Sunday, May 18, 2014

Conservation Department announces deer meetings

English: A white-tailed deer
English: A white-tailed deer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
 Hunters and other Missouri residents with an interest in white-tailed deer can express their opinions on management of the state’s deer herd at regional meetings in June and July.
The Missouri Department of Conservation will hold open houses at 14 locations around the state to discuss white-tailed deer management with citizens. The meetings will not have formal presentations. Instead, they will use an open-house format where people can come and go any time between 3 and 8 p.m. They will be able to visit booths focusing on the history of deer management in Missouri, the state’s new deer management plan, possible regulation changes, hunter retention and recruitment, public comments received so far, and other issues related to deer management.
The open-house format lets attendees concentrate on their particular interests, asking questions and discussing their ideas one-on-one with biologists and other key staff. Conservation Department Deputy Director Tom Draper says the goal of the open houses is to provide information and get feedback.
“We need people to tell us what they want Missouri’s deer population to look like and what combination of hunting seasons, bag limits, and hunting methods they want the Conservation Department to use to achieve their goals,” says Draper. “We will use what we hear this summer to help shape future deer regulation changes.” He noted that Missouri’s free-ranging white-tailed deer population supports 12,000 jobs and generates more than $1 billion in economic activity annually in the Show-Me State.
The meetings will be held at the following locations.
  • Rolla – June 16 – Rolla Junior High School Cafeteria, 1360 Soest Road.
  • Springfield – June 17 – Missouri State University, Christopher Bond Learning Center, 2401 S. Kansas Expressway.
  • Joplin – June 18 – Missouri Southern State University, Cornell Auditorium in Plaster Hall, 3950 Newman Road.
  • Warsaw – June 19 – Warsaw Community Building Gymnasium, 181 Harrison St.
  • St. Louis – June 23 – Crestwood Community Center Lounge, 9245 Whitecliff Park Lane, Crestwood.
  • Jackson – June 24 – Knights of Columbus Hall, 3305 North High St.
  • Van Buren – June 25 – Van Buren Youth and Community Center, 1204 D Highway.
  • West Plains – June 26 – West Plains Civic Center Exhibit Hall, 110 St. Louis St.
  • Kirksville – June 30 – Kirksville High School Gymnasium, 1300 S. Cottage Grove.
  • Chillicothe – July 1 – Litton Agriculture Campus MW Jenkins Building, 10780 Liv 235.
  • Kansas City – July 2 – Lakeland Community Church, Large Lobby, 913 NE Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit.
  • Hannibal – July 7 – Quality Inn, Atlantis Ballroom, 120 Lindsey Drive.
  • St. Joseph – July 8 – Missouri Western University, 218/219 Blum Union, 4525 Downs Drive.
  • Columbia – July 9 – Hilton Garden Inn, Magnolia Room, 3300 Vandiver Drive.
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Saturday, May 17, 2014

Cape Nature Center: June ‘Families in Nature’ event set with two fun-filled sessions

The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center invites all to attend the Families in Nature Saturday, June 7. According to Education Consultant, Bridget Jackson, the center has made adjustments to the day’s scheduled events.
event on
“Instead of families coming for an all-day event, as we stated in our newsletter, we will have a morning session and an afternoon session,” Jackson said.
The morning session is scheduled for 8:30 until noon and the afternoon session will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jackson said both sessions will include archery, fishing, and canoeing activities.
“We strive to equip families with the knowledge and skill so that they can continue to discover nature together for generations to come,” Jackson said. “For many families, this event will be the first step toward that legacy.”
Registration is required and begins May 15. Jackson said sessions are limited to 30 people each and reservations will be made on a first come, first served basis. Call the Nature Center at (573)290-5218to register. For information on other Nature Center programs go online to mdc.mo.gov.
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Friday, May 16, 2014

Celebrate opening of two new trails at Stockton State Park May 17

The public is invited to celebrate the opening of two new trails at Stockton State Park on Saturday, May 17.
Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, participants will have the opportunity to paddle the Stockton State Park Water Trail and mountain bike or run the newly created Lakeview Trail.

At 10 a.m., visitors can canoe or kayak the 6.65 mile Water Trail by meeting at the Marina Trailhead. At 2:30 p.m., hike, run or mountain bike the 8 mile Lakeview Trail by meeting at the main trailhead located on the Campground/Marina Rd. Experienced guides familiar with the trail will be available to lead the way.

This program is free of charge and open to the public. Participants will need to furnish their own equipment and be self-sufficient.

Stockton State Park is located south of Stockton on Highway 215 in Cedar County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 417-276-4259. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
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Fishing rod and reel loaner program added to Farmington, Bonne Terre libraries

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces the addition of two new libraries into the Discover Nature: Fishing Rod and Reel Loaner Program.  The Bonne Terre Memorial
Library and the Farmington Public Library now have fishing equipment available for use by the public.  According to Salvador Mondragon, a fisheries management biologist with the MDC, the Rod and Reel Loaner Program provides an opportunity for youth, novice anglers, or anyone who does not own a rod and reel to get outside and enjoy the outdoors.
“This equipment is available to the public to borrow and is as simple as checking out a book,” Mondragon said.
Karen Roman, the director of the Farmington Public Library said the fishing equipment loaner program will be a positive resource for the community.
“I was surprised that the MDC would supply libraries with fishing equipment,” Roman said. “Libraries are becoming about much more than books these days and this is a wonderful idea and opportunity for someone who wants to try fishing first before making an investment in equipment.”
Amanda Carron is the Special Services Coordinator at the Bonne Terre Memorial Library. Carron said she and other employees at the library are looking forward to getting feedback from the community once they begin checking out the equipment.
“The fishing equipment program is a really good idea and I think it will have a good impact on our community, especially with the Bonne Terre pond being right up the street from us at the city park,” Carron said.
“We have added this program at these libraries, specifically, because of the availability of close public access waters that are managed and stocked by the Missouri Department of Conservation,” Mondragon said. 
“We have many nice places in our area where people can fish, so I think it will work out wonderfully,” Roman said.
Public fishing areas nearby include Hager Lake, Thomas Lake, Giessing Lake, the Mineral Area College Quarry Pond,  Bonne Terre City DiSalvo Lake, St. Francois River and Leadwood Access on Big River. Mondragon said all of these areas offer opportunities to catch catfish, bass, crappie and sunfish with great bank fishing access.
In addition to receiving a rod, a small tackle box with terminal tackle will be provided, according to Mondragon. Terminal tackle will include essential hooks, split-shot sinkers, bobbers and a stringer to hold the catch.
For more information on fishing opportunities in Missouri, go to mdc.mo.gov or call the MDC’s Southeast Regional Office at (573)290-5730.
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Thursday, May 15, 2014

Cape Nature Center hosts teen canoeing event

Teens aged 12 to 15 are invited to attend “Swamp Paddling” with the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center on Saturday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Allred Lake.
“This event is a great confidence booster for kids and it really takes them to a new level of discovering nature,” said Sara Turner, the Nature Center manager.
Turner said canoeing is a time honored tradition that gives an appreciation for how settlers in southeast Missouri viewed what was once known as “swamp east” Missouri.
Guests aged 12 to 15 years are required to register before the event by calling (573)290-5218. For information on other nature programs throughout the state go online to mdc.mo.gov.
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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Conservation Department urges state-wide vigilance to protect white-tailed deer

Anyone who sees sick deer should report it to their local conservation agent or office.
By Francis Skalicky

People won’t be hunting deer for several months, but they should still be vigilant for a disease that could severely impact Missouri’s deer population if it ever becomes widely established in this state.
Chronic Wasting Disease – CWD for short – is a deer disease that usually makes headlines in the fall when Missourians are preparing for deer hunting. However, signs of the disease can appear in deer at any time of year. That’s why Missouri Department of Conservation biologists want to remind turkey hunters, spring hikers, floaters and whoever else is outdoors at this time of year that if they see sick deer, they should contact their nearest conservation office or Department of Conservation office.
CWD is a disease that infects deer and other members of the family Cervidae. It is a neurological disease that can be passed from one deer to another. CWD is in the TSE – transmissible spongiform encephalopathy – category of diseases. TSE diseases, which are progressive diseases that affect the brain and nervous system – are not caused by a bacteria or virus and therein lies part of the problem why these diseases are so hard to contain or eliminate once they’re established. TSE diseases are caused by prions – which are, basically, deformed proteins. Prions can be passed from one deer to another and are incredibly resistant to external environmental conditions. Because of the hardiness of prions, CWD, for the present, has shown itself to be 100 percent fatal in cervids (which is the only group of animals it’s known to affect.)
Symptoms of CWD include excessive salivation, drooping head/ears, tremors, emaciation and lack of coordination. However, it can take months (and sometimes years) for a deer infected with CWD to show any symptoms. Thus, an infected deer can spread the disease to other deer and contaminate the environment while appearing healthy.
CWD has been found in 23 states, including Missouri. To date, 21 cases of CWD have been confirmed in Missouri. All of these have been in northeast Missouri. Eleven cases were in captive deer at facilities in Linn and Macon counties and 10 were in free-ranging deer found within two miles of the Macon County facility. A total of 3,666 deer were tested for CWD during and after the 2013 deer hunting seasons and all tests came back negative. This large-scale testing effort was made possible through the cooperation of a many of the state’s hunters, landowners and taxidermists – proving once again that Missourians care about conserving forests, fish and wildlife. Although the absence of any positive CWD tests is encouraging, it still needs to be stressed that it doesn’t mean this disease has been successfully eliminated from the state’s deer population.
CWD has not been found in southeast Missouri, but state-wide vigilance for the disease remains high with good reason: Hundreds of businesses in communities throughout the state depend on the $1 billion economic impact that deer hunting and deer viewing has on Missouri. CWD would have negative ramifications for the more than a half-million hunters who pursue white-tailed deer each year and the millions of other Missourians who like to see deer when they’re hiking, camping, floating or traveling across their farms.
The Missouri Department of Conservation is continuing to work with hunters, landowners, businesses, other agencies and partner organizations to identify the disease and limit the spread of CWD in Missouri. Anyone seeing sick deer are encouraged to call their local conservation agent or office.
More information about CWD and other deer-related issued can be found at missouriconservation.org.For more information about conservation issues, call the MDC’s Southeast Regional Office at(573)290-5730.
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Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Poplar Bluff man sets new state record with Spotted Sucker fish

A new state record was set April 3 when Tyler Goodale of Poplar Bluff reeled in a Spotted Sucker fish at Duck Creek Conservation Area (CA).  Goodale’s sucker fish weighed 3.65 lbs
. and measured 18.2 inches.  The former state record Spotted Sucker was caught in 1992 at Wappapello Lake and weighed 2 lbs., 1 ounce, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).
The Spotted Sucker is a moderately slender, coarse-scaled sucker fish with a short dorsal fin containing 11 or 12 rays. This species is distinguished from other Missouri suckers by the presence of several parallel rows of prominent dark spots along the side. These fish are olive-brown on the back with dark edgings on the scales. Their sides are silvery or brassy-yellow. Adults are commonly 9.2 to 15.9 inches long and weigh about .3 to 2 pounds. 
Spotted suckers are common fish and generally distributed in the lowlands of southeast Missouri and adjacent sections of the Ozarks. Scattered populations occur elsewhere. This fish species prefers clear, warm waters with no to minimal current and an abundance of aquatic vegetation. 
For more information about record fish or fishing opportunities in Missouri, go online to mdc.mo.gov.
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Monday, May 12, 2014

State Parks Youth Corps expands to Kansas City

DSC05570
DSC05570 (Photo credit: VSPYCC)
A nationally recognized jobs initiative for young adults is expanding to Kansas City this year, Gov. Nixon announced today. Through a one-year partnership with the Department of Social Services, State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC) will offer 100 paid positions at Kansas City Parks to area youth.
“Providing our youth with opportunities to hone job skills and develop that strong, Missouri work ethic is a valuable tool in growing the next-generation of our workforce,” said Gov. Jay Nixon. “Since 2010, the State Parks Youth Corps has been doing just that by allowing young Missourians to participate in meaningful work projects in the state’s outdoor areas. And now, by expanding this valuable program to Kansas City, even more of our youth will be better prepared to launch successful careers.”
“The summer is a great time for our young people to build skills and we’ve worked hard to provide those opportunities in recent years,” said Mayor Sly James. “This partnership will allow us to enhance our efforts and give more youth opportunities to explore public service and to build an appreciation for the crown jewels that are our local parks.”  
“Partnering with Kansas City gives young people real-world job experience in the outdoors and helps improve the area’s public parks so even more Missourians can enjoy nature,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. “Over the past several years, State Parks Youth Corps participants have made huge contributions to our parks and historic sites throughout the state, and this year, the Kansas City community will be able to reap those benefits, too.”
State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC), launched by the Governor in 2010, provides Missouri youth with the opportunity to work outdoors improving Missouri’s parks and historic sites. SPYC employs eligible Missourians between the ages of 17 and 23 at parks, historic sites and natural areas across Missouri, from May 1 through Dec. 31. Applications for the program are now being accepted online at thinkoutside.mo.gov.
Since the program began in 2010, SPYC workers have completed more than 550,000 hours in Missouri state parks and historic sites. During 2013, SPYC workers put in more than 70,000 hours, performing a variety of tasks, ranging from routine maintenance work and trail construction to interpretation and stewardship efforts. Examples included treating 365 acres of Long Branch State Park for invasive plant species; repairing and repainting 15 picnic tables, 12 benches, and 60 grills at St. Joe State Park; leading nearly 1,700 visitors on tours at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park; and working to build an accessible pathway at Battle of Lexington State Historic Site.
State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC) is administered by Missouri’s Workforce Investment Boards in partnership with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks and the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Division of Workforce Development. In 2013, Missouri State Parks Youth Corps was accepted as a part of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC).
In addition to the added positions in Kansas City, SPYC is also expanding to St. Louis where 100 area youth will have the opportunity to work in St. Louis City Parks.
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Sunday, May 11, 2014

State Parks Youth Corps expands to St. Louis

DSC05570
DSC05570 (Photo credit: VSPYCC)
A nationally recognized jobs initiative for young adults is expanding to St. Louis this year, Gov. Nixon announced today. Through a one-year partnership with the Department of Social Services, State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC) will offer 100 paid positions at St. Louis City Parks to area youth.
“Providing our youth with opportunities to hone job skills and develop that strong, Missouri work ethic is a valuable tool in growing the next-generation of our workforce,” said Gov. Jay Nixon. “Since 2010, the State Parks Youth Corps has been doing just that by allowing young Missourians to participate in meaningful work projects in the state’s outdoor areas. And now, by expanding this valuable program to St. Louis, even more of our youth will be better prepared to launch successful careers.”
“Providing summer jobs for young people is one of the top priorities of my Regional Youth Violence Prevention Task Force," said Mayor Francis Slay, City of St. Louis.  "Giving kids a summer job reduces crime and increases academic success.  I thank Governor Nixon for helping to provide funding so that we can issue paychecks to teens and young adults for the work they do.  I am confident a good job will help teach them the values of discipline, sacrifice, respect and teamwork."
“Partnering with St. Louis gives young people real-world job experience in the outdoors and helps improve the area’s public parks so even more Missourians can enjoy nature,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. “Over the past several years, State Parks Youth Corps participants have made huge contributions to our parks and historic sites throughout the state, and this year, the St. Louis community will be able to reap those benefits, too.”
State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC), launched by the Governor in 2010, provides Missouri youth with the opportunity to work outdoors improving Missouri’s parks and historic sites. SPYC employs eligible Missourians between the ages of 17 and 23 at parks, historic sites and natural areas across Missouri, from May 1 through Dec. 31. Applications for the program are now being accepted online at thinkoutside.mo.gov.
Since the program began in 2010, SPYC workers have completed more than 550,000 hours in Missouri state parks and historic sites. During 2013, SPYC workers put in more than 70,000 hours, performing a variety of tasks, ranging from routine maintenance work and trail construction to interpretation and stewardship efforts. Examples included treating 365 acres of Long Branch State Park for invasive plant species; repairing and repainting 15 picnic tables, 12 benches, and 60 grills at St. Joe State Park; leading nearly 1,700 visitors on tours at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park; and working to build an accessible pathway at Battle of Lexington State Historic Site.
State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC) is administered by Missouri’s Workforce Investment Boards in partnership with the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Division of Workforce Development and Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. In 2013, Missouri State Parks Youth Corps was accepted as a part of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC).
In addition to the added positions in St. Louis, SPYC is also expanding to Kansas City where 100 area youth will have the opportunity to work in Kansas City Parks.
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Saturday, May 10, 2014

MDC investigating turkey hunting incident

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is investigating a shooting incident where a person was possibly mistaken for a wild turkey and injured on May 7 at Smithville Lake. The person who fired the shot left the scene. Conservation Agents are seeking information about the case and would like to interview the person who fired the shot.
   Andi Rittel, 18, of Independence received shotgun pellet wounds in the lower extremities. Rittel was treated and released from an area hospital that day. She was hunting on public land managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers east of Trimble on the west side of the lake. The incident occurred about 10 a.m. in Clinton County. Rittel was able to walk to her vehicle and seek medical help.
   Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the MDC Northwest Regional Office at 816-271-3100. Information may also be provided to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, 816-539-3777.
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Missouri Weekly Fishing Report

Largemouth bass.
Largemouth bass. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In most streams south of the Missouri River, black bass season will open May 24, 2014, until that date all black bass in those streams must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught. For details see Chapter 6 of the Wildlife Code.

PLEASE CHECK REGULATIONS CAREFULLY: Special regulations may apply to designated portions of water bodies; some baits and lures may not be legal for all portions.

Central

Lakes

Binder Lake

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 73º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
crappie fair; bluegill fair; largemouth bass fair; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Blind Pony Lake

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
the lake is 1.5' low; largemouth bass fair on soft plastics near brush piles and the face of the dam; bluegill and channel catfish fair on nightcrawlers; crappie fair near the face of the dam; all other species slow; the lake is closed to private boats and bait held or transported in containers with water is prohibited; Please return boats available for use (at no charge) to the shoreline storage area when done. Boats left elsewhere on the lake are unavailable for others to use.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Lake of the Ozarks (Bagnell Tailwater)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass
White Bass: Slow
Catfish: Fair
crappie slow on minnows and crappie jigs; black bass season closed; white bass slow on light colored soft plastics, Rooster Tails and crappie jigs; catfish fair on worms, cut shad and chicken liver.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Lake of the Ozarks (Glaize)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Slow
Catfish: Slow
crappie slow on jigs and minnows; white bass slow on light colored soft plastics and spoons; catfish slow on chicken livers, stinkbaits, worms and cut baits; black bass fair on dark colored soft plastics, spinnerbaits and crankbaits.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Lake of the Ozarks (Gravois)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
Catfish: Slow
crappie good on minnows around brush; black bass fair on crankbaits; white bass fair on minnows; catfish slow on cut bait.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Lake of the Ozarks (Niangua)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Good
Catfish: Good
White Bass: Fair
catfish good on cut shad; crappie good on light colored jigs with Crappie Nibbles; black bass fair on spinnerbaits; white bass fair on spinnerbaits.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Lake of the Ozarks (Osage)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Good
White Bass: Fair
catfish good on cut shad; crappie fair on dark colored jigs or minnows; black bass fair on crankbaits; white bass fair on dark colored plastics.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Little Dixie Lake

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
crappie good on live minnows and light green jigs; largemouth bass fair on plastics; bluegill good on crickets; channel catfish good on chicken liver; all other species slow; all use including fishing is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)

Rivers

Lamine River

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Blue Catfish: Good
the Lamine is 1' above normal; channel catfish and blue catfish good on cut baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Missouri River (Middle)

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
blue catfish good on cut carp and liver; channel catfish fair on stinkbait; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Osage (lower, at Tuscumbia)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass
White Bass: Slow
Catfish: Fair
crappie slow on minnows and crappie jigs; black bass season closed; white bass slow on light colored soft plastics, Rooster Tails and crappie jigs; catfish fair on worms, cut shad and chicken liver.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)

Kansas City

Lakes

Atkinson Lake (Schell-Osage CA)

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Good
all other species fair.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Black Bass: Good
Crappie: Fair
Bluegill: Good
water level 1' low; black bass good on plastic worms near brush piles and weedbeds; crappie fair on tube jigs near shallow water brush piles; bluegill good on worms under a bobber; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Montrose Lake

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Catfish: Fair
Fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Schell Lake (Schell-Osage CA)

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Good
all other species fair.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Truman Lake

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Good
Catfish: Fair
Crappie good on jigs and minnows: all other species slow; fishing pressure medium.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Truman Lake Tailwaters

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
White Bass: Good
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Good
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Fair
White bass good on Sassy Shad and spoons on top water; catfish fair on live bait; all other species slow; pressure medium.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)

Rivers

Missouri River (Kansas City area)

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish
Blue Catfish
the river level is elevated but still within the normal range and fishing for catfish is improving; channel catfish are biting on cut bait and worms; blue catfish are becoming more active and moving onto the flats, try using worms or cut bait in these locations, stinkbaits are not as regularly successful; all other species are slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)

Northeast

Lakes

Henry Sever Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits; crappie good on minnows and jigs; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Hunnewell Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
crappie fair using Twister Tails; all other species slow; the lake is closed to private boats, and bait held or transported in containers with water is prohibited.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Long Branch Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 58º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Fair
crappie good in 3' deep water on minnows and jigs; hybrid striped bass fair on lures; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Mark Twain Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
Lake Level 606.8; crappie fair on minnows and jigs close to shore; blue catfish fair on natural baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Thomas Hill Reservoir

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Largemouth Bass: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
crappie good on jigs and minnows near banks in shallow water; largemouth bass good on lures; channel catfish fair on nightcrawlers and stinkbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)

Rivers

Mississippi River (upper)

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 54º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Freshwater Drum: Good
channel catfish good on stinkbaits and nightcrawlers; freshwater drum good on nightcrawlers; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Salt (below Mark Twain)

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 57º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)

Northwest

Lakes

Bilby Ranch Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
Crappie: Good
63 degrees, normal and clear; black bass good; channel catfish good; crappie good along rocky shores; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Lake Paho

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 58º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie
Channel Catfish
Largemouth Bass
58 degrees and dingy; crappie are being taken near rip rap during low light periods on small spinners and jigs; channel catfish continue to be taken on natural baits; largemouth bass continue to be taken on soft plastics in less than 3' of water; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Mozingo Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
Crappie: Good
Walleye: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
60 - 65 degrees, low, clear; black bass good; crappie good with males moving to the shallows; bluegill fair on small jigs tipped with worms; walleye slow; channel catfish good on cut bait.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Pony Express Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Largemouth Bass: Good
66 degrees, low and clear; crappie coming into shallows to spawn, good on jigs; largemouth bass good on plastic worms; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Smithville Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
White Bass: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs; black bass good; white bass good; catfish fair.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)

Rivers

Grand River

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 50º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
channel catfish fair on cut shad and worms; all other species slow
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Missouri River (upper)

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 54º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Flathead Catfish: Fair
Channel Catfish: Good
Common Carp: Fair
54 degrees, normal and clear; channel catfish good on worms and dip baits; flathead catfish fair on worms; carp fair on worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)

Ozark

Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake (East)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
White Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
white bass and crappie fair on swimming minnows; black bass fair on artificial baits.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Norfork Lake

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
White Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
white bass and crappie fair on swimming minnows; black bass fair on artificial baits.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)

Rivers

Big Piney River (lower, Pulaski Co.)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 61º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
goggle-eye good on jigs and nightcrawlers.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Big Piney River (upper, Texas Co.)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
Smallmouth Bass: Good
goggle-eye and smallmouth bass good on soft plastics and live bait.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Bryant Creek

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
smallmouth bass and goggle-eye fair on soft plastic baits.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Current River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
goggle-eye good on jigs; all other species are slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Eleven Point River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
all species good.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Gasconade River (middle)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
goggle-eye good on jigs and nightcrawlers; channel catfish fair on live bait.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Gasconade River (upper)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 71º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
Sunfish: Good
goggle-eye and sunfish good on soft plastics and nightcrawlers.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Jacks Fork River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
smallmouth bass and goggle-eye good on soft plastics.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
North Fork of the White River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
smallmouth bass and goggle-eye fair on soft plastic baits.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)

Southeast

Lakes

Clearwater Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
White Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
crappie fair on Twister Tail jigs with Crappie Nibbles at 10' depths around brush piles; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Council Bluff Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
Redear Sunfish: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
largemouth bass good on dark colored soft plastics during low light periods; channel catfish fair on liver; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Cypress Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Good
bluegill good on worms and crickets about 10' from bank in 2' - 3' of water; largemouth bass fair on artificial lures in 2' - 3' of water; crappie fair on minnows and jigs in 2' - 3' of water; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Duck Creek C.A. Pool #1

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
Bluegill: Good
Redear Sunfish: Slow
bluegill good on crickets; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Lake Girardeau

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits; crappie fair on minnows and jigs; bluegill fair on minnows and jigs; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Perry County Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
crappie fair on jigs; largemouth bass fair on plastic worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Robert DeLaney Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Bluegill: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
crappie good on jigs and minnows; bluegill fair on crickets and waxworms; black bass fair on live bait and spinners, all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Wappapello Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Channel Catfish: Good
Bluegill: Fair
channel catfish good on worms and live bait on trotlines and jug lines at night; crappie fair on minnows and jigs; black bass fair on crankbaits and plastic worms; bluegill fair on crickets; all other species slow. Anglers should note the 9" minimum length limit regulation for crappie on Wappapello Lake. Recorded lake level and other information can be received by calling the Wappapello Lake Information Hotline at 573-222-8139 or 1-877-lake-info.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)

Rivers

Black River (above Clearwater Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
White Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
smallmouth bass and goggle-eye good on plastic baits; white bass fair on Road Runners; bluegill fair on live worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Black River (below Clearwater Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 61º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
crappie fair on minnows and jigs; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Castor River (above Zalma)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
black bass fair on jigs and small crankbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Mississippi River (Middle)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Slow
the river is 25.2' and falling; channel catfish and blue catfish fair on worms and stinkbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Mississippi River (Ohio River to Arkansas)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Striped Bass: Slow
Shovelnose Sturgeon
river is 27' and holding, channel catfish fair on worms and cut bait; some having luck catching shovelnose sturgeon on worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
St. Francis River (above Wappapello Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Green Sunfish: Good
Bluegill: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
green sunfish and bluegill are good on crickets and worms; channel catfish good on large minnows; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
St. Francis River (below Wappapello Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
channel catfish fair on worms and stinkbaits; flathead catfish fair on trotlines with goldfish; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)

Southwest

Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake (West)

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 59º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
White Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
Walleye: Fair
black bass good on spinnerbaits, jigs, and Alabama Rigs (only 3 hooks allowed); white bass good on white Rooster Tails and swimming minnows; crappie good on minnows, jigs, and swimming minnows; walleye fair on jerkbaits and minnows; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Lake Taneycomo

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 49º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
rainbow trout good in upper portion of the lake on marabou jigs and glo balls on spinning gear, flies such as scuds and San Juan worms on fly rods also working well; rainbow trout good in lower portion of the lake on Power Baits, corn, and nightcrawlers.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Pomme de Terre Reservoir

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Good
Walleye: Good
Catfish: Good
black bass good on plastic worms and crankbaits; walleye good on yellow and chartreuse jigs and Rogues while casting shallow points; crappie good on minnows and chartreuse jigs around brush piles in 8' - 15' of water; catfish good on jug lines, trotlines and pole and line using cut baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Stockton Lake

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Fair
crappie good on minnows and various colored artificial lures in 13' - 15' of water; black bass fair on flats and off points using jerkbaits of various colors, most common is chartreuse, blue, or white; catfish slow, best on liver or earthworms from banks off coves and points; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Table Rock Lake

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Crappie: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
black bass good on purple or green worms on a shakey head off main points and sloping gravel banks; crappie fair around shallow cover on white or yellow jigs; goggle-eye fair on purple salamanders; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Table Rock Lake (James River arm)

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
White Bass: Fair
Walleye: Fair
white bass fair on white sliders, pearl white swimming minnows, and X-raps that dive to at least 6', live minnows and Alabama Rigs with three hooks are also working well; crappie fair on small jigs and minnows near the bank in early morning and late evening; black bass fair on swimbaits and spinnerbaits, Alabama Rigs with three hooks also working well, try smoke or shad colored baits that mimic a small school of fish and cast along rocky bluffs that have some submerged tree tops, green colored jigs thrown on gravel points are producing good results; walleye fair on spinnerbaits, shad crankbaits and live minnows; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)

Rivers

James River

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
White Bass: Fair
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Good
Catfish: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
black bass good on spooks in top water and on 4" jerkbaits and crankbaits in shallow water off points; crappie good on jigs and minnows in 5' of water around trees; goggle-eye good on spinnerbaits and worms around rocks; catfish good on minnows and worms in open channels of warm water; white bass fair on minnows and X-rap Rapalas in the morning and evenings.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Niangua River

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Fair
Brown Trout: Fair
rainbow and brown trout fair on brightly colored Power Bait and olive/dark colored flies; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)

St. Louis

Lakes

Busch Memorial Conservation Area Lake 33

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 61º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Good
crappie good on jigs and minnows; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Busch Memorial Conservation Area Lakes 3, 4, 5, 7, and 23

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
catfish fair on cut baits, doughbaits, blood baits and livers; call the "Fish Stocking Hotline" (636) 300-9651 for stocking information.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)

Rivers

Big River

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 58º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Bourbeuse River

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 61º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Bluegill: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
channel catfish fair on cut bait, blood bait and worms.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Meramec River (Crawford Co.)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Brown Trout: Good
black bass fair on plastic worms; bluegill fair on worms; catfish fair on cut bait.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Meramec River (St. Louis Co.)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 56º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Slow
Catfish: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Crappie: Slow
bluegill fair on worms; catfish fair on worms.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Mississippi River (St. Louis Region)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 58º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
Freshwater Drum: Fair
Shovelnose Sturgeon: Fair
blue catfish and channel catfish fair on worms and cut shad; shovelnose sturgeon and freshwater drum fair on worms.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Missouri River (Lower)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 59º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Freshwater Drum: Fair
catfish fair on cut baits and blood baits.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)

Trout Parks

Trout Parks

Bennett Spring State Park

Information: Park 417-532-4418
Water Surface Temp: 57º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Slow
Zone 1 and 2 lures that are working well are: peach or creamsicle marabou jigs; holographic red or black Cracklebacks; red brassie; John Deere and grey Deere, white mini jig; red glo balls; white Rooster Tails. Zone 3 baits that are popular are: orange Power Bait; pink worms; red salmon eggs. May fishing hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. May weed cutting is scheduled for May 20 - 21. Cutting will start in Zone 3 and work upstream. Cutting will begin at 8:00 am and finish around 2:30 pm. If you have any questions call 417-532-4418
(Reported on: 5/5/14)
Maramec Spring Park

Information: 573-265-7801
Water Surface Temp: 56º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Good
Fishing is good, the spring branch has normal flow and the water is very clear; remember to use lightweight line and small tackle especially when the water is very clear; green/white, black/white, and green/yellow rubber leg jigs and trout worms in orange, black/yellow, red, green/white, and orange/white are producing good fish; fish are biting on doughbaits in white, yellow, cream and brown colors fished on the bottom; fishing hours for the month of May are 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.; Kid's Free Fishing Day isSaturday May 17, 2014. For more information or to volunteer please call 573-265-7801.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Montauk State Park

Information: 573-548-2585
Water Surface Temp: 57º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
the water level is normal and running clear, the river level is currently 1.46' at the lower end of the park which is down slightly from last week; 4 lb. test fishing line or lighter is recommended; fishing is good on most baits; white, brown and yellow scented dough and putty baits are working well in the bait zones; most flies, Rooster Tails and jigs in black and yellow, olive colors and other dark colors are working well, some colors work better at different times of the day; the best fishing is in the mornings and evenings. May fishing hours are 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. For up-to-date stream conditions checkhttp://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?07064440
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Roaring River State Park

Information: 417-847-2430
Water Surface Temp: 58º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Kids Fishing Day will be held on May 17th. The upper part of the stream will be reserved for kids 15 and under all day. The River is still going down slowly. Water level is below normal for this time of year. Right now using 6X tippet on fly rods and 7X when fishing dry flies. Best flies right now are #14-#22 Adams, #14-#22 blue wing olives, #14-#20 caddis fly, zebra midges #18's and smaller, pheasant tails, copper johns, burlaps, sow bugs and hares ears all #14's and smaller; black, brown, and the olive Rooster Tails; small Colorado wooly bugger spinner combos; orange, white, and florescent yellow Power Bait eggs; plastic worms in orange, cheese, pink, and orange peel area all good. Marabou jig fishing is good right now, on a spin or casting reel, you will need 2 or 3 lb. line, p-line, maxima, or mean green will work well; still using #10 hooks on the worms and #12 and smaller for the plastic eggs; 3/0 and BB sized sinkers will work best for you right now; Zone 3 is fishing good on Power Bait paste, white has been good and orange has been working; also corn, nightcrawlers and natural eggs have been working.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)

Fish Management Notice

Trout Stocking
The Conservation Department stocks trout in each of the trout parks every evening from the day before the March 1 opener through Oct. 30. Tag sale estimates determine a daily stocking rate average of 2.25 fish per expected angler. Except on opening day, three fish are stocked for every expected angler. FromMarch 1 to Oct. 31, the parks will collectively sell more than 400,000 tags and stock more than 900,000 fish. These fish will average about 12 inches long over the season, but some variation occurs. Dozens of lunkers weighing upwards of 3 pounds are stocked each year. A few tip the scales at more than 10 pounds.
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MDC to hold Discover Nature - Fishing event on June 8

Families will get a chance to learn about the fun of fishing at a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Discover Nature Fishing program ...