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MISSOURI FISHING REPORTS

Posted: 05/13/2004

MISSOURI LAKES

 

Blind Pony Blue Springs Bull Shoals (East) Bull Shoals (West) Clearwater
Concordia City Lake Council Bluff S. Grand River Jacomo James A. Reed
Lake of the Ozarks Longbranch Longview Maple Leaf Lake Mark Twain
Missouri River
St. Joe
Montrose Mozingo Lake Norfork Pony Express
Pomme de Terre Sever Smithville Stockton Table Rock
Taneycomo Thomas Hill Truman Wappapello  
    This page was last updated 01/14/14
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BLIND PONY  

Updated 05/13/04

Lake Map

Report by: The Bait Stop 

CLOSED DUE TO RENOVATIONS

Will re-open in 2008

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BLUE SPRINGS

Updated 05/07/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 802.0 Temperature: 

Inflow: 23 cfs Outflow: 27 cfs. Level: 0.54 feet high

Lake Map

Report by Forty Woods Bait & Tackle     Missouri Wildlife Check In Station    Braggin' Board

Catfish biting good around jacomo where the creeks are running in

Hybrids No Report

Trout pond No Report

Crappie good on jigs and minnows close to bank

Striper No Report

Largemouth Bass fair on spinner baits during the day , buzz baits early and late

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BULL SHOALS

Updated 05/06/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 656.0  Temperature: 60's

Outflow: 2653 cfs Level: 15.36 feet high

Lake Map

Report by BULL SHOALS LAKE BOAT DOCK   Braggin Board

Lake Level: currently 670.57 and rising. Expected to crest at 676.3 on May 14th as of right now based on previous rainfall and lake levels.
Surface temperature: mostly in the low to mid 60’s depending on where you go.
VISIBILITY- Very poor in the back of the creeks, poor to fair in the creek arms, clear on the main lake.

The lake has risen 19 feet in the last few weeks. We experienced 11 inches of rain in a 36-hour period last week. It jumped 10-12 feet in 4 days.

However, the bass fishing has been excellent, even with the lake rising. It is some of the best I have seen since the mid 90’s. The water level has not affected the catching much. It has just affected where they are. It seems that the most catchable fish are still on the old shoreline around 20 to 30 feet of water. There are still some fish shallow but they are hard to get to unless you are throwing some type of bait that runs on the surface, or runs just below the surface. With the lake high, there is a lot of brush to get tangled in if you use baits that don’t stay shallow or on the surface.

THE SPAWN- It should be one of the best ever since the water is up in the brush. I know the high water causes a lot of problems but there is a silver lining in that dark cloud. The best information I can gather is that the Smallmouth are done, the Largemouth are somewhere in the middle and the Spots are just starting. Of course this will vary on whom you talk to. This opinion is based on the fish being cleaned and if they still have eggs.

BASS PATTERNS- The biggest change since the water went up is where they are located. They moved mostly deeper.

These are the 3 top patterns right now.

Carolina rigging a lizard. This is working mostly for Largemouth and Spotted bass. They are mostly using the green colors with a 2 to 4 foot drop. They are using these in 25 to 35 feet of water mostly on the steeper chunk rock banks and channel swings.

Crawfish or green colored tube tubes dragged on the gravel flats is producing some good Smallmouth Bass. These fish are mostly in 20 to 35 feet of water on the gravel rounded points and flats.

Live minnows with a small split shot in 20 to 35 feet of water is producing all species of bass.

These patterns are also starting to produce results.

Other plastic baits such as meatheads, French fry worms, and 4 inch worms. The basic green or brown colors will work. These are Carolina rigged with a 2 to 4 foot drop jut like the lizards pattern above.

Top water flukes- shad colored around the brush in shallow water.

Wacky rigged bubble gum plastic worms with no weight in shallow water

Spinner baits- These were working very well when the water was rising and the color was brown. They have slowed down a little bit.

WALLEYE- They are ONLY biting at night right now. I have seen some nice stringers and one 11 pounder. I haven’t seen many caught in the day or talked to anybody that is catching them in the day. They are only catching them in the middle of the night trolling perch colored crank baits in 20 to 30 feet of water off of the gravel main lake points. Everything that has been tried in the day has not worked.

WHITE BASS- There has been a few caught here and there. There have also been the sporadic sightings of the classic white bass surfacing back in the creeks over the last few weeks. However, there has not been the classic white bass run of the past. I would expect to be able to see people catch them at night under the lights any time now.

CRAPPIE- Same deal on the crappie. There are very few being reported or being caught. I have never seen the crappie fishing any good in the 32 years I have been here when the lake is moving up or down. I don’t know where they go or what they do. They still have to eat but I haven’t seen many being caught. Of course, not many people show off their crappie and the guides are catching bass too easy to be crappie fishing. So- we will see what happens when the lake stabilizes.

CATFISH- The catfish are doing well on jug lines, trot lines and limb lines. We have seen several good catches and stringers. Most of the fish are in shallow water and being caught on the same bait- perch, dead shad, liver, stink bait, etc.

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CLEARWATER

Updated 05/13/04

Lake Map

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 500.0 Temperature:   70

Release Rate: 2291 Level: 2.55 feet high

Largemouth Bass fair using soft baits

White Bass fair

Crappie slow

Smallmouth Bass fair

Spotted Bass No Report

Catfish fair at night using worms

Bluegill No Report

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CONCORDIA CITY LAKE

Updated 05/13/04

Lake Level: 

Lake Map

Report by: The Bait Stop

Channel Catfish No Report

Crappie No Report

Largemouth Bass No Report

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COUNCIL BLUFF

Updated 05/13/04

Lake Map

Temperature:    Level: normal

Sunfish No Report

Largemouth Bass fair using spinnerbaits and crankbaits

Crappie fair using small jigs

Catfish slow

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S. GRAND RIVER

(Below Urich)

 

Flatheads No Report

Channel Cats No Report

Blue Cats No Report

Crappie No Report

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JACOMO

Updated 05/07/04

Lake Map

Temperature:  Clarity:   Level: 0.00 feet low

The park registration office is now open seven days a week 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Lake Jacomo Park Headquarters.

Report by Forty Woods Bait & Tackle    Missouri Wildlife Check In Station  Braggin' Board

Catfish fair at jacomo on shad

Bluegill good on crickets

Crappie good on jigs and minnows close to bank

Bass fair on spinner baits during the day , buzz baits early and late

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James A. Reed

Updated 05/13/04

Temp: 66 clear and high

Lake Maps

Channel Catfish good at Coot and Honker Pond

Largemouth Bass good at Coot and Honker Pond

Bluegill good at Coot and Honker Pond

Crappie good at Coot and Honker Pond

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LAKE of the Ozarks

Updated 05/13/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 660.0 Temperature: 71 - 75

Inflow: 6700 cfs Outflow: 10200 cfs. Level: 1.31 feet low

Lake Map

Report by Missouri Angler    Missouri Angler Buddy Bass Derby        Results

According to AmerenUE the current lake level is 658.89 with medium generation scheduled for the next three days, which should give the lake a level of 658.5 by Friday, May 14th. The lake is clearing and has good color with visibility ranging between 3 to 8 feet. There are some smaller coves off the main Osage River that are a little dirtier than the larger coves, but overall the color is perfect. The Grand Glaize, Gravois, Big and Little Niangua Rivers are clear with visibility ranging from 3 to 8 feet. The water temperature taken by AmerenUE at Bagnell Dam is reported to be 71degrees, however in some of the creeks and coves the surface temperature get as high as 75 degrees, especially in the afternoon. The lake has dropped a few inches in the past few days, but nothing drastic.

LARGEMOUTH BASS - GOOD Some bass have spawned and others are still on the beds. The best pattern of late has been pitching tubes (green pumpkin and black/red flake), the Melton jig n trailer (brown/orange, brown/green pumpkin and black/blue) and the Chomper (dark melon and green pumpkin) behind boat docks in the creeks and coves with a mixture of pea gravel and chunk rock. The Carolina rigged Baby Brush Hog and American fries (green pumpkin and watermelon red) seems to be taking more keepers than the 6 inch lizard worked off the points of creek arm cuts and later in the day straight down the middle of the cuts in 8 to 10 feet of water. The trick worm and Senko ( white, bubble gum and green. pumpkin ) are taking good keepers worked around boat docks and off spawning banks. There have been reports that the Texas rigged 6 and 7 inch worm (blue/fleck and camo) have been producing some keepers on the same type of banks and cuts. The Zara Spook and Pop "R" are producing some keepers early off creek arm points and behind the cables of boat docks, but seem to quit later in the day. The bass have been stubborn since going on the beds, but once a pattern is developed and you stick with that pattern a good limit is possible.

SPOTTED BASS (KENTUCKY) -FAIR A few 14 to 16 inch spots are being caught, but the majority being caught are 12 to 13 inches. The jig n trailer and Chomper worked off the inside of main lake points and pea gravel banks in the creeks.

CRAPPIE - FAIR The crappie have really slowed down the last few days. The majority of crappie caught are coming out of 6 to 10 feet of water and are averaging 8 to 9 inches. The best bite seems to be minnows tipped with Crappie Nibbles. Tube and marabou jigs, Road Runners are producing, but not as well as minnows.

CATFISH - EXCELLENT The best bite has been blues and flatheads on jugs baited with cut shad, perch and shrimp. Tight lining with stink bait, shrimp, hot dog chunks and nightcrawlers is producing channels and blues in the coves in 8 to 12 feet of water.

BLUEGIlL - GOOD The bluegill are on the seawalls and around docks in 3 to 10 feet of water. Red wigglers, nightcrawlers and wax worms (grubs) will produce some nice size bluegills early in the morning and late afternoon and evening.

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LONGBRANCH

Updated 05/13/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 791.0 Temperature: 57

Inflow: 50 cfs Outflow: 50 cfs Level: 0.00 feet

Lake Map

Channel Catfish fair on trotlines

Flathead slow

Walleye slow

Crappie slow

Largemouth Bass fair

Bluegill slow

White Bass slow

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LONGVIEW

Updated 05/13/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 891.0 Temperature:

Inflow: 15 cfs Outflow: 0 cfs Level: 0.45 feet low

Lake Map

Mouse Creek at Longview Lake has a new gate and the area will be closed at 9:00 p.m. and will not reopen until 8:00 a.m. All fisherman need to have their vehicles out of the area by 9:00 p.m. or their vehicles could be locked in for the night and/or ticketed.

Catfish No Report

Bass No Report

Crappie No Report

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MARK TWAIN

Updated 05/13/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 606.0 Temperature: 70 - 74 Water Condition: Dingy

Release Rate: 780 Level: 0.77 feet high

Lake Map

Report by: South Fork Resort

Lake Level : 606.74
Last Weeks Lake Level: 606.59
Normal Lake Level : 606
Water Condition: Dingy - Clearing
Surface Water Temp: 70 - 74 degrees

The crappie spawn is continuing. Some large females have been caught that had empty egg sacs, while some still have eggs that are ready to drop. A lot of small crappie are being caught, in this case you may drop back to deeper water and try finding the larger fish or you can move on till you find them. If you catch some larger crappie work the same pattern in the area, without settling down in one place too long. The upper branches have been producing crappie, with them hanging out around log jams and lay downs. If you find a good cove you can catch a limit of good size crappie. Small pockets where the water runs off the banks, can be a good place to find them. Some of the most unlikely looking coves are producing, look for gravel banks that have a fair amount of cover in it. The best bait has been minnows, or minnow tipped jigs fished about 12 – 18 inches under a bobber. The best jig color has been black and chartreuse. Cast very close to shore while working your way around the cove, the more structure the better. An occasional twitch of your bobber can help to entice a crappie to strike if it is in the area. Fortunately the shad spawn is coinciding with the crappie spawn, which means the Corp of Engineers will try to maintain the current lake level where it is, baring any major downpours.

Be respectful of all conservation laws concerning fishing, particularly daily and possession limits. The conservation agents and the water patrol are out enforcing the laws. Even if I knew the conservation laws in detail I would not attempt to cover them here. However there are two points that I would like to mention. At Mark Twain the daily limit for crappie is 15. (There is no length limit on crappie at Twain). And each fishermen's catch of crappie must be kept separately identifiable. These are two of the most common violations when crappie fishing is good.

The bass fishing has been very good. Bass continue to be caught on a steady basis, most are shorts however legal size bass are also being caught. Fishermen have been catching bass very close to the banks around lay downs and brush piles in shallow water about 2 - 3 feet deep. White or chartreuse spinner baits. Crappie fishermen have been catching a lot of small bass near the banks using minnows. Main lake and secondary points throughout most of the lake have been good.

Catfishing continues to be good. Flatheads and Blues have been the predominate catch on trotlines using perch or goldfish, setting their lines about 8 - 10 feet deep near cove entrances and river channels. Rod and reel fishermen are reporting some success using nightcrawlers or chicken livers, fishing near wind blown banks. The best catfishing has been out of the South Fork and Middle Forks. 

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MAPLE LEAF LAKE 

Updated 05/13/04

Temperature: 

Lake Map

No Report

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MISSOURI RIVER

ST. JOSEPH AREA

Updated 05/13/04

Report By Don Guess

Channel Cat Channel Cat slow

Blues
No Report

Flathead No Report

Crappie
No Report

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MONTROSE

Updated 05/13/04

Temperature: 71   Level: full pool Clarity: dingy

Lake Map

Channel Catfish good using live baits

Flathead slow

Largemouth Bass good

Stripers slow

Crappie Crappie slow

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MOZINGO

Updated 05/07/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool:  Temperature:   60

Level: 

Lake Map

Report By: Big Birds Bait                 Braggin' Board

Check out river bottom lures we stock 8 colors in 4 and 6 inch
Check out the new lx bow by Matthew's

Bluegill

Bluegill good using worms

Bass good on jigs and spinner baits

Crappie good on minnows and jigs have moved on the shore in about 5 feet of water

Catfish
good worms and large minnows

Remember to pray for our troops and POWs REMEMBER JESUS DIED ON THE CROSS FOR US TO SAVE OUR SOULS AND GIVE US EVER LASTING LIFE
GOD BLESS

BIG BIRD
God bless the USA


thanks big bird
ride hard ride free

Remember to pray for our troops and POWs REMEMBER JESUS DIED ON THE CROSS FOR US TO SAVE OUR SOULS AND GIVE US EVER LASTING LIFE
GOD BLESS

BIG BIRD
God bless the USA


thanks big bird
ride hard ride free
thanks big bird
ride hard ride free
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POMME de TERRE

Updated 05/07/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 839.0 Temperature: 59

Inflow: 490 cfs Outflow: 1203 cfs Level: 2.20 feet high

Lake Map

Report by: J&N Sporting Goods

Pomme Arm: good

Black Bass use lizard, tube jigs or some spinners, fishing from points to halfway back in coves

Catfish bait trotlines with perch or liver. reel fish the channel drops with crayfish

Crappie the fish are suspended in 15- 20 feet of water over brush

Lindley arm fair

Crappie fish are on gravel banks in 6-10feet of water use road runner of jig

Black bass the fish are deeper on main points hitting crankbaits or Carolina rig 12-20 feet

Catfish fish above the Pittsburgh area and set limb lines baited with perch or shrimp.

Pomme Arm: good

Black Bass use lizard, tube jigs or some spinners, fishing from points to halfway back in coves

Catfish bait trotlines with perch or liver. reel fish the channel drops with crayfish

Crappie the fish are suspended in 15- 20 feet of water over brush

Lindley arm fair

Crappie fish are on gravel banks in 6-10feet of water use road runner of jig

Black bass the fish are deeper on main points hitting crankbaits or Carolina rig 12-20 feet

Catfish fish above the Pittsburgh area and set limb lines baited with perch or shrimp.

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PONY EXPRESS

Updated 05/13/04

Temperature: 57  Clarity:  Level: low

Lake Map

Largemouth Bass slow using Rattle traps in 6 feet of water

Channel Cat Channel Cat fair using cut shad in deep water

Bluecat No Report

Bluegill No Report

Crappie Crappie good using minnows and jigs

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SEVER

Updated 05/13/04

Water Temp: 68 and Dingy   Level: high

Lake Map

Crappie Crappie good using jigs and minnows

Blue Catfish good using night crawlers

Channel Catfish Channel Catfish good using night crawlers

Largemouth Bass Largemouth Bass good on spinnerbaits

Bluegill slow

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SMITHVILLE

Updated 05/13/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 864.2  Temperature: 60 to 64

Inflow: 125 cfs Outflow: 8 cfs Level: 0.29 feet low

Lake Map

Report by Burton's Bait and Tackle

Water Temp:60 to 64 degrees

CRAPPIE: Excellent: The fish are moving in and out from the banks with the weather fronts that are moving through the area. The fish are starting to spawn and are doing different things in different parts of the lake. There are a lot of the smaller males near the bank now and with the warm weather this week the females should move in and start spawning. Minnows and jigs are still the ticket. Fishing around the rocks in the marinas and the bridges are good bets. Find brush along an old creek channel that is about 10 feet deep and you will find some better fish.

BASS: Fair: I think the bass are starting to spawn now especially up in the river arms of the lake. Fishing for nesting fish can be difficult especially in stained water. Most are coming on tubes and jigs while there is still a good spinner bait bite. The numbers of fish caught in the evening tournaments are going down and more small males are being caught.

CATFISH: Good As the crappie spawn gets going the cats will move into the shallows to feed on eggs and fry. Some of the crappie fisherman are already reporting that they are catching some on minnows while crappie fishing. The Platte and Little Platte rivers are also producing some fish. The normal areas would be to fish the mouths of the coves, to half way back, in the Little Platte River arm of the lake. Also head to the crappie spawning areas. Start at the mouth and work your way back till you find the fish. Look for the shad on your graph and the catfish won't be far away. The cats will also move shallow to feed on the crappie spawn as soon as that is in full swing.

White Bass: Good: The river run is over and the whites are moving back toward the main lake. More fish are being caught all of the time in the main lake area and under the bridges. The face of the dam is also starting to produce some whites especially on windy days. The white bass should be on the main lake humps any time now.

WALLEYE: Fair: The walleye spawn is over and the fish are scattering to the main lake points. Several crappie fisherman are reporting that they almost caught a nice walleye while crappie fishing. I had some reports this weekend that people had caught a few fish on some of the main lake points using night crawlers on a jig head. You can also troll or cast a #5 shad rap around main lake points. Stay in 4' to 10' of water most of the time. This should be the pattern for the next month

Water Temp:60 to 64 degrees

CRAPPIE: Excellent: The fish are moving in and out from the banks with the weather fronts that are moving through the area. The fish are starting to spawn and are doing different things in different parts of the lake. There are a lot of the smaller males near the bank now and with the warm weather this week the females should move in and start spawning. Minnows and jigs are still the ticket. Fishing around the rocks in the marinas and the bridges are good bets. Find brush along an old creek channel that is about 10 feet deep and you will find some better fish.

BASS: Fair: I think the bass are starting to spawn now especially up in the river arms of the lake. Fishing for nesting fish can be difficult especially in stained water. Most are coming on tubes and jigs while there is still a good spinner bait bite. The numbers of fish caught in the evening tournaments are going down and more small males are being caught.

CATFISH: Good As the crappie spawn gets going the cats will move into the shallows to feed on eggs and fry. Some of the crappie fisherman are already reporting that they are catching some on minnows while crappie fishing. The Platte and Little Platte rivers are also producing some fish. The normal areas would be to fish the mouths of the coves, to half way back, in the Little Platte River arm of the lake. Also head to the crappie spawning areas. Start at the mouth and work your way back till you find the fish. Look for the shad on your graph and the catfish won't be far away. The cats will also move shallow to feed on the crappie spawn as soon as that is in full swing.

White Bass: Good: The river run is over and the whites are moving back toward the main lake. More fish are being caught all of the time in the main lake area and under the bridges. The face of the dam is also starting to produce some whites especially on windy days. The white bass should be on the main lake humps any time now.

WALLEYE: Fair: The walleye spawn is over and the fish are scattering to the main lake points. Several crappie fisherman are reporting that they almost caught a nice walleye while crappie fishing. I had some reports this weekend that people had caught a few fish on some of the main lake points using night crawlers on a jig head. You can also troll or cast a #5 shad rap around main lake points. Stay in 4' to 10' of water most of the time. This should be the pattern for the next month

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STOCKTON

Updated 05/17/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 867.7 Temperature: 54

Inflow: 950 cfs Outflow: 2804 cfs Level: 2.73 feet high

Lake Map

Report By: Square Deal Bait Shop

Little Sac
fair

Crappie fair off the staging trees with white jigs

walleye fair  the points with night crawlers

black bass fair on the larger arms with spinner baits

Big Sac
fair to good

crappie fair in 8 to 12 feet deep around structures off the spawning banks with jigs and minnows

walleye fair use stick baits and Rogues or minnows

black bass fair off the secondary points with crank baits or soft grubs

Lower Lake fair

crappie fair in around 8 to 15 feet deep around the structures with small minnows early or late

walleye fair off the dam with crank baits or stick baits or off the points in about 15 feet of water with night crawlers.

Little Sac
fair

Crappie fair off the staging trees with white jigs

walleye fair  the points with night crawlers

black bass fair on the larger arms with spinner baits

Big Sac
fair to good

crappie fair in 8 to 12 feet deep around structures off the spawning banks with jigs and minnows

walleye fair use stick baits and Rogues or minnows

black bass fair off the secondary points with crank baits or soft grubs

Lower Lake fair

crappie fair in around 8 to 15 feet deep around the structures with small minnows early or late

walleye fair off the dam with crank baits or stick baits or off the points in about 15 feet of water with night crawlers.

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TABLE ROCK

Updated 05/06/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 915.0 Temperature: 59 - 65

Release Rate: 8046 cfs. Level: 1.89 feet high

Report by: Pete's Professional Guide Service

WATER LEVEL - 920.67 Normal Pool 915'
JAMES RIVER Upper 59-65
MAIN LAKE 58-62

Main Lake, Kimberling City, Baxter, & Campbell Point~

Post spawn Kentucky's are moving out on the gravel points-main lake and secondary and pockets from Baxter to Shell Knob. You can find them anywhere from 5'-20' deep. I'm catching them on split shot and Carolina rigs with 4" worms, lizards & baby brush hogs. Also try 1/2 oz. or 3/4 oz. football jigs with twin tailed Chompers. The best colors have been green pumpkin/watermelon red. I am not catching as many Kentucky's from Baxter to the Dam area, but more small mouths. Still catching some quality small mouths on split shot rigs, tubes and grubs fished 10'-20' deep around gravel points and pockets on the main lake. Try going into the backs of the creek arms, in the steeper pockets and fish the 45 degree banks towards the backs and throw Senco's and split shot rigs out in front of the bushes.

James River

A lot of Kentucky's hare done spawning here also and have moved out onto gravel points-main lake and secondary points. I am fishing the same depths as the main lake and using the same baits, but in the colored water I am dipping the tails with chartreuse Dip & Dye. Lots of buck brush & bushes in the water with the water level slowly dropping. Look for the flipping bite to get more consistent. Start keying in on the outside bushes. Some fish are also being caught on Senco's & flukes fished around shallow cover.

I haven't found much of a top water bite anywhere on the lake. Look for this to also get better soon also. As more fish get done spawning and move out over submerged timber to feed and rest up. Good Luck!! WATER LEVEL - 920.67 Normal Pool 915'
JAMES RIVER Upper 59-65
MAIN LAKE 58-62

Main Lake, Kimberling City, Baxter, & Campbell Point~

Post spawn Kentucky's are moving out on the gravel points-main lake and secondary and pockets from Baxter to Shell Knob. You can find them anywhere from 5'-20' deep. I'm catching them on split shot and Carolina rigs with 4" worms, lizards & baby brush hogs. Also try 1/2 oz. or 3/4 oz. football jigs with twin tailed Chompers. The best colors have been green pumpkin/watermelon red. I am not catching as many Kentucky's from Baxter to the Dam area, but more small mouths. Still catching some quality small mouths on split shot rigs, tubes and grubs fished 10'-20' deep around gravel points and pockets on the main lake. Try going into the backs of the creek arms, in the steeper pockets and fish the 45 degree banks towards the backs and throw Senco's and split shot rigs out in front of the bushes.

James River

A lot of Kentucky's hare done spawning here also and have moved out onto gravel points-main lake and secondary points. I am fishing the same depths as the main lake and using the same baits, but in the colored water I am dipping the tails with chartreuse Dip & Dye. Lots of buck brush & bushes in the water with the water level slowly dropping. Look for the flipping bite to get more consistent. Start keying in on the outside bushes. Some fish are also being caught on Senco's & flukes fished around shallow cover.

I haven't found much of a top water bite anywhere on the lake. Look for this to also get better soon also. As more fish get done spawning and move out over submerged timber to feed and rest up. Good Luck!!

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TANEYCOMO

Updated 05/13/04

Temperature:  Level:

Report by River Run Outfitters

Branson Chapter Trout Unlimited next meeting May 25, 2004, 7:00 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery.

GENERAL COMMENTS

Water Conditions: Still LOTS OF WATER! --- HOWEVER, WORD IS they will shut down the generators tomorrow and POSSIBLY Friday to work on the boards at Powersite Dam. To accomplish the board work they will drop the lake level by 4 feet to access the boards. After this, they will probably go back to their normal 4 generators. But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The gates closed last Wednesday and they have only been running the 4 generators night and day until today. Actually had only 2 running at 7:00 a.m. this morning then turned it up to 3 around 8:00 a.m. and they are now running 4.

FLY FISHING TROPHY AREA (dam to Fall Creek)-SHALLOW WATER-WADING-

Boats on the water almost every day. Catching 20-30 fish each day and they are nice and fat. Several in the 15-18 inch range. Seeing several really big trout cruising around the lay-ups. With the gates closed, the fish have been in their normal high water locations. Still doing best on the red tunghead midge in seams or calmer water. Did good Saturday and Sunday on the rust zebra midge in the calmer water, and the olive woolly bugger using a sink tip system casting toward the bank is still producing. Haven't experienced it ourselves, but several of our customers have been catching some nice white bass just below the dam for over a week now. One reported he and a friend caught 18 of the nicest whites he had seen in some time.

STAN'S TIP: RESPECT THIS HIGH WATER - We have had two boats capsized in the past two weeks. Fortunately, no fatalities. Don't let your anchor drag. Give yourself lots of slack line if you anchor or tie up to anything. Better yet, don't tie up or anchor.

 

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THOMAS HILL

Updated 05/13/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 722.00 Clarity:  Level:

Temperature: 60 and Dingy

Lake Map

Report by Kaseyville Bait and Tackle

Crappie slow

Bass No Report

Channel cat No Report

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TRUMAN

Updated 05/13/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 706.0 Temperature:  67 and stained

Inflow: 6100 cfs Outflow: 7800 cfs Level: 1.40 feet high

Lake Map     Braggin' Board

MAIN LAKE Report by Sterett Creek Marina

Last weekends weather kind of put a damper on the fishing. We saw a lot of whites and some small hybrids come in but the crappie and bass slowed up. The COE pulled water on Sat. which made the white bass fishing really good. Guide Steve Blake came in with limits of crappie both days. Seems the crappie have decided to move to the summer pattern and most folks didn't pick up on it. The bass fishing has picked up drastically. There is a good bite starting now. We even had a few walleye caught last weekend so I was told, they didn't share so I guess we will have to believe them.

LAKE LEVEL: 707.
WATER TEMP: 67 deg.
WATER CLARITY: Stained but very fishable.

BASS: The bass fishing here on Truman is really starting to pick up. We have fish in all stages of the spawn. Last night in the Hawg fights we weighed lots of fish and heard stories of lots of good fish that got off. 1st place went to Kenny Mason and Randy James with a 6 fish limit weighing 11.94 lbs. 2nd. place went to Clint Rayburn and Jerry Lewis with 9.90 lbs. 3rd. went to Tom Novinska and Jim Lehares with 9.34 lbs. and big bass weighing 4.66. 4th. went to Steve Blake and Randy Blockett with 6.33lbs. Fish were caught off several different patterns. The jig and frog seemed to be the predominant bait. Brush Hogs and lizards also took a number of fish. Jigs in P&J and Black and Blue were the to best colors. Brush hogs in watermelon red and P & J headed the list. Some fish were taken on the bank out of a foot of water on the points. Main lake points are starting to produce good fish. The jig bit was in 6' of water with a good break close by. Don't be afraid to start fishing road beds and shallow water structure. Buzz baits and Zara Spooks are starting to catch fish on the flats in the creeks. Like I said there are a lot of patterns working now.

CRAPPIE: The fish in our area have finished spawning and are starting to move to the summer pattern. Fish 17' to 20' of water with a minnow about 7' down. Hit a tree and keep moving. The areas you should concentrate on are the out side tree rows on the edge of the flats. Now I'm sure there are still a few fish on the banks but I think you will find that these will be small males.

WHITES & HYBRIDS: When the COE runs water the white bass fishing is really good. Jigging spoons in 16' of water is the best bet. The weir and KK Island are two of the better areas. There has been fish caught off of O 3 also. It wouldn't hurt to have a hog stick tied on for any surfacing hybrids.

CATFISH: Jugs are still working on the flats with stages set about 10'. Shad sides and leeches are the two best baits. Floating trot lines set in 5' of water with 12" stages baited with leeches are also starting.

This weeks ratings from Sterett Creek Marina are:

Whites: # 1

Bass: # 2

Crappie: # 3

 

That's it for this week from Sterett Creek Marina

With that we bid you good fishing

Tommy

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Grand River Arm

Updated 05/06/04

Lake temp: 63

Report for Grand River Arm by Bucksaw Marina

May 4, 2004 - Here's the latest from Bucksaw Resort.

CRAPPIE:
Seeing a little more activity since the weather has straightened up a little. Had 36 degrees Monday morning here at the marina and 1/8" of ice on my windshield. Doesn't help the fishing any with temps like that in May. Three patterns are going right now, an "on the bank" bite is happening in scattered coves from here to Long Shoal. You may fish a mile of bank and then find a hundred yard stretch that produces a lot of fish. No real size to these fish, just bucks. Bite #2 is a pre-spawn stage bite. Bigger females are being caught in 5-10 feet of water off these same banks as the buck males. A jig tipped with a minnow on a long pole and "dipped" near the trees has produced some big fish, just not a lot of numbers. Bite #3 is a summer pattern bite up river from Bucksaw. Cedars seem to be the best on this pattern on main lake flats. and main lake creek channels.

BASS:
No consistent bite at all. Tubes, jigs, lizards, spinnerbaits, crankbaits all catching a few fish. 1/2 way back in the creeks around timber and laydowns.

CATFISH:
One big flathead come in this morning. Trotline set on main lake flat near mouth of a creek in 10 feet of water. Perch was the bait.

WHITES/HYBRIDS:
Great fishing on humps and the weir in front of the dam. These fish are spawning and are schooled up tight. Spooning in 12-18 feet of water is the best bite.

* New Missouri regulations require that jug lines be attended at all times.

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WAPPAPELLO

Updated 05/13/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 359.0 Temperature: 

Release Rate: 480 Level: 4.44 feet high

Lake Map

Several roads are closed due to high water - please call 573-222-8139 for more information

Largemouth Bass Largemouth Bass fair using crankbaits and spinnerbaits

White Bass White Bass good using spinnerbaits

Crappie Crappie fair using minnows and jigs

Bluegill Bluegill fair using crickets

Catfish Catfish excellent on trotlines and juglines using live bait and worms

Note: On the waters of Wappapello Lake & its tributaries, all Walleye & Sauger must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught. Anglers are encouraged to harvest bass under 11" (daily limit 6) to reduce the numbers of small bass in Wappapello lake.

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