Thursday, May 28, 2015

Enjoy fun adventures on National Trails Day with Missouri State Parks June 6

English: A map of Missouri showing Katy Trail ...
English: A map of Missouri showing Katy Trail State Park, the longest extant rails-to-trails project in the US at 225 miles (362 km). This map is based on 2008 data from Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parkshttp://www.msdis.missouri.edu/datasearch/metadata/utm/st_katy_trail_utm.xml (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Missouri State Parks will sponsor family-friendly activities throughout the state in celebration of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6.  Guided hikes and nature programs are among the fun special events taking place in state parks and historic sites.  The day also encourages visitors to head out for a trail adventure hiking, riding, paddling or bicycling in a state park or historic site.
American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day is the country’s largest celebration of trails. It is a nationwide event designed to promote and celebrate the importance of trails in the United States.
“Missouri has an outstanding system of trails that provide opportunities for Missourians of all ages and skill levels to have an outdoor adventure,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks.  “Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature is not only a fun way to spend your time, it’s also a great way to stay healthy and reduce stress.”
In 2013, Missouri was named the best trails state in the nation by American Trails, a national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of the nation’s hiking, biking and riding trails. In April, Gov. Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon launched the third year of the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge. The challenge encourages Missourians to complete “100 Missouri Miles” of physical activity by walking, running, biking, rolling, paddling or hiking throughout Missouri, including in Missouri’s state parks. To sign up for the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge and begin logging miles, or to continue an existing account, visit100MissouriMiles.com.
For more information on National Trails Day, visit americanhiking.org/national-trails-day. For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites or to find events planned on June 6, go tomostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Wet a line with MDC at kid’s fishing clinic in Jefferson City on June 27

The clinic is FREE and open to kids up to age 15 and their parent or adult mentor, but registration is required by June 26.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Fishing helps kids discover nature and conserve it, too. Help the kids in your life get hooked on the thrill of fishing. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites kids to a day of fishing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at MDC headquarters located at 2901 West Truman Blvd. in Jefferson City. The clinic is FREE and open to kids up to age 15 and their parent or adult mentor, but registration is required byJune 26.
MDC staff and volunteers will be available to teach participants about fish, fish habitat, fishing techniques and will include plenty of catch and release fishing at the MDC fishing ponds. Fishing gear and bait will be available, or bring your own fishing equipment. A free hot dog lunch will be provided for all participants. All you have to do is bring your kids and plenty of energy!
According to MDC Fisheries Program Specialist Andrew Branson, fishing is a great pastime that all ages can participate in.
“Fishing is a terrific way for kids and families to have fun, discover nature, and make happy memories together,” said Branson. “Don't let inexperience keep you and your kids from enjoying Missouri's great outdoors. The MDC kids fishing days are designed to help introduce fishing to kids and families.”
For more information or to register contact Branson at Andrew.Branson@mdc.mo.gov or573-522-4115, ext. 3501.
Join the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for a day of fishing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at MDC headquarters located at 2901 West Truman Blvd. in Jefferson City. The clinic is FREE and open to kids up to age 15 and their parent or adult mentor

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Travel back in time and explore the Boone’s Lick Trail June 6

This building in St. Charles served as the fir...
This building in St. Charles served as the first state capitol building of Missouri. The legislature met on the second floor from 1821 to 1826 while the new capitol in Jefferson City was being built. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Participants are invited to step back to 1820 with First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site and The Historic Daniel Boone Home and Heritage Center on June 6. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will allow travelers to experience what it was like to travel on one of America’s early “highways,” the Boone’s Lick Trail.

The journey begins at the First Missouri State Capitol where participants will learn about the role of the trail in westward migration, about the original travelers and see a 1820s dry goods and hardware store. This introduction will take place in the buildings where Missouri’s first legislators met to undertake the task of reorganizing Missouri’s territorial government into a progressive state system.

Instead of covered wagons, present day travelers will be transported through time via modern transportation and travel the first 20 miles of the original route. Location of significant sites, such as forts, taverns (inns), bridges and stagecoach stops will be discussed along the way. In locations where remnants of the original sites exist, the bus will stop and allow for a more in depth experience.

The tour will then leave the original route and travel to the historic Daniel Boone Home. Travelers will experience frontier life through period demonstrations, hands on activities and an early 1800s meal served in a “dog trot” cabin. There will also be a tour of the original Boone home.

The tour will take place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost for the trip is $75 and includes transportation, a “frontier meal”, a snack and program materials. Participants must register in advance by calling636-940-3322 or

Co-sponsors of the event include Historic Daniel Boone Home and Heritage Center, the City of Cottleville and Boone’s Lick Road Association.

First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site is located at 200 South Main Street, St. Charles. For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

MDC seeks public input for Wappapello and Clearwater Management Lands

Public can comment during June on long-term management plans of areas associated with these lakes.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to know what Missourians think about its nearly 1,000 conservation areas around the state. MDC is in the multi-year process of updating management plans for conservation areas and invites public comments.
Draft plans for the Wappapello and Clearwater Lakes Management Lands in Reynolds and Wayne counties will be available for public comment from June 1 through June 30. To preview draft management plans and share comments online, visitwww.mdc.mo.gov/areaplans.
Clearwater Lake Management Land is located five miles west of Piedmont on Route HH. This area has forests, old fields and croplands. Hunting and fishing regulations and opportunities vary greatly on this conservation area, which is divided into the Black River upstream of Clearwater Lake, Clearwater Lake, and the Black River downstream of Clearwater Lake.
Wappapello Management Land is located north of Silva on State Highway 34. This area has forest, old fields and cropland with primitive camping, hiking trail, a designated horse trail and three permanent streams (St. Francis River, Logan Creek and Clark Creek). There is no access to Wappapello Lake from these lands.
Statewide, MDC conservation areas cover almost 1 million public acres for the purpose of restoring and conserving forest, fish and wildlife resources, and for providing opportunities for all citizens to use, enjoy and learn about these resources. Most Missourians are within a 30-minute drive of an MDC conservation area.
“Missourians care about conservation and use conservation areas for many different reasons,” said MDC Director Bob Ziehmer. “These areas help people discover nature through various activities, and help make Missouri a great place to hunt, fish and enjoy other outdoor activities. We want to know how conservation areas are important to Missourians. Encouraging public comments on Conservation Area Management Plans is part of MDC’s ongoing efforts of working for and with Missourians to sustain healthy forests, fish and wildlife.”
Conservation Area Management Plans focus on natural resource management and public use on conservation areas. The plans do not address regulations on hunting, fishing and other area uses, which are set by the Conservation Commission and enforced under the Wildlife Code of Missouri. MDC will consider all ideas received and will work to balance the issues and interests identified with the responsibility of managing areas for the present and future benefits to forest, fish, wildlife, and people.
Decisions on which ideas to incorporate into area plans and on how to best incorporate them will be based on the property’s purpose, its physical and biological conditions and capabilities, the best roles of the property in its local, regional and statewide context and on the professional expertise of MDC staff.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Fayette fisherman takes record bigmouth buffalo

John Overstreet of Fayette shot this 54-pound state-record bigmouth buffalo at Pomme de Terre Lake on April 17, 2015.
Congratulations to John Overstreet on breaking state-record by shooting 54-pound bigmouth buffalo with bow and arrow at Pomme de Terre Lake.
POMME DE TERRE LAKE (PITTSBURG, Mo.) -- John Overstreet of Fayette became the most recent record-breaking fisherman in Missouri when he shot a giant bigmouth buffalo on Pomme de Terre Lake using a bow and arrow. The new “alternative method” record bigmouth buffalo taken by Overstreet on April 17 weighed 54 pounds. He shot the fish in the late afternoon in Button Cove.
“Believe it or not, I stuck the fish in the last 10 minutes before we headed back to camp,” Overstreet said.
The new behemoth broke the previous alternative-method state-record bigmouth buffalo of 53 pounds snagged on the Lake of the Ozarks in 1996.
Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) staff verified the record-weight fish using a certified scale at Alps Grocery in Pittsburg.
“Once I stuck the fish I knew I had a decent one, but it wasn’t until we got it in the boat I knew I had a giant,” Overstreet recalled. “It took three arrows to get the massive fish in the boat. I still can’t believe I got this fish!”
The longtime angler said the fish is now at Bass Pro in Springfield getting mounted.
Overstreet said he loves bowfishing and he looks forward to getting back out on the lake to fish more. “There’s a lot of bigger fish out there and I’m ready to go find them.”
Missouri state-record fish are recognized in two categories: pole-and-line and alternative methods. Bowfishing is considered an alternative method and consist of a bow or crossbow that shoots arrows attached to a string so that the fish can be retrieved after they’re pierced. Other alternative methods include: throwlines, trotlines, limb lines, bank lines, jug lines, spearfishing, snagging, snaring, gigging, grabbing, and atlatl.
Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish. For more information on state-record fish, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/fishing/state-record-fish.

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Conservation Commission May Meeting

May 28, 2015 – Closed Executive Session -- 10:00 a.m.

Call to order, roll call, and vote to close meeting.
  • E.1 – Approval of minutes of previous executive session(s) (610.021 RSMo.).
  • E.2 – Consideration of supporting documentation related to recommendations to suspend or revoke hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges (621.021(1), 610.021.14, 454.440.9, 211.321 RSMo.).
  • E.3 – Consideration of confidential or privileged communications between the Commission and its Internal Auditor regarding work product (610.021(17) RSMo.).
  • E.4 – Consideration of recommendations relating to the hiring/firing/disciplining/ promoting of personnel (610.021(3) RSMo.).
  • E.5 – Consideration of negotiated contracts (610.021(12) RSMo.).
  • E.6 – Consideration of potential real estate transactions/negotiations (610.021(2) RSMo.).
  • E.7 – Consideration of legal actions, causes of action, or litigation and attorney‐client privileged communications as provided for in 610.021(1) RSMo.).
  • Adjourn.

May 29, 2015 – Regular Open Meeting -- 8:30 a.m.

Call to order. -- James T. Blair, IV, Chair
1. Presentation of the newest mural in the “Conservation Advances in Missouri” series by MDC Wildlife Artist Mark Raithel. -- Tim Ripperger, Deputy Director
2. Action Item: Approval of minutes of previous open meeting.
Staff Presentation:
3. Avian Influenza. -- Mike Hubbard, Resource Science Division Chief, and Kelly Straka, State Wildlife Veterinarian
Regulations Committee:
4. Action Item: Report of the Regulations Committee, which includes action items to finalize regulations for the 2015‐16 fall deer season, consideration of options for 2015 early migratory bird season, and a final vote on an order of rulemaking for 3 CSR 10‐8.510 Use of Traps. -- Tom Draper, Deputy Director and Chairman, Regulations Committee
Staff Presentation:
Final deer season attributes and CWD management challenges. -- Jason Sumners, Resource Scientist
Design and Development Division:
5. Major Construction Projects Status Report. -- Jacob Careaga, Design and Development Division Chief
6. Consideration of bids received for construction of Duck Creek Conservation Area Wetlands & Footbridges project located in Bollinger, Stoddard and Wayne Counties, and authorization to enter into a contract. -- Jacob Careaga, Design and Development Division Chief
Information Technology Unit:
7. Information Technology Projects Status Report. -- Douglas Fees, Information Technology Services Chief
Staff Presentation:
8. Strategic Planning Process. -- David Thorne, Policy Supervisor
Administrative Services Division:
9. Action Item: Overview and recommendation for approval of the Fiscal Year 2016 Internal Expenditure Plan. -- Margie Mueller, Chief Financial Officer
10. Current Financial Summary. -- Margie Mueller, Chief Financial Officer
Forestry Division:
11. Action Item: Recommendation for approval of authorization to advertise and sell an estimated 953,941 board feet of timber located on 536 acres of Compartment 14, Sunklands Conservation Area in Shannon County, to be sold in two harvest units (Sale 1 and Sale 2). -- Lisa Allen, Forestry Division Chief
Human Resources Division:
12. Action Item: Recommendation for approval of personnel reclassifications/new positions.
-- Tom Neubauer, Human Resources Division Chief
13. Action Item: Conservation Employees’ Benefits Plan Update and 2016 recommendation.
-- Tom Neubauer, Human Resources Division Chief
Staff Presentation:
14. Future Leadership: Professional Development. -- Tom Neubauer, Human Resources Division Chief, and Debra Thompson, Employee Relations Manager
Realty Committee:
15. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to convey approximately 0.06 acre of Rockwoods Reservation in St. Louis County to the City of Wildwood, Missouri, for a bridge replacement project and to grant the City of Wildwood a temporary construction easement on an additional 0.25 acre until the project is complete. -- Tim Ripperger, Deputy Director and Chairman, Realty Committee
16. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to convey approximately 0.02 acre of Rockwoods Range in St. Louis County to the City of Wildwood, Missouri, for a bridge replacement project and to grant the City of Wildwood a temporary construction easement on an additional 0.145 acre until the project is complete. -- Tim Ripperger, Deputy Director and Chairman, Realty Committee
17. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to sell approximately 0.89 acre of Bear Creek Conservation Area in Laclede County. -- Tim Ripperger, Deputy Director and Chairman, Realty Committee
18. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to purchase approximately 752 acres in Livingston County as an addition to Fountain Grove Conservation Area. -- Tim Ripperger, Deputy Director and Chairman, Realty Committee
Administration:
19. Legislative Report. -- Aaron Jeffries, Assistant to the Director
20. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to suspend or revoke one or more hunting, fishing, or trapping privileges of individuals for cause. -- Lisa Wehmeyer, Internal Auditor
21. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to suspend or revoke all hunting and fishing privileges of individuals who are not in compliance with applicable child support laws. -- Lisa Wehmeyer, Internal Auditor
22. Action Item: Recommendation for approval to suspend or revoke one or more hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges of individuals in accordance with the terms of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. -- Lisa Wehmeyer, Internal Auditor
23. Other matters of interest.
24. Adjourn.

FUTURE MEETING DATES

  • July 9‐10, 2015
  • August 27‐28, 2015
  • October 22‐23, 2015
  • December 10‐11, 2015

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Birds over Baker at Sam A. Baker State Park May 30

English: The dining lodge at Sam A. Baker Stat...

Visitors can discover the world of birds by learning all about these feathered friends at Sam A. Baker State Park on Saturday, May 30. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will be held at the day use area starting at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

This birding festival will feature live bird presentations, guided bird watches, activities and crafts for the whole family. Throughout the day from 3 to 7 p.m., there will be activities and crafts that will cover such topics as migration, hunting game birds and bird behavior. Members of the East Ozarks Audubon Society will also provide guided bird walks; identifying and pointing out birds that call Missouri home.

A new feature this year will be a falconer with her live raptors on display. Guests will learn all about this hobby and more during this fun-filled festival.

Bird merchandise will also be available for purchase throughout the day.   Food and entertainment by the Shoestring Band will be available from 6-7 p.m.

Guests will wrap up the event with the Raptor Awareness Program, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the park’s amphitheater. The program will cover information about birds of prey during a live bird presentation from the World Bird Sanctuary from St. Louis, featuring the raptors of Missouri, such as hawks, owls and falcons.

Sam A. Baker State Park is located four miles north of Patterson on Highway 143 in Wayne County. For more information about the event, call the park at 573-856-4514. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Missouri Fishing Report

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Great Missouri Smallmouth Streams

Central

Lakes

Binder Lake

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
water level is high and dingy; all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Blind Pony Lake

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
0.5' high and muddy; channel catfish fair; all other species slow; the lake is closed to private boats; 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: 5/18/15)
Lake of the Ozarks (Bagnell Tailwater)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Slow
Catfish: Slow
crappie fair on minnows and crappie jigs; black bass fair on jerkbaits and dark-colored soft plastics; white bass slow on light-colored soft plastics and spoons; catfish slow, best on worms, cut baits, and chicken livers.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Lake of the Ozarks (Glaize)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Slow
Catfish: Slow
crappie fair on minnows and crappie jigs; black bass fair on jerkbaits and dark-colored soft plastics; white bass slow on light-colored soft plastics and spoons; catfish slow, best on worms, cut baits, and chicken livers.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Lake of the Ozarks (Gravois)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Good
Catfish: Good
White Bass: Slow
crappie good on minnows; black bass good on dark plastic worms; catfish good using worms; white bass slow, best on crankbaits.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Lake of the Ozarks (Niangua)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Good
Catfish: Good
White Bass: Fair
catfish good, best on cut shad; crappie good on minnows; black bass fair on dark plastics; white bass fair on dark plastics.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Lake of the Ozarks (Osage)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
catfish good on cut shad; crappie good on minnows and dark-colored jigs; black bass fair, best on spinnerbaits; white bass fair, best on crankbaits.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Little Dixie Lake

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
crappie fair on minnows; largemouth bass fair on plastics; all other species slow; all use, including fishing, is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
(Reported on: 5/18/15)

Rivers

Lamine River

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
the river is at flood stage; all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/18/15)
Missouri River (Middle)

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
water level is high and muddy; blue catfish fair on cut shad on setlines; channel catfish fair on nightcrawlers using pole and line method; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/18/15)
Osage (lower, at Tuscumbia)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass
White Bass: Fair
Catfish: Fair
crappie slow, best on minnows and crappie jigs; white bass fair, best on light-colored soft plastics, crappie jigs, and Rooster Tails; catfish fair on worms and cut shad; please remember that black bass season is closed on most streams south of the Missouri River until May 23.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)

Kansas City

Lakes

Atkinson Lake (Schell-Osage CA)

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 71º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
black bass fair on spoons; catfish fair on cut baits and live baits; crappie fair on jigs and minnows; all other species fair; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Channel Catfish: Good
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Good
Redear Sunfish: Good
lakes are full; black bass fair; channel catfish good in creek channels running into lakes using worms; crappie slow with some success using tube jigs near brush piles; bluegill and redear sunfish good using worms under a bobber; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Montrose Lake

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
black bass fair in the reservoir, slow in the tributaries using white or chartreuse spinnerbaits; crappie slow, best using jigs and minnows; catfish fair using live baits and cut baits; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Schell Lake (Schell-Osage CA)

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
black bass fair using spinnerbaits, crappie fair on jigs and minnows; catfish fair using live baits and cut baits; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Truman Lake

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
White Bass: Fair
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Fair
Crappie: Fair
catfish good on live and cut baits; white bass and hybrids fair on rooster tails and spoons; crappie fair on minnows and jigs; fishing pressure medium.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Truman Lake Tailwaters

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Good
White Bass: Good
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Good
white bass and hybrids good on jigs and spoons; crappie fair on jigs and minnows; catfish good on cut baits and shad; fishing pressure medium.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)

Rivers

Missouri River (Kansas City area)

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
water level is fluctuating and muddy with large debris in the flow; fishing for all species is slow with the inconsistent water and debris; it is difficult to keep lines clear.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)

Northeast

Lakes

Henry Sever Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
Bluegill: Good
largemouth bass good on soft plastic lures; crappie good on minnows and jigs; channel catfish good on nightcrawlers and stinkbaits; bluegill good on nightcrawlers and jigs; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Hunnewell Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Bluegill: Good
Redear Sunfish: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
Blue Catfish: Good
bluegill and redear sunfish good using earthworms; channel catfish and blue catfish good using chicken livers; all other species slow; the lake is closed to private boats, and bait held or transported in containers with water is prohibited.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Long Branch Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
crappie good on jigs and minnows; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Mark Twain Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Slow
68-71 degrees in the lower end of the lake; 71-72 degrees in the upper arms; the lake area has had some significant rain storms in the past week which made the water dingy; lake level is 607.69'; largemouth bass are fair and are on beds, being caught on soft plastic; white bass are fair on crankbaits and jerk baits; catfish are good using bluegill, goldfish, and cut baits; crappie slow, best on minnows than jigs at a depth around 8' - 10'; water has risen which caused the carp to move into the grass on the banks; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Thomas Hill Reservoir

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Largemouth Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
crappie good on minnows and jigs chartreuse in color; largemouth bass fair on crankbaits; white bass fair on rattle type baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)

Rivers

Mississippi River (upper)

Information: 573-248-2530
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Flathead Catfish: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
Freshwater Drum: Good
flathead catfish good on live baits; channel catfish fair on worms and cut baits; blue catfish fair on cut baits; freshwater drum good on worms.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Salt River - Downstream of Mark Twain Lake

Information: 573-248-2530
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Freshwater Drum: Good
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)

Northwest

Lakes

Bilby Ranch Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Black Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
crappie good; black bass good; catfish good; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Lake Paho

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
channel catfish good near road tubes and anywhere that water drains into the lake, natural baits are producing the best results; all other species slow due to changing lake conditions.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Mozingo Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Bluegill: Good
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
Walleye: Good
crappie good; black bass good; channel catfish good; bluegill and walleye good.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Pony Express Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Good
crappie good on jigs; catfish good on worms, cut baits, and chicken livers; bass good on spinnerbaits and worms.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Smithville Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 71º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species are slow to fair due to water conditions.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)

Rivers

Grand River

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported: : Good
river is currently at or above flood stage; fishing will be too difficult until water levels recede; once they return to normal, fishing for all species should be good.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Missouri River (upper)

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Common Carp: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
channel catfish and common carp fair on worms; flathead catfish fair on worms and live baits; blue catfish fair on worms and cut baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)

Ozark

Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake (East)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
black bass fair on artificial baits.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Norfork Lake

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
black bass fair on artificial baits.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)

Rivers

Big Piney River (lower, Pulaski Co.)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
goggle-eye good on soft plastic baits and jigs.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Big Piney River (upper, Texas Co.)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Bryant Creek

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Current River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
all species fair on plastic baits.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Eleven Point River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
all species fair.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Gasconade River (middle)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
goggle-eye good on soft plastic baits and jigs.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Gasconade River (upper)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
Sunfish: Good
black bass, goggle-eye, and sunfish good on nightcrawlers and soft plastic baits.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Jacks Fork River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
all species good with soft plastic baits.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
North Fork of the White River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 57º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)

Southeast

Lakes

Clearwater Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Largemouth Bass: Good
Catfish: Good
Bluegill: Good
White Bass: Slow
crappie good on crankbaits and jigs; largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and plastic worms; bluegill and catfish good on live worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Council Bluff Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Good
Crappie: Slow
Channel Catfish: Fair
Bluegill: Good
Redear Sunfish: Good
redear and bluegill good on worms and crickets; largemouth bass good on dark-colored soft plastic baits during low light periods; channel catfish fair on liver; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Cypress Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 73º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
Redear Sunfish: Slow
crappie good on jigs and minnows; bluegill good on crickets; bass fair on spinnerbaits and jigs; catfish fair on stinkbaits and worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Duck Creek C.A. Pool #1

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Warmouth: Slow
Redear Sunfish: Slow
water level is 346.5'; all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Lake Girardeau

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Redear Sunfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Channel Catfish: Slow
bluegill, redear sunfish, and crappie fair on crickets, worms, and minnows; largemouth bass fair on artificial worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Perry County Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
Catfish: Slow
Bluegill: Good
crappie fair on minnows; bluegill good on crickets; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Robert DeLaney Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
bluegill fair on wax worms and crickets; black bass fair on spinning lures; catfish good on stinkbaits and worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Wappapello Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Good
Bluegill: Fair
lake level at 365.59' and slowly rising; black bass fair on crankbaits and soft plastics; crappie fair on minnows and jigs; bluegill fair on crickets and worms; catfish good using live baits on jug lines and trotlines at night near rocky areas; 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: 5/19/15)

Rivers

Black River (above Clearwater Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Slow
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Black River (below Clearwater Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 52º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
White Bass: Slow
catfish fair on nightcrawlers and cut baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Castor River (above Zalma)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Slow
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Slow
Longear Sunfish: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Mississippi River (Middle)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
catfish fair on cut baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Mississippi River (Ohio River to Arkansas)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Slow
Flathead Catfish: Slow
12.7' (New Madrid, slow rise); catfish fair on cut baits and worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
St. Francis River (above Wappapello Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 55º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Fair
catfish fair on nightcrawlers and cut baits; crappie fair on minnows and assorted jigs; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
St. Francis River (below Wappapello Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 71º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Flathead Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Crappie: Slow
channel catfish good on pole and line and trotlines using worms, stinkbaits, and chicken liver; flathead catfish fair on trotlines with live bluegill and goldfish; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)

Southwest

Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake (West)

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Crappie: Fair
black bass good on soft plastics, jigs, and spinnerbaits; crappie fair on live minnows, soft plastics, and marabou jigs.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Lake Taneycomo

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 50º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Good
trout good in upper portion on Rouges, 1/8 and 1/4 oz olive/white/black marabou jigs and Rooster Tails when generators are running, try scuds and San Juan worms when water is not running; trout good in lower portion on chartreuse, orange, white, and pink Power Baits nuggets, corn, minnows, and nightcrawlers.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Pomme de Terre Reservoir

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Good
Walleye: Good
Catfish: Good
crappie good on minnows and white tube jigs in 12' - 20' of water; black bass good on plastic baits, spinnerbaits, and brown tube jigs around structure in 5' - 20' of water; walleye good off points on jig and worm or jig and minnow while bottom bouncing; catfish good on trotlines with live shad; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Stockton Lake

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Good
White Bass: Good
Walleye: Good
Catfish: Good
crappie good on jigs and minnows in 10' - 15' of water; white bass good on Road Runners while trolling the flats; walleye good on jigs or nightcrawlers in 20' - 25' of water on main lake points; black bass good on jerkbaits or jigs in coves; catfish good on trotlines or limb lines.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Table Rock Lake

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Bluegill: Good
Catfish: Good
black bass good on Ned rig and spoons; bluegill good on worms; catfish good on goldfish; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Table Rock Lake (James River arm)

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
White Bass: Fair
Walleye: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Good
black bass good, smallmouth are being caught on jigs with peanut butter and jelly colored finesse worms, fish gravel banks in 5' - 15' of water; crappie fair on small plastic jigs, try white, red, and black or chartreuse colored jigs or live small minnows also working well, fish submerged brush piles or stick-ups in 3' - 20' of water; white bass fair while trolling flats with shiny-colored, deep-diving crankbaits; walleye fair on large minnows, spinnerbaits, and Rattle Trap type crankbaits, fish in 15' - 25' of water; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)

Rivers

James River

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Bluegill: Good
Black Bass: Good
Catfish: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
black bass good on Texas rig in all colors; goggle-eye good on jigs and minnows near the bank; catfish good on worms and minnows; bluegill good on worms and crickets.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Niangua River

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 59º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Good
Black Bass: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
trout good below Bennett Spring on bright-colored Power Baits; black bass good on minnows and soft plastics; goggle-eye fair on nightcrawlers and minnows.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)

St. Louis

Lakes

August A. Busch Memorial and Weldon Spring Conservation Areas
No report submitted. Please contact the appropriate regional office for additional information.
Information: 636-441-4554
Busch Memorial Conservation Area Lake 33

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Fair
catfish good on doughbaits and livers; black bass fair on plastic worms; crappie fair on minnows; bluegill fair on worms and crickets.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Busch Memorial Conservation Area Lakes 3, 4, 5, 7, and 23

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Black Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
Crappie: Fair
catfish good on doughbaits and livers; black bass slow, best on plastic worms; crappie fair, best on minnows; bluegill good, best on worms; call the fish stocking hotline for recent stocking information 636-300-9651; please remove your trash.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)

Rivers

Big River

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Black Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Crappie: Fair
catfish good on cut baits and liver; black bass slow on crankbaits; crappie fair, best on minnows and jigs; bluegill slow on crickets.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Bourbeuse River

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
catfish slow on cut baits, doughbaits, and worms; bluegill slow, best on worms; black bass slow, best on plastic worms; crappie slow, best on minnows.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Meramec River (Crawford Co.)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Rainbow Trout: Slow
Crappie: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Meramec River (St. Louis Co.)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Slow
Catfish: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Crappie: Slow
catfish slow, best on worms; black bass slow, best on crankbaits; crappie slow, best on minnows; bluegill slow, best on worms; in most streams south of the Missouri River, black bass may not be possessed in most streams south of the Missouri River from March 1 - May 22; during those dates, 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.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Mississippi River (St. Louis Region)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
Freshwater Drum: Fair
Shovelnose Sturgeon: Fair
blue catfish and channel catfish are fair on cut baits, flathead catfish fair on live bluegill and sunfish; freshwater drum and shovelnose sturgeon fair on worms.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Missouri River (Lower)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Freshwater Drum: Fair
all catfish fair, best on cut baits; freshwater drum fair on nightcrawlers.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)

Trout Parks

Trout Parks

Bennett Spring State Park

Information: Park 417-532-4418
Water Surface Temp: 56º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Slow
Zone 1 and 2 lures that are working well: ginger marabou, black & olive marabou, black caddis, easter egg, gator, and tri-color glo balls, john deere, white Rooster Tails with silver blade, and turquoise or holographic blue Cracklebacks; Zone 3 baits that are popular: chunky cheese or salmon peach Power Baits, orange minnow grub; fishing hours for May are from 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.; Fishing hours for June are from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. weed cutting is scheduled for June 23 and 24th; cutting will begin in Zone 3 and move upstream; if you have any questions, please contact Bennett Spring Hatchery at 417-532-4418.
(Reported on: 5/20/15)
Maramec Spring Park

Information: 573-265-7801
Water Surface Temp: 57º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Slow
fishing is good; the spring branch has good flow and is the water is a dingy greenish-brown color due to recent rains; fish are hitting on dough bait in white and brown colors when fished under a float; use floating salmon peach trout bait about 2' off the bottom; trout worms in yellow and orange/white rigged 18" below a small split shot are doing well; fish black and yellow marabou jigs, tinsel and rubber leg jigs after the buzzer for quick catch and release action then switch to dough bait as the fishing slows down; remember that all brown trout less than 15" in length must be returned to the water immediately; fishing hours for the month of May are 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Montauk State Park

Information: 573-548-2585
Water Surface Temp: 58º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
water level is down slightly from last week and is currently at 2.1' at the lower end of the park; clarity is running slightly dingy to clear; 4 lb. test fishing line or lighter is recommended; fishing is good on most baits with white, brown and yellow scented dough baits working well in the bait zones; dry flies seem to work well in the early mornings and late evenings; most flies including Rooster Tails and jigs in gold, black, yellow, olive and other dark colors are working well; some colors work better at different times of the day with the best fishing in the mornings and evenings; May fishing hours are 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.; for up-to-date stream conditions check http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?07064440.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)
Roaring River State Park

Information: 417-847-2430
Water Surface Temp: 58º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
the river is up for this time of year; the water is slightly dingy right now; Cracklebacks, Adams, beetles, ants, hoppers and caddis flies are all good; leaders are 9' with 6X or 7X tippets; fish are still being caught on nymphs, pheasant tails, copper johns, black, brown and gray zebra midges, sow bugs, burlaps, hares ears and small prince nymphs; glo balls, San Juan worms, black, brown, olive and tan buggers and leeches work well most of the day, fish are still being caught on the baby buggers in the same colors; plastic eggs and worms are still catching lots of fish, orange, orange/white, cheese, white, and fluorescent yellow have all been good; spinners are still working in the early mornings black, brown, white, olive and skunk have all been working well; the water is okay for sight fishing; jig fisherman are really doing well right now, catching trout on olive, black, brown, white and tan; if you are using Micro Jigs, tan, olive and black/yellow have been the best colors.
(Reported on: 5/19/15)

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. From March 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.

10 Tips to Keep Your Outdoor Gear in Working Order and Well Organized

Camping Gear - It's expensive to buy, make it last. Maintaining and organizing your outdoor gear is crucial for ensuring it remains func...