another dimension to this new fishery. Decent channel catfish numbers should provide good year round fishing. Channel catfish anglers should try using stinkbaits, chicken liver, or fresh cutbait from the jetties and the dam.
Anglers should be aware that boats of any kind are not allowed on the lake.
Lake Showme (Northeast Region)
Information: (660) 785-2420
This 225 acre lake in Scotland County should provide excellent fishing for multiple species. Largemouth bass numbers were excellent during spring sampling in 2006. Almost 29% of the bass sampled were at least 15 inches long. Panfish angling should continue to be excellent in 2008. Anglers should expect to catch a high percentage of bluegill seven inches and longer. Although not as numerous as bluegill, good numbers of redear eight inches or longer should also be encountered while targeting panfish. Crappie anglers frequently harvest large numbers of nine to 11 inch long fish from the fishing dock. Walleye, which are stocked by the City of Memphis, continue to provide a quality angling experience in this north Missouri lake. The spring 2006 electrofishing survey for walleye showed that 87% of those captured were at least 15 inches long, and nearly one-fourth of the walleye captured were at least 20 inches long. There is an 18 inch minimum length for walleye and only four walleye may be kept per day. Boaters are reminded that outboard motors in excess of 10 horsepower are allowed but must be operated at slow, no-wake speed.
Lake Springfield (Southwest Region, in cooperation with Springfield City Utilities)
Information: 417/895-6880
Largemouth bass fishing will be good in 2008 as the population’s size structure has remained relatively consistent since 2003, providing bass in all size ranges. A good portion of the largemouth bass will be >15", and anglers will see a higher number of largemouth bass >18” in 2008. The percentage of bass in the 12-15” protected slot will be slightly lower in 2007, but will continue to provide catch-and-release fishing opportunities. An abundant population of gizzard shad is providing ample forage, increasing the chances to catch a trophy bass. Spotted bass have been observed in Lake Springfield, and several will be available for harvest in 2008. Crappie anglers can expect some fishing success this year. Quality size crappies exist, but are limited in number. White crappie is the dominant crappie species. Bluegill anglers can expect limited success; large bluegill (>6”) comprise a small percentage of the bluegill population, but bluegill exceeding 7 inches were observed in 2007. Channel catfish are preferred by many Lake Springfield anglers and should continue to provide excellent fishing. Many 10-20" channel catfish are present. Favorite baits include nightcrawlers, chicken livers, and prepared dough baits. Anglers also have an opportunity to catch a variety of stream fishes such as golden redhorse suckers, bullheads, carp, rock bass, longear sunfish,and green sunfish. Community Assistance Program fishing facilities are available and include a barrier-free fishing jetty, disabled user fishing dock located near the dam, and a boat launching ramp. A fishing line recycling bin is available at the Clay Henshaw Memorial Access. Lake Springfield has a 6-horsepower limit on boat motors. Lake Springfield is also part of the James River Water Trail, and canoes and kayaks are available (seasonal) for rent through the Springfield-Greene County Park Board at Lake Springfield Park.
Lake Taneycomo (Southwest Region)
Information: (417) 895-6880
Lake Taneycomo is primarily a trout fishery. Angler use and catch rates of trout in upper Lake Taneycomo rank among the highest known for special regulation trout fisheries in the nation. Approximately 90 percent of the fish that anglers catch are rainbow trout, with brown trout comprising another 6 to 7 percent of the catch. A limited fishery for other species is present in the lower part of the lake, primarily below Rockaway Beach.
Rainbow and brown trout populations in Lake Taneycomo are maintained through releases of hatchery-reared trout. Approximately 700,000 rainbow trout and 10,000 brown trout are stocked annually into Lake Taneycomo. Planned monthly adjustments provide heavier stockings during periods of heavy angling use. Natural spawning success for both trout species is very limited.
The first 1.5 miles of Lake Taneycomo are heavily influenced by hydropower releases. During heavy generation periods, this reach contains deep, swift-moving water. Safe fishing is restricted to shoreline areas and drifting in boats at these times. During non-generation periods, the entire area becomes a series of shallow, slow-moving pools interspersed with a few short, shallow riffles. Boating is difficult and hazardous under these conditions and nearly all anglers either wade or fish from the bank. Deeper water limits further downstream wade fishing. Boat fishing becomes progressively popular downstream. Cooper Creek Access, Rockaway Beach Access and Empire Electric Park each have covered public fishing docks that are accessible to disabled users. Recent additions have expanded the Cooper Creek floating fishing dock to accommodate more anglers. Numerous privately owned docks and resorts offer additional fishing access.
Table Rock Dam to Fall Creek: Due to bait restrictions and a 12-20” protected slot limit, thisarea consistently maintains a higher fish density than the portions of the lake below Fall Creek. Here, anglers are required to immediately release all rainbow trout between 12" and 20". These regulations have resulted in significant improvement in the rainbow trout population. Nine percent of the rainbow trout in this upper three mile section were >13” when this regulation went into effect in March 1997. The percentage of rainbow trout >13” in this same reach increased to 56% by August 2007. In this same area, 37% of the brown trout are currently >16”. Only artificial lures and flies may be used in the upper three miles from Table Rock Dam to the mouth of Fall Creek. Soft plastic and natural and scented baits are prohibited in this area. No trout are stocked within this reach; however, densities remain high due to low harvest and fish immigration. Fly fishing has become the most popular form of angling in thisarea. Scuds, sow bugs, and soft hackles are popular fly patterns. The current state record brown trout comes from Lake Taneycomo and was caught in October 2005, weighing 27 pounds, 10 ounces.
Below Fall Creek: The size structure of trout in this part of the lake is characteristic of a put-and-take fishery. The percentage of rainbow trout ³ 13 inches generally fluctuates from 15-30% annually and was 32% in 2007. Routine stockings keep fish densities adequate throughout this area. The absence of a length limit for rainbow troutin this area improves the likelihood of keeping a limit of trout. Fishing with natural and scented baits is popular in this area in addition to artificial lures and flies.
Predominant benthic invertebrates include three primary taxa: Amphipoda (scuds), Isopoda (sowbugs), and Chironomidae (midge larvae). Sculpins and crayfish are also important food items for larger trout. Most large brown trout are caught during the fall as they move upstream attempting to spawn. Fishing at night with stickbaits and large flies are effective lures for these brown troutbelow the dam.
Remember, all anglers fishing in Lake Taneycomo upstream from the Highway 65 bridge near Branson are required to have a trout permit. The daily limit of trout is four (4) with a possession limit of eight (8). Of these, only one (1) fish in the daily limit and two (2) fish in the possession limit may be brown trout, and the minimum length limit for brown trout throughout the lake is 20 inches.
Little Compton Lake (Northwest Region)
Information: (660) 646-6122
This 40-acre lake provides excellent largemouth bass fishing. A 12 to 15-inch protected slot length limit continues to improve the bass population. Bass anglers can expect the majority of their catch to be fish 12 to 15 inches long. However, catches of large bass are increasing. Largemouth bass in lakes this size can be easily over harvested. Anglers should focus their harvest on bass less than 12 inches long. Larger bass can be released to fight again. A high quality channel catfish population exists in the lake. Most of the catfish are from 15 to 18 inches long. Anglers should use night crawlers or prepared baits fished off the bottom. Anglers interested in panfishing will find good numbers of bluegill, redear sunfish, and crappie. However, there are few quality sized panfish in this lake.
Little Dixie Lake (Central Region)
Information: (573) 884-6861
Largemouth bass fishing will be fair in 2008 according to recent surveys. The density of bass has increased due to good recruitment over the last few years. As a result, there are large numbers of bass in the 8-12” range that will be available to anglers. And like last year, there will be good numbers of bass in the 12-15” protected slot length range which should provide some excellent catch and release fishing. There will also be a fair number of bass over 15” but few fish greater than 18” (4 lbs. or larger). Anglers can help improve the density of larger bass (greater than 15”) by practicing catch and release fishing. The upper end of the lake, rock jetties, and dam usually provide the best fishing. Fishing around structure like creek channel drop-offs, brush piles and fallen trees are also very productive. Crappie fishing in 2008 should be excellent again. Surveys show a large increase in the numbers of 8-11” crappie. Bigger fish (greater than 11”) were also more abundant than in the past few years. The density and size structure of the crappie population has greatly improved over the last few years due to good recruitment. Bluegill fishing will be good this year. Most fish will average 7-8” and some will be caught in excess of 8”. Catfish fishing will be better than it has been for the last few years due to an increase in the number of fish stocked. Surveys last summer showed fair to good numbers of 15-22” channel and blue catfish that will be available to anglers. Last year, one lucky angler caught a 42 pound blue catfish. Many of the 18-22” catfish caught by anglers last year were taken during the spring and early summer months. Fishing off the jetties and dam, around cover, and near creek channels is the most productive. Good catfish baits include worms, liver, shrimp, cut shad, prepared baits and live sunfish. Redear sunfish fishing continues to be outstanding. As in previous years, anglers will have the opportunity to catch large numbers of 8-10” redear. Chances of catching a 10”/1 lb. redear (Master Angler size) are excellent. Try fishing near woody cover and tree stumps in shallow water, especially in May and early June during spawning. Worms and crickets fished on or near the bottom work well. Little Dixie Lake is also home to a few large lake sturgeon. Lake sturgeon are an endangered species and as such are protected by law. Any angler catching a lake sturgeon must release it unharmed, immediately after being caught.
Long Branch Lake (Northeast Region)Information: (660) 785-2420
The largemouth bass population continues to struggle at Long Branch Lake. Although numbers are low, approximately 1 in 3 bass caught in 2008 could be over the legal length limit of 15 inches. Walleye, last stocked in 2001 have faired well and all these fish exceed the 18-inch minimum length limit. A good time to fish for walleye at Long Branch Lake is late march when they are spawning along the dam. Hybrid striped bass were first stocked in the summer of 2005, and again in 2006 and in 2007. Anglers could begin catching harvestable sized fish in 2008. The legal length limit for hybrid striped bass at Long Branch Lake is 20 inches with a daily limit of 4 fish. Channel catfish in the 2-3 pound will continue to provide good action for bank anglers and those fishing the flooded timber in the Long Branch and East Fork Little of Little Chariton River arms. Large blue catfish are not uncommon; jugs fished with shad are most effective in spring and early fall. Flathead catfish are more difficult to catch, but are available to those willing to use live bait in the upper arms of the lake near old river channels. Crappie grow slowly at Long Branch Lake and a very small percentage reach a size (≥ 9 inches) desirable to anglers. Those willing to try their luck for crappie might try fishing one of the 17 constructed brush piles built in 2006. A map showing the locations of these brush piles is available by calling the Northeast Regional office at the number above, or by visiting the Missouri Department of Conservation website at www.mdc.mo.gov. Abundant small carp can provide fast action for pole and line angling and bow fishing. A barrier free fishing dock near the marina enhances the fishing opportunities at this lake.
Longview Lake (Kansas City Region)
Information: (816) 655-6250
Largemouth bass numbers are continuing to improve at Longview. Anglers are reporting better fishing with many nice-sized fish being caught. Anglers should concentrate on the vegetation and woody cover in Pittenger Cove on the west side of the lake. Bass fishing is typically best in spring and dusk and dawn during summer. Crappie fishing should be about the same as years past with an abundance of small, slow growing crappie and a few nice fish. In spring, anglers should concentrate fishing efforts near gravel banks when crappie are spawning. Once the weather warms up, anglers should concentrate on fishing around standing timber next to creek channels or submerged brush piles. A map showing these brush piles is available at the MDC Kansas City Regional Office. Channel catfish numbers remain extremely high, but the average size will be a pound or less. Nightcrawlers and prepared bait fished on shallow flats works well for channel cats. The high densities of channel catfish will provide plenty of good summer fishing. Anglers are encouraged to harvest their daily limit of 10 channel catfish. Flathead Catfish were stocked into Longview the past few years. They appear to be doing very well in Longview with fish over 24 inches now being caught. White bass are fairly abundant and can often be caught by fishing along windblown banks or points in late summer and early fall. Try fishing with minnows, jigs, spoons, or any bait that imitates shad for best results. Carp are very abundant and provide good fishing opportunities at Longview. Fish for carp with small, single hooks and small chunks of dough bait. Walleye numbers in Longview continue to remain low at Longview. The best time to catch these fish is along the dam or the east side of the lake when the fish move in to spawn in late March and early April. Walleye can also be caught during the summer months by fishing underwater humps, breaks, and main lake points.
Manito Lake (Central Region)
Information: (573) 884-6861
This 77-acre lake is located about five miles south of Tipton on Highway 5. Fishing for channel catfish should be good in 2008. The Department maintains the catfish population with regular stocking each fall. Bluegill fishing should be fair again this year. Fishing for largemouth bass will be fair in 2008. The size of the bass is fair to good but the fish population numbers are down.
Maple Leaf Lake (Kansas City Region)
Information: (660) 530-5500
Largemouth bass fishing at the 140-acre Maple Leaf Lake has been excellent but the prospects for 2008 may not be as good. A significant die-off of large fish occurred during August and September of 2007. The fish appear to have died due to a bacterial infection. The impact that this die-off will have on bass fishing will be difficult to judge until spring electrofishing samples are conducted in 2008. Prior to the bass mortality, the population contained good numbers of sublegal 10-12 inch bass and legal bass from 15 inches up to 19 inches. Prior to the die-off, about one-fourth of the bass collected by biologists during the 2007 electro-fishing survey were 15 inches or larger. Fishing crank baits and buzz baits along the weed beds and plastic worms around the standing trees would be good strategies for bass anglers.
Angling for bluegill will only be fair with most bluegill smaller than 7 inches. However, redear sunfish angling using small worms will produce catches of 8-9 inch redear. Redear anglers should concentrate along the shoreline during April and May, and then move to standing trees in deeper water during June and July. Anglers may be more successful using worms and slip bobbers around flooded trees.
Angling for black crappie will be fair. Crappie numbers are only fair, but anglers will catch crappie in the 10-12 inch size range. Anglers may catch crappie on the banks during April, but will have to target areas around submerged trees later in the season. Tube jigs and minnows are good crappie baits.
Channel catfish angling is good. Catfish anglers should try using stink baits or chicken livers, and fishing from the jetties or the dam in the evening. The daily limit for channel catfish is 4.
Anglers should note that regulations are: the daily limit for black bass is 2, with a 15 inch size limit, the daily limit for crappie is 30, and for catfish it is 4. The daily limit for all other fishes is 20 in the aggregate. Outboard motors larger than 10 horsepower may be used but are required to be operated at no wake speed.
Mark Twain Lake (Northeast Region)
Information: (573) 248-2530
Anglers fishing for largemouth bass fishing can expect good fishing to continue during 2008. Based on spring 2007 surveys, bass abundance has increased 93% since spring 2005 and 20% since spring 2006. About 30% of the catchable size bass in spring 2007 were at least 15” long, and nearly 9% were at least 18” long. Crappie fishing during 2008 will be very good, especially during the spring fishing season. Although overall crappie abundance continues to decline due to lower than normal reproduction, good crappie growth and predominately older fish in the population resulted in a 27% increase in the abundance of crappie at least nine inches long from fall 2006 to fall 2007. Nearly six of every ten crappie caught during 2008 should exceed 9 inches long, and three in ten should exceed 10 inches long. Anglers will not have to filter through as many small crappie as they did during many past years. White bass fishing will remain sporadic. Anglers do best when these fish are spawning on riffles in tributary streams in early spring, or while feeding on schooling shad or congregating over underwater humps during the summer. Walleye abundance remains low, although anglers continue to report incidental catches. Anglers should also consider walleye fishing in tributary streams of the lake during early spring where walleye abundance has increased due to recent tributary stream stockings. Catfish anglers can expect good fishing to continue this year. Many flathead catfish exceeding 25 pounds are caught each year on trot lines, bank lines, and jugs. Catfish anglers do best in the upper portions of North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork arms.
Montrose Lake (Kansas City Region)
Information: (660) 530-5500
Bass sampling during spring 2007 revealed a bass population dominated by 15-18 inch fish. Bass abundance remains on the low to moderate side compared to other lakes, but bass caught by anglers are in good condition and often large.
Bass anglers at Montrose Lake should plan on fishing murky water that may have less than 8 inches of visibility. Lures that make some noise or vibration may help trigger strikes. Montrose Lake is a power plant cooling reservoir and usually warms earlier in spring than other large reservoirs. Anglers may begin catching bass near the outlet of the warm water discharge during February and March. Bass may be located in stands of water willow in 12-18 inches of water during April and early May. Fallen trees cover much of the shoreline and shelter bass during spring and early summer. Anglers should try plastic worms or jigs around fallen trees. Montrose Lake is very shallow, particularly in the upper portion so anglers are urged to use caution while boating. A special length and daily limit is in effect for largemouth bass on Montrose Lake. The length limit of 18 inches and reduced daily limit of two black bass was implemented to allow these fast- growing bass to reach quality size.
Crappie angling will be poor during 2007. Crappie numbers were poor when last sampled during fall 2006. Three fourths of the crappie caught in sampling nets were black crappie and most were 9-10 inches long. The large number of small shad observed in net samples will provide adequate food for crappie. Crappie anglers should fish with jigs or minnows near the mouth of the warm water discharge during January-March. Anglers may want to shift their efforts toward the dam or the railroad trestle along the northeast shore during April and May.
Catfish angling is very good. Anglers may catch catfish from two to over ten pounds. Channel catfish are the most numerous, but some large flathead catfish are also present. Jug lines and limb lines are legal to use on Montrose Lake. Anglers are reminded that outboard motors larger than 10 horsepower are allowed, but are required to be operated at no wake speed.
Mozingo Lake(Northwest Region, in cooperation with the City of Maryville)
Information: (816) 271-3100
In 2008, the largemouth bass population in Mozingo Lake will continue to be of the quality that local anglers have become accustomed. Spring sampling in 2007 revealed largemouth bass over 15” held steady at around 40% of the population. Fish the submerged brush piles, rocky points, and rip rap banks to find these fish. Crappie anglers fishing Mozingo Lake will continue to find many fish (both white and black crappie) from the huge 2004 and 2005 year classes, with most crappie right at that great eating size of 9-11 inches. Try small minnows in the shallow timber in the spring, and use your locator to find suspended schools in deep water in the fall. Bluegill fishing should continue to be above average in 2008, with 65% of the bluegill sampled measuring over 6 inches. Bluegill are found anywhere there is cover. The summer of 2007 again saw even more anglers taking advantage of the quality walleye fishing available in Mozingo Lake, and 2008 has the potential to be good for walleye as well. In order to learn more about the walleye fishery on Mozingo, starting in 2008 walleye will be tagged with small orange reward tags near the dorsal (back) fins. Anglers catching a tagged walleye should clip the tag from the fish, attach the tag to a reward tag report card, and fill out the information on the card. For returning tags to MDC, anglers will receive a $25 reward. More importantly, MDC fisheries biologists will gather needed information to better manage walleye populations in the state. Fish the dam at night from late March to early April with crank baits, or jig and minnow combinations. Follow the fish to the deep points adjacent to the channel with deep diving crankbaits or crawler harnesses as summer continues. Mozingo received 20,000 new walleye fingerlings in 2006, and is scheduled to receive 20,000 more in 2008, so walleye fishing should continue to be good into the future. Fishing for channel catfish will continue to be excellent in 2008, with many channel catfish over 10 pounds possible. Excellent facilities provided by the City of Maryville surround the lake, with new campground areas, cabins, a fish cleaning station, picnic pavilions, and improved boat ramps, as well as a disabled-user covered fishing dock.
Nodaway County Community Lake (Northwest Region)
Information: (816) 271-3100
Nodaway County Community Lake, just north of Maryville still provides plenty of action for anglers looking to get away from the crowds. Bluegill and crappie are very abundant, but most will run on the small size. Anglers can find these panfish in just about any woody habitat, any time of the year on live bait, and are encouraged to harvest their limit. Largemouth bass fishing can be outstanding, with many measuring over 20 inches. Fishing with shad-imitating crank baits, plastic worms, lizards or jig and pig combinations in any of the numerous cedar tree brush piles scattered throughout the lake will give bass anglers a good chance at a big fish. Channel catfish to 10 pounds and flathead catfish to 40 pounds are available in and around woody cover. There is also a large population of common carp in the lake, and the shallows at the north end of the lake are a great destination to hone your bowfishing or dough ball fishing skills.
Norfork Lake (Ozark Region)
Information: (417) 256-7161
From late February through the first half of March, walleye migrate to the lake’s upper end and into the lake’s two main tributaries, Bryant Creek and the North Fork of the White River. Anglers are reminded that from February 20 through February29, walleye can be taken and possessed only between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (CST), upstream of the confluence of these two streams. Beginning March 1, 2008 until April 14, 2008, walleye can be taken and possessed only from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, upstream of the confluence of these two streams. Rogues, jigs, and live bait catch the majority of fish during this time of year. In the months following, minnows and nightcrawlers, rigged on bottom-bouncers, slowly trolled along flats and points catch good numbers of fish. Anglers can expect to catch good numbers of legal-size fish, >18”, and are allowed to keep four fish/day. White, striped, and hybrid-striped bass are the next arrivals in the upper end of Norfork usually by mid-April, given there is enough flow coming from Bryant Creek and the North Fork of the White River. Jigs, minnow/shad imitating crankbaits, and live minnows/shad catch the large percentage of these fish. Anglers may keep a total of 15 fish, in any combination, with only four fish >18". Largemouth and spotted bass make up the majority of the black bass population and anglers will notice improved fishing for legal-size largemouth, >15”. Also, anglers will notice large numbers of fish <15”, due to a good spawn in 2004. Anglers may keep up to six largemouth and smallmouth, >15", and spotted bass, >12", in the aggregate. Plastic baits, such as worms, grubs, and tube baits, are great choices to use when pursuing black bass. The same black bass regulations apply to the Arkansas side of the lake as well.
Missouri residents, those 16 years of age and older, who fish the Arkansas portion of Norfork Lake should take advantage of the $10 White River Border Lakes Permit. This permit allows these anglers to fish the Arkansas portion of this lake without purchasing an Arkansas Non-Resident fishing permit.
Perry County Lake (Southeast Region)
Information: Paul.Cieslewicz@mdc.mo.gov or 573-290-5730
According to the 2007 fish surveys, largemouth bass fishing should be excellent. Bass densities remain high and an impressive 22% of the bass were >15”. Bass anglers should fish brushpiles, aquatic vegetation beds, or the aeration boils where gizzard shad congregate.
Bluegill fishing should be good. Bluegill >6” are common, but few are >8”. Large redear sunfish (9-11") are common and provide anglers with an excellent challenge. Both white and black crappie are very abundant. Both populations are stunted and less than 5% of the fish are >9”. The majority of crappie are caught in April, May, and September and anglers are encouraged to harvest 30 crappie per day. Minnows fished in woody cover work well for crappie. Channel catfish angling should also be good, with some fish up to 10 lbs. Anglers should fish with cut bait, stink bait, or nightcrawlers around fallen timber.
Pomme de Terre Reservoir (Southwest Region)
Information: 417/532-7612
Overall prospects for fishing on Pomme de Terre Reservoir in 2008 remain very good. Abundant shad production in 2007 continues to keep all game species growing at a fast pace and in very good condition. Black bass fishingshould be very good in 2008. There is a 13” minimum length limit for all black bass (largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass) at Pomme de Terre. Sampling results from spring 2007 indicated a very strong year class of fish that were produced in 2005 with individual fish within the range of 14 to 17 inches in the spring of 2008. A good year class of fish was produced in 2006 and many will be exceeding the 13 inch minimum length limit during the summer. Of all largemouth bass captured during spring 2007 sampling, 34% exceeded the 13” minimum length limit and 23% were >15”. Bluegill angling should remain good using night crawlers and crickets. Catfish fishing will remain fair to good for channel and flathead catfish. Overall densities of black and white crappies remain similar to that of 2007 and should provide good crappie fishing in 2008. Good size distribution and densities of black and white crappies were captured during fall 2007 sampling. Sampling data show that 53% of crappies exceed the 9” minimum length limit. Angling for white bass is expected to be good due to a good year class of fish produced in the 2006. Fish in the 2006 year class should reach 12” during the summer of 2008. Muskie angling opportunities will continue to be excellent in 2008. Spring 2007 sampling results showed good year class densities remaining from the 1999 and 2000 stockings and 42% of the muskies captured exceeding the 36” minimum length limit. Muskellunge are dubbed the fish of 10,000 casts due to the amount of time required to catch one. Anglers fishing for muskies must have a lot of patience and perseverance to be successful. Muskie fishing is typically best during the months of September and October at water temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees F. Muskie anglers should use heavy fishing tackle with a minimum of 30 lb. test line, a stiff rod and a 6” steel leader between the line and the lure. Large bucktails or plugs fished over shallow water humps or points are normally best for muskies. A cloudy, rainy, and slightly windy day or early and late on clear days usually produce the best muskie action. Walleye population densities are fair to good due to yearly stockings and some natural reproduction. Many of the walleye exceed the 15” minimum length limit making the opportunity to catch a legal-sized fish good.
Forty-five constructed brush piles distributed lake wide are marked with green Fish Attractor signs. Brushpiles are typically placed in 15 to 30 feet of water at the normal lake level of 839 feet above mean sea level directly in front of the signs. Many other brush piles are not marked with signs. Maps showing the lake-wide locations, including GPS coordinates of each, can be obtained by visiting the Department of Conservation’s website at www.conservation.state.mo.us or by contacting the Lebanon Conservation Department Office at 417-532-7612.
Pony Express Lake (Northwest Region)
Information: (816) 675-2205 or (816) 271-3100
This 240-acre lake on the Pony Express Lake Conservation Area supports a variety of fish, but most anglers target catfish. Channel and blue catfish are stocked most years. Recent surveys show channel catfish from 15-22” in length are common. Anglers often enjoy good catch rates for catfish in the main body of the lake, or near inlets during periods of runoff, using cut bait and other prepared baits. Larger blue catfish, up to 30 pounds or more, may be caught with live bait suspended over deeper channels. Crappie are abundant but tend to be smaller (6-8”). Concentrating your fishing efforts around structure increases your chances of landing a larger crappie in the spring. Largemouth bass are not abundant but good catch rates for 11-20” fish may be found near submerged trees and brush piles. Anglers may find great fun by targeting common carp which are abundant at sizes from 10-20 pounds.
Rinquelin Trail Community Lake (Central Region)
Information: (573) 884-6861
Rinquelin Trail Community Lake is approximately 29 acres and is located about seven miles southwest of Brinktown. Largemouth bass fishing should be good to excellent in 2008. The number of fish is good and the over 70% of the fish are 12” or longer. Channel catfish should be good. The Department maintains the catfish population with regular stocking each fall. Bluegill fishing will be fair again in 2008, but should be better than last year. The number and size of the fish has improved.
Robert DeLaney Lake (Southeast Region)
Information: Paul.Cieslewicz@mdc.mo.gov or 573-290-5730
Largemouth bass numbers remain low, but the bass you catch should be large. During the 2007 fish survey, 50% of the bass were >15”. Bluegill are numerous and anglers should have no problem catching 6-7” fish. However, bluegill >8” are rare. Bluegill can be easily caught with worms anywhere along the shoreline.
In March 2006, the crappie regulations changed from statewide limits (no minimum length and 30 daily limit) to a 9” minimum length limit with a daily limit of 15. Crappie fishing should be fair in 2008, with some fish up to 13 inches. Channel catfish angling should be good, with some fish up to 10 lbs. Anglers should fish with cut bait, stink bait, or nightcrawlers around fallen timber.
Rt. J Reservoir (Northeast Region)
Information: 573/248-2530
Largemouth bass fishing in this 100-acre water supply lake will be very good during 2008. Anglers can expect plenty of catch-and-release action for 12 to 15-inch bass; however, bass exceeding 15 inches long will not be uncommon. Anglers will have a fair chance at bass over 5 pounds. Bluegill will also provide good fishing during 2008. All sizes are abundant so only one of every 10 caught will exceed 8 inches long. Black crappie are present in moderate numbers with most fish between 6 and 9" long. Crappie anglers may want to fish around the eleven brush piles scattered around the lake. Channel catfish are stocked annually. Most catfish will be 12 to 20 inches long. This lake also provides excellent ice fishing for most species.
St. Louis Urban Fishing Program Lakes (St. Louis Region)
Information: (636) 441-4554
Expect good fishing at 20 St. Louis City and County park lakes which will be stocked monthly, from April through October, with channel catfish. Natural or prepared baits work best to catch the over 50,000 pounds of fish that will be stocked. Benton Park Lake (St. Louis City) renovation has been completed and is filled with water and fish for 2008. Since no bids were received for the 2007 carp contact, carp stocking was suspended in 2007. A carp contract will again be pursued in 2008.
Trout will provide very good winter fishing at Boathouse Lake in Carondelet Park, Jefferson Lake in Forest Park, three lakes at Suson Park, Walker Lake and January-Wabash, Tilles, Koeneman Wild Acres, Vlasis and O'Fallon park lakes. Over 20,000 trout total will be stocked during January, February, November, and December twice-monthly stockings. However, Wild Acres Park Lake (Overland), Jefferson Lake in Forest Park, Koeneman Park Lake (Jennings), and Walker Lake (Kirkwood) will receive one stocking of rainbow trout in November.
Tilles Park Lake, Wild Acres Park Lake, Jefferson Lake in Forest Park, Koeneman Park Lake, and Walker Lake will have special catch-and-release, artificial lures-only, no chumming, and one pole limit regulations running through January 31, 2008 after which, trout harvest (daily limit of 4) using any legal bait and using up to three fishing poles can take place. Catch-and-release starts up again on November 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009. All other St. Louis Winter Trout Program lakes allow trout harvest (with a trout permit) with a daily limit of four (4). Anglers must stop fishing for all species after harvesting a daily limit of trout.
St. Louis Urban Fishing Program and Winter Trout Program lake locations can be found in the free FISH ST.LOUIS and St. Louis Winter Trout Program brochures (call 314/441-4554). Also, the FISH ST. LOUIS WEB page - www.conservation.state.mo.us/areas/stlouis/fish provides all the St. Louis area fishing information fit to read. Up-to-date Urban Fishing Program stocking information can be obtained by calling the Urban Fishing Program’s Fish Stocking Hotline (636/300-9651).
Shawnee Trail Conservation Area (Southwest Region)
Information: (417) 451-4158
Numerous ponds and strip mine pits are available for public fishing at Shawnee Trail Conservation Area. Largemouth bass fishing should be good in Pin Oak Lake. Numbers are low, but size structure is good; fish >20" have been observed. Bluegill fishing should be fair. Population size structure and numbers indicate quality size (>6") bluegill should be present. Redear sunfish are present in moderate numbers, but most individuals exceed 8”. In the spring try worms, crickets, small spinners, or flies near vegetation in the flats along the west end of the lake for best results. Channel catfish, preferred by many area anglers, should provide excellent fishing. There are a large number of catfish >18” in Pin Oak Lake. Favorite baits include nightcrawler