MDC: Girls discover nature at Camp SEMO

Campers walk up the trail with their “guns” pointed in a safe direction. This was part of a hunting simulation instructed by conservation agents. The campers engaged a landowner to ask for permission to hunt on private land, walked safely with their firearms and completed several stations where they had to make decisions based on their hunter education experience. (Photo by Candice Davis)

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Twenty-two girls from across southeast Missouri took part in the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Discover Nature Girls Camp this week at Camp SEMO at Wappapello Lake. According to the camp organizer, Conservation Agent Christa Cox, the camp was a free, three-day, two-night experience aimed at introducing girls ages 11 to 15 to outdoor skills in a supportive learning environment.

Cox said girls attended from across the region, coming from Jackson, Caruthersville, Lounds, East Prairie, Poplar Bluff and Greenville.

“We led the girls in outdoor activities such as canoeing, fishing and hunter education so when they leave they’ll have the skills and confidence to explore our diverse landscape on their own and with their families,” Cox said.

Campers spent three fun-filled days learning by participating in hands-on outdoor skills, led by conservation professionals. Activities included hunter education, firearms safety and target shooting, tree stand safety, archery, walking through a safety trail, canoeing, orienteering, fishing, duck decoy and fishing lure crafting.

“The girls learned every step of these processes, like how to identify the fish they caught, how to cast and tie knots,” Cox said.

“They also had the opportunity to sample wild game at supper time, such as venison, wild turkey and catfish,” Cox said. “After experiencing the fun of the catch and the reward at dinner time, I have no doubt they’ll want to head back outside for more.”

Cox said the Discover Nature Girls Camp is right in line with the Department’s goal to help people discover nature.

“Now these campers are equipped to discover nature on their own for years to come,” Cox said.

Each year these camps are limited to 40 girls, who are selected through a first come, first served application process. For more on other opportunities to discover nature, go online tomdc.mo.gov.

Related articles

• MDC managed deer hunt applications open July 1 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• MDC changes deer hunting regs to help slow CWD (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)

MDC to host Master Naturalist class orientation in Sedalia

Master Naturalists serve conservation and nature

Missouri Master Naturalists are dedicated volunteers to work on conservation projects and help at special events, such as this booth about birds at the Wings Over Weston birding festival.
Photo by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation

Sedalia, Mo. – The Hi Lonesome Chapter of Missouri Master Naturalists will hold an orientation for upcoming training classes 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at the Discovery Room on the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia. The Discovery Room is at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) display area at the Fairgrounds.

   Missouri Master Naturalists are dedicated volunteers who love the outdoors and enjoy connecting people with nature. They receive special training in ecology, conservation and biology. Chapters hold field trips and social events, and members volunteer at MDC special events or research projects. They may be teaching youths about turtles one week and helping researchers collect prairie seed the next.

   The Hi Lonesome Chapter will begin registration for the next training class on Aug. 6. An enrollment fee of $75 covers costs for supplies and material such as books, which the member will keep. Master Naturalist Training classes will be held 6 to 9 p.m. on ThursdaysSept. 3 through Nov. 19.

   The orientation session on July 9 is not a mandatory requirement to taking the Master Naturalist classes. But the session is recommended as a good overview of the program and what is offered.

   Participants taking the classes will receive natural resource training from experts on topics such as ecology, soils and geology, wildlife management, agriculture and conservation, aquatic ecology, grasslands and prairie, birds, caves and more. The training will include threeSaturday field sessions.

   For more information contact Theresa Cline, chapter president, 660-22303515; or Steve Cooper, MDC wildlife management biologist, steven.cooper@mdc.mo.gov; or Connie Mefford, University of Missouri Extension in Benton County, meffordc@missouri.edu, 660-438-5012.

   The Missouri Master Naturalist program is a partnership of MDC and University of Missouri Extension.

Related articles

• MDC encourages people to "Be Bear Aware" (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Camping shut down at Johnson County wildlife area over continued problems (radioiowa.com)
• Black bears spotted in St. Clair, MO (fox2now.com)

MDC hosts Discover Nature Field Day for KC youths

Partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City connects kids with nature

Kansas City, Mo. – They touched snakes, petted turtles, caught fish and sent an arrow into a bullseye. Youths attending the kickoff on Tuesday, June 23, for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) annual Discover Nature Field Day connected with nature and learned outdoor skills. This annual event at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area is a cooperative partnership between MDC and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City.

  

 More than 1,000 youths from urban Kansas City will participate in the four-day Field Day, said Wendy Parrett, an MDC education consultant who coordinated the event. Attendees range from kindergarten students to seniors in high school. Volunteers from the Missouri Master Naturalists assisted MDC staff in teaching skills and making presentations.

   Youths tried out a buffalo hide lean to, learned about wild edibles such as walnuts. Live snakes and turtles always draw interest. But youths also netted bugs in the water and bugs in the prairie. Fishing was popular, the bluegill were biting. Older youths paddled canoes. They learned pellet gun and archery shooting skills with instruction from staff.

   MDC’s nature and interpretive centers offer similar outdoor education programs through the summer for youths and adults. For information, visit http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places-go/nature-and-interpretive-centers.

Related articles

• MDC offers frog gigging clinic in Mississippi County (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Bass Pro Shops major new initiative introduces kids to the outdoors through fishing (californiainsider.typepad.com)
• Kids fish for free this weekend at Springfield farm park (ky3.com)

MDC to host volunteer training for Discover Nature Fishing

Clinton, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Discover Nature Fishing Program connects families with the outdoors. MDC is seeking volunteers in the Clinton and Warsaw areas to help teach the program. A training session for volunteers will be held 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at the MDC Clinton Office, 2010 South Second Street.

   Discover Nature Fishing is free and designed to make participants confident and successful anglers. The program is presented in a series of four classes. The two-hour sessions cover all aspects of fishing such as gear, knot tying, lures, bait, regulations and conservation. MDC provides fishing gear for participant use.

   Volunteers are needed to assist with the training sessions. Also, volunteers are needed to help maintain the rods, reels and tackle boxes provided for use by participants.

   To learn more about the volunteer training in Clinton, call Deanna Rittel at 816-525-0300, ext. 1245. The MDC Clinton Office can be reached at 660-885-6981.

   For information about Discover Nature Fishing volunteers, visit http://mdc.mo.gov/about-us/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/discover-nature-fishing-volunteers.

Related articles

• Wet a line with MDC at kid's fishing clinic in Jefferson City on June 27 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Bite Me Baits celebrates Kids Fishing Days (fox2now.com)
• Motorists Cautioned: Box Turtles on the Move (stlouis.cbslocal.com)

Missouri Fishing Report

MISSOURI FISHING INFO
Central

Lakes

Binder Lake


Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
all species fair.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Blind Pony Lake


Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
largemouth bass fair; bluegill and channel catfish fair on nightcrawlers; 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: 6/23/15)

Lake of the Ozarks (Bagnell Tailwater)


Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 82º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
White Bass: Slow
catfish fair using whole or cut shad; crappie slow, best using minnows and crappie jigs; black bass slow, best using worms and dark-colored soft plastics; white bass slow, best using light-colored soft plastics, Rooster Tails, or crappie jigs.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Lake of the Ozarks (Glaize)


Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 82º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Good
White Bass: Slow
catfish fair using worms, bluegills, or hot dogs; crappie fair using minnows and crappie jigs; black bass good using buzzbaits and dark-colored soft plastics; white bass slow, best using light-colored soft plastics and spoons.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Lake of the Ozarks (Gravois)


Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 82º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Slow
catfish fair using cut baits; crappie fair using minnows; black bass fair using plastic worms; white bass slow, best using crankbaits.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Lake of the Ozarks (Niangua)


Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 82º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Catfish: Slow
White Bass: Fair
black bass fair using crankbaits; crappie slow, best using minnows; catfish slow, best using cut shad; white bass fair using spinnerbaits.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Lake of the Ozarks (Osage)


Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 82º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Good
catfish fair using cut shad or bluegill; crappie slow, best using jigs with Crappie Nibbles; black bass fair using spinnerbaits or dark-colored plastic lures; white bass good using spinnerbaits.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Little Dixie Lake


Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
largemouth bass fair in deeper water on plastics; channel catfish fair on livers and cut baits; all other species slow; all use, including fishing, is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Rivers

Lamine River


Information: 573-815-7900
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Flathead Catfish: Good
the river is 6' high and muddy; channel catfish good from Swinging Bridge Access to Otterville; flathead catfish good from Roberts Bluff Access to Shackelford Bridge on setlines using live baits; all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Missouri River (Middle)


Information: 573-815-7900
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
flood stage; all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Osage (lower, at Tuscumbia)


Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 82º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
White Bass: Slow
catfish fair using whole or cut shad; crappie slow, best using minnows and crappie jigs; black bass slow, best using worms and dark-colored soft plastics; white bass slow, best using light-colored soft plastics, Rooster Tails, or crappie jigs.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Kansas City

Lakes

Atkinson Lake (Schell-Osage CA)


Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 82º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Fair
Crappie: Slow
Catfish: Fair
bass and catfish fair; crappie slow; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area


Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Bluegill: Fair
Redear Sunfish: Fair
Channel Catfish: Slow
Crappie: Slow
lakes are full; black bass good early and late in the day; bluegill and redear sunfish fair using worms under a bobber; crappie slow, best using tube jigs near brush piles; channel catfish and all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Montrose Lake


Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 85º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
black bass fair; catfish good; crappie slow; all other species fair; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Schell Lake (Schell-Osage CA)


Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 83º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Fair
Crappie: Slow
Catfish: Fair
bass and catfish fair; crappie slow; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Truman Lake


Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
White Bass: Fair
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
catfish and bass fair; crappie slow; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Truman Lake Tailwaters


Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Catfish: Fair
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
crappie slow; bass and catfish fair; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Rivers

Missouri River (Kansas City area)


Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Good
Flathead Catfish: Good
water level is falling; water clarity is muddy with light debris in the flow; blue catfish and flathead catfish good on or near the tributaries; flathead catfish good on bluegill and green sunfish; blue catfish good on a variety of live bait and cut baits, particularly cut Asian carp.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Northeast

Lakes

Henry Sever Lake


Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Channel Catfish: Good
Muskellunge: Good
largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and topwater lures; crappie fair minnows and jigs; channel catfish good on worms and cut baits; muskellunge good on crankbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Hunnewell Lake


Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 79º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Bluegill: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
bluegill fair on earthworms and crickets; largemouth bass fair on topwater lures; channel catfish and blue catfish fair on chicken liver and nightcrawlers; all other species slow; the lake is closed to private boats and bait held or transported in containers with water is prohibited.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Long Branch Lake


Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
channel catfish fair on worms, leeches, and stinkbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Mark Twain Lake


Information: 660-785-2420
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Grass Carp: Good
75 - 76 in the upper arms of the lake; 74 - 75 in the main channel and lower end of the lake; the lake and surrounding areas have received a significant amount of rainfall in the past week so water is muddy with large amounts of floating debris; lake level is at 621.67 and is expected to crest at 619.50 by 6/25/2015; catfish good in the rising waters on goldfish and cut baits; carp good on the flooded grass flats; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Thomas Hill Reservoir


Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
lake is at 716', 4' above normal pool; all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Rivers

Mississippi River (upper)


Information: 573-248-2530
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Blue Catfish: Fair
Freshwater Drum: Good
channel catfish good on cut baits and worms; blue catfish fair on cut baits; freshwater drum good on worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Salt River - Downstream of Mark Twain Lake


Information: 573-248-2530
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Northwest

Lakes

Bilby Ranch Lake


Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
channel catfish good on liver; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Lake Paho


Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Largemouth Bass: Good
channel catfish good in aquatic vegetation and submerged willows on nightcrawlers and stinkbaits; largemouth bass good in the same areas on bent arm spinnerbaits and soft plastics; topwater jerkbaits are also working in the low light conditions of dawn and dusk.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Mozingo Lake


Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
all species fair.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Pony Express Lake


Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Slow
catfish good on worms, doughbaits, chicken livers, and bluegill; bass slow; crappie slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Smithville Lake


Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 79º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Good
White Bass: Fair
Catfish: Good
Walleye: Fair
crappie fair on jigs and minnows; bass good in flooded brush with jigs; white bass fair; catfish good on nightcrawlers; walleye fair using trolling crankbaits.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Rivers

Grand River


Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 71º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Slow
channel catfish fair; blue catfish fair; flathead catfish slow; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Missouri River (upper)


Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Common Carp: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
river is still flowing very high; rock dikes are still underwater and not exposed; channel catfish fair on worms and dip baits; flathead catfish fair on goldfish, bluegill, and worms; common carp fair on worms and corn; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Ozark

Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake (East)


Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 81º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Norfork Lake


Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 81º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Rivers

Big Piney River (lower, Pulaski Co.)


Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Big Piney River (upper, Texas Co.)


Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 73º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
smallmouth bass and goggle-eye fair.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Bryant Creek


Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Current River


Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Eleven Point River


Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
rainbow trout good on corn or minnows; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Gasconade River (middle)


Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Gasconade River (upper)


Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 79º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Jacks Fork River


Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

North Fork of the White River


Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Southeast

Lakes

Clearwater Lake


Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 82º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
White Bass: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Council Bluff Lake


Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Redear Sunfish: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Channel Catfish: Fair
largemouth bass fair on dark-colored soft plastics during low-light periods; channel catfish fair on liver; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Cypress Lake


Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 81º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Catfish: Good
Redear Sunfish: Fair
catfish good on stinkbaits and worms; bass fair on spinnerbaits and jigs; bluegill and redear sunfish fair on crickets and jigs; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Duck Creek C.A. Pool #1


Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 86º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Good
Crappie: Slow
Warmouth: Slow
Redear Sunfish: Slow
346.1'; bluegill good on worms and crickets; largemouth bass fair on topwater lures; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Lake Girardeau


Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 86º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Redear Sunfish: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
Bluegill: Good
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
bluegill good on crickets and worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Perry County Lake


Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 73º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Sunfish: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
Catfish: Good
catfish good on worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Robert DeLaney Lake


Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Good
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
catfish fair on stinkbaits and worms; black bass fair on artificial jig and pig lures and worms; bluegill good on waxworms and crickets; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Wappapello Lake


Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
Catfish: Good
366.87' and cresting; black bass fair on crankbaits and soft plastic lures; bluegill fair on crickets and worms in the brush; catfish fair using live baits and worms on jug lines and trotlines at night; 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: 6/24/15)

Rivers

Black River (above Clearwater Lake)


Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 71º
Water Level (Range): high
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: 6/24/15)

Black River (below Clearwater Lake)


Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Catfish: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
White Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Castor River (above Zalma)


Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
Longear Sunfish: Slow
black bass and google-eye fair on minnows; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Mississippi River (Middle)


Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
42.8'; catfish fair on live baits.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

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
42' at Cairo; catfish fair in backwater on cut baits and worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

St. Francis River (above Wappapello Lake)


Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

St. Francis River (below Wappapello Lake)


Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 74º
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; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Southwest

Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake (West)


Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Striped Bass: Fair
Catfish: Good
black bass good on soft plastic worms, crayfish, jigs, and spinnerbaits; catfish good on trotlines and jug lines using live bluegill, green sunfish, chicken livers, and other live baits; striped bass fair on live baits and large swimbaits.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Lake Taneycomo


Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Good
due to recent rains and power needs, water is running through the spillways most days; a flow advisory is in effect; trout good in upper portion on green or orange glo balls drifted with the current, 1/8 oz. and 1/16 oz., white and black marabou jigs and Rooster Tails, trout good in lower portion on chartreuse, orange, white, and pink Berkely Gulp salmon eggs, corn, minnows, and nightcrawlers.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Pomme de Terre Reservoir


Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Good
black bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits; crappie good in 25' of water around structure; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Stockton Lake


Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Good
White Bass: Fair
Walleye: Slow
Catfish: Good
crappie good on minnows in 15' - 20' of water over brush piles or bluffs; catfish good in mouth of river channels on worms, liver, shrimp, or cut bait; black bass good on large worms; white bass fair on Road Runners while trolling flats; walleye slow, best on jigs or nightcrawlers in 20' - 25' of water on main lake points.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Table Rock Lake


Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 81º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
black bass fair on crankbaits and drop shot around cover in 35' of water; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/22/15)

Table Rock Lake (James River arm)


Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
catfish good on small live bluegill, cut shad, and nightcrawlers in shallow water; black bass fair in 4' - 8' using topwater lures, Redfins working well; crappie fair in 15' - 30' on live minnows, small jigs, and soft plastic minnows; goggle-eye fair on crayfish and small live worms around large boulders 4' - 6' deep; white bass fair early in the morning and late evening on topwater lures and shallow diving crankbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/22/15)

Rivers

James River


Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
Catfish: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
Bluegill: Fair
catfish good on worms and minnows; goggle-eye good on spinnerbaits and minnows; black bass fair on soft plastics, Texas rigged worms, and crankbaits; bluegill fair on worms and crickets; crappie slow, best on jigs and minnows around brush piles.
(Reported on: 6/22/15)

Niangua River


Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Good
Black Bass: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
trout good below Bennett Spring on bright-colored Power Baits; black bass fair on minnows and soft plastics; rock bass fair on nightcrawlers and minnows.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

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: 79º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
catfish fair on blood baits, doughbaits, and livers; black bass fair on spinnerbaits with plastic worms or crankbaits; crappie slow on minnows; bluegill fair on worms or crickets; other species fair.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Busch Memorial Conservation Area Lakes 3, 4, 5, 7, and 23


Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 79º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Crappie: Slow
catfish fair on blood baits, doughbaits, or livers; black bass fair on spinnerbaits, plastic worms, and crankbaits; crappie slow on minnows; bluegill fair on worms and crickets; other species fair; call the fish stocking hotline for recent stocking information 636-300-9651; please remove your trash.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Rivers

Big River


Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Slow : Slow
catfish fair on livers; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Bourbeuse River


Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Meramec River (Crawford Co.)


Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Black Bass: Good
Bluegill: Good
Crappie: Slow
Rainbow Trout: Fair
all species slow due to high water.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Meramec River (St. Louis Co.)


Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Slow
Catfish: Good
Bluegill: Slow
Crappie: Slow
catfish good on cut baits and livers; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Mississippi River (St. Louis Region)


Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Freshwater Drum: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Missouri River (Lower)


Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
all species slow; river high.
(Reported on: 6/24/15)

Trout Parks

Trout Parks

Bennett Spring State Park


Information: Park 417-532-4418
Water Surface Temp: 55º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Slow
Zone 1 and 2 lures that are working well: salmon, ginger, gingersnap, and moss marabou, Jimi Hendrix and easter egg glo balls, white, brown glitter, black, or skunk Rooster Tails, and aqua Cracklebacks; Zone 3 baits that are popular: pink mouse tail, and sherbert Power Baits; fishing hours for June are from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; weed cutting is scheduled for July 28-29; 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: 6/23/15)

Maramec Spring Park


Information: 573-265-7801
Water Surface Temp: 57º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Fair
fishing is good; the spring branch has slightly more flow than normal and the water remains brown and stained due to increased spring flows; white trout worms rigged 18" below a small split shot are doing well; fish are hitting white marabou jigs, silver tinsel jigs, and green rubber leg jigs; doughbaits in salmon peach, white, and hatchery brown colors are producing good fish when suspended under a float; remember that all brown trout less than 15" in length must be returned to the water immediately; fishing hours for the month of June are 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; for more information call 573-265-7801.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

Montauk State Park


Information: 573-548-2585
Water Surface Temp: 59º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
the water level is at 2.35' at the lower end of the park and falling daily; water clarity is dingy and becoming more clear everyday, 6 lb. test fishing line or lighter is recommended; fishing is usually good on all baits with white, brown, and yellow scented doughbaits working well in the bait zones; white glo balls, holograph Cracklebacks, and holograph green, root-beer, and ruby midges are working well; elk hair caddis and mosquito dry flies, Rooster Tails and jigs in gold, black, yellow, olive, and other dark colors work well with some colors working better at different times of the day; the best fishing is in the morning and evening; fishing hours for June are 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; for up-to-date stream conditions check http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?07064440.
(Reported on: 6/23/15)

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 coming off a flood event last week; the river came up 6’ but has now receded to about one foot above normal; the water has a greenish-look right now and will have for a few weeks, so the dry fly fishing will slowly come back; right now, we are fishing dark wooly buggers, prince nymphs, copper johns, lightning bugs, small gold jigs, small thread jigs, and brassies; large dry flies will take a few here and there; the fish are still reacting to a hopper or beetle, in some areas, where there is a bit of slow water, glo balls and the San Juan worms in bright orange and red are also working; buggers with extra mylar in the tails are working good, use 5X and 6X; the water is still up a bit and the use of Power Baits is recommended if you just want to catch a fast limit of trout, the orange, fluorescent yellow and white are all good in the eggs; if you are using the worms, the orange peel, orange, cheese yellow, and chartreuse are all working; small gold spoons are really good if you fish them deep and slow; small spinnerbaits still work fine, you may need to add a bit of lead to get them down deep enough; jigs are catching fish, 1/32 and larger are best, but a few people have been catching trout on the white and olive micro jig; larger jigs are working best, in the darker colors, olive, black, black/yellow, and dark brown have all been working well; in this type of water the use of 4-lb and 3-lb line is recommended; as the water clears, we will go back to the 2-lb line; if you go into Zone 3 nightcrawlers and minnows would be good choices, or any of the bright-colored Power Baits should work.
(Reported on: 6/22/15)

Trout Stocking

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.

Related articles

• Is This the Biggest Largemouth Bass Ever Caught on Video? (outdoorhub.com)
• Several Southern Illinois lakes have fish consumption advisories (thesouthern.com)

Summer Fishing Fun in Kansas City!

The 10th annual Urban Kids Fishing Derby hosted by Urban American Outdoors in Kansas City, Missouri. Photo by Katie Steiger-Meister/USFWS.

On June 20, 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assisted Urban American Outdoors and Kansas City Parks with the 10th Annual Urban Kids Fishing Derby in Kansas City, Missouri.

The morning sun was out and the temperature creeping from warm to hot as more than 200 children and their families arrived at Spring Valley Park in Kansas City, Missouri ready for some summer fishing fun. Hosted by Urban American Outdoors and Kansas City Parks and Recreation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was on-hand to assist. Director Dan Ashe, Midwest Regional Director Tom Melius and staff from Neosho National Fish Hatchery participated in the fishing derby and monarch butterfly activities.

The event began with Wayne Hubbard, host of Urban American Outdoors, welcoming participants and partners. As part of the opening remarks, Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, presented honorary Kansas City Monarch jerseys to Dan Ashe, Wayne Hubbard and Assistant to the Director of Kansas City Parks, Mark Bowland. A handful of lucky participants were then chosen to help the new honorary Monarchs plant a butterfly garden by the fishing derby pond.  By 9:00 a.m.  the plants were in the ground and the first hooks were in the water as kids got down to business and started fishing. By 9:05 a.m. the first fish was being pulled from the water and screams of shock and delight from children could be heard echoing across the pond.

Staff from Neosho National Fish Hatchery and members of their friends group were a pivotal part of the day, stocking the pond with channel catfish from Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery in Oklahoma and bringing dozens of fishing rods and boxes of bait to share with participants. Project Leader Dave Hendrix, fishery biologist Roderick May, education specialist Bruce Hallman, maintenance mechanic Raymond Villa and members of their friends group helped introduce numerous kids to the fun of fishing.

Monarch Watch also participated in the event. Executive Director Chip Taylor and a handful of staff and volunteers set up a tent where kids and their families could see live monarch butterflies, caterpillars and pupas. They also provided seed packets for participants interested in starting their own butterfly gardens.

Whether it was a catfish on their hook or caterpillar on their hand, the event helped hundreds of Kansas City children experienced the thrill of being outdoors and interacting with nature. With downtown Kansas City only minutes away, the event underscored that kids don’t have to go far to start playing in nature.

MDC to host Prairie Days with The Nature Conservancy

Free event at Dunn Ranch and Pawnee Prairie showcases prairie ecology and history

Eagleville, Mo. – Prairie grasses and wildflowers once waved in summer winds throughout northwest Missouri. Trees grew in scattered groves in the grassland ecosystem along streams and some ridges. But the grasses and wildflowers provided the main food base for bison, elk, prairie chickens and butterflies. Very little prairie remains today after 200 years of settlement and farming greatly changed land uses. 

   Prairie Days, however, will give visitors a look back in time and an update on what public-private partnerships are doing to preserve and restore grassland ecosystems. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will host the free event on Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27. Activities will begin at 8 p.m. Friday with asocial and movies at TNC’s Dunn Ranch, 16970 W. 150th St., Hatfield, Mo. On Saturday, birding hikes will be offered 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. at MDC’s Pawnee Prairie, which is northwest of the ranch. Then Saturday’s activities will shift to Dunn Ranch from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. for bison herd tours, wildflower identification, grazing sessions and presentations on prairie critters and ecology.

  Camping will be available at Dunn Ranch without hookups. Harrison County Lake offers camping with some hookups and primitive sites. Motel lodging is available in Eagleville and Bethany. Booths or demonstrations will be offered by Missouri Prairie Foundation, Missouri River Bird Observatory, Pure Air Natives, Inc., Missouri Master Naturalists and Hamilton Native Outpost.

   Prairie Days will also showcase the public-private partnerships in the Grand River Grasslands. The cooperative effort spanning the Missouri and Iowa state line helps private landowners with grassland management for better production returns and in ways that help grassland species, such as Missouri’s endangered prairie chickens.

   Harrison County’s earliest settlers might be surprised to learn that prairie chickens and the grasses that supported them became scarce.

   “Originally about three-fourths of the land of Harrison County was prairie and one-fourth timber, according to the “History of Harrison County" published in 1921. "The timber was generally along the streams of water, and some on hilly tracks roughened and divided by ravines.”

   The book describes extensively tree species and uses in the woodland areas. Incredibly diverse native wildflowers and grasses that dominated the landscape did not get a similar description. Only in a maturing conservation movement in recent decades has the rich productivity and beauty of prairie plants and wildlife become appreciated.

   Pioneers did value wild game for food and for money from the fur trade.

   “When the county was first being settled game was plentiful, such as deer, turkeys, prairie chickens, quail and there were some elk,” according to the history. “It was reported about this part of the county that David Travis was one of the best hunters among the early settlers and in addition to other game occasionally killed an elk.”

   Bison were found in Missouri prior to the arrival of European trappers and settlers, but apparently not in large numbers, according to “The Wild Mammals of Missouri,” by Charles W. and Elizabeth R. Schwartz. But MDC’s Pawnee Prairie and TNC’s Dunn Ranch were in their final range.

   “By 1840, only remnants of this magnificent animal were found in the northwestern and southeastern sections of the state,” the Schwartz’s wrote, “and these soon disappeared.”

   TNC has restored a bison herd to a fenced range at Dunn Ranch. Studies at the ranch include how the bison and prairie species interact on an ecological basis. MDC conducts research and restoration for prairie species on both public and private lands in the Grand River Grasslands.

   Late June is a pretty time to visit Missouri’s prairies as many flower species are in bloom, such as coneflowers.   For more information about Prairie Days, visit http://mdc.mo.gov/NWprairiedays, or call T.J. Peacher, MDC conservation education supervisor, at 816-271-3100.

    Information about Pawnee Prairie and maps are available at http://on.mo.gov/1LlXs50. Dunn Ranch information is at http://bit.ly/1ellp2i.

Related articles

• MDC to co-host Prairie Days June 26 & 27 at Dunn Ranch (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Naturalists Searching Champlain Valley for Rare Species (essexonlakechamplain.com)
• The Power of Rivers -- in Whose Hands? (huffingtonpost.com)

First Friday Hikes at Graham Cave State Park

Graham Cave

Graham Cave State Park will host First Friday Hikes the first Friday of each month through October. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, these naturalist guided walks through the unique landscape of the park will start at 9:30 a.m. and last two to three hours.

The hike will start at the covered picnic shelter in the lower parking area. The terrain will range from flat-bottomland to rocky and rugged hills, so sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. Bringing water and a snack is also encouraged.

Graham Cave State Park is located two miles off I-70 at 217 Highway TT in Danville. For more information about the event, call the park at 573-546-3476. 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.

Related articles

• World Atlatl Day at Graham Cave State Park on June 6 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Planting a Future for Monarchs (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Multiple Missouri state parks affected by flooding (stltoday.com)

Night Skies over Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park June 27

Guests are invited to enjoy evening about astronomy at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park on Saturday, June 27. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will start at 7 p.m. at the visitor center. Members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society will offer instruction on identifying various constellations.

The evening will start with a “virtual tour” of the Earth’s orbit. Following the program at the visitor center, members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society will set up telescopes at the monument area for viewing the sky. SLAS members will be offering instruction on how to identify various constellations, including the big dipper. The Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus will also be viewable through telescopes.

The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, binoculars. Participants with telescopes are encouraged to bring those to the event as well.

Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is located at 800 Guy Park Drive in Wildwood. For more information about the event, call the Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park office at 636-458-3813. 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.

Related articles

• Birds over Baker at Sam A. Baker State Park May 30 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Planting a Future for Monarchs (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)

Raptor Awareness Program at Robertsville State Park June 27

Turkey Vulture 

Robertsville State Park will host a Raptor Awareness Program, presented by the World Bird Sanctuary, on Saturday, June 27 at 2 p.m. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the program will discuss birds of prey including falcons, hawks, owls and vultures.

Participants will see different species of raptors, learn a vulture’s secret weapon, and hear about identifying a bird of prey in the wild. The program will be in the day-use area at Shelter A.

Robertsville State Park is located off Hwy O near Robertsville. For more information about the event, call the park at 636-257-3788. 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.

Related articles

• Raptor Awareness Program at Mastodon State Historic Site June 20 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• A rare raptor visitor turns up near Batesville, Arkansas (sott.net)
• Zookeepers Hold Back Walruses, Chickens Using 'Jurassic World' Pose (onenewspage.us)

Missouri Fishing Report

Channel catfish  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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: 80º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
largemouth bass fair; channel catfish fair; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

Blind Pony Lake

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
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: 6/16/15)

Lake of the Ozarks (Bagnell Tailwater)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
White Bass: Slow
Catfish: Fair
crappie slow using minnows and crappie jigs; black bass slow using worms and dark-colored soft plastics; white bass slow using light-colored soft plastics, Rooster Tails, or crappie jigs; catfish fair using whole or cut shad.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

Lake of the Ozarks (Glaize)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Good
White Bass: Slow
Catfish: Fair
crappie fair using minnows and crappie jigs; black bass good using buzzbaits and dark-colored soft plastics; white bass slow using light-colored soft plastics and spoons; catfish fair using worms, bluegill, or hot dogs.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

Lake of the Ozarks (Gravois)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Slow
Catfish: Fair
crappie fair using minnows; black bass fair using plastic worms; white bass slow, best on crankbaits; catfish fair using cut baits.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

Lake of the Ozarks (Niangua)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Good
Catfish: Good
White Bass: Fair
catfish good using cut shad or bluegill; crappie good using dark-colored jigs with Crappie Nibbles; black bass fair using crankbaits; white bass fair using spinnerbaits and crankbaits.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Lake of the Ozarks (Osage)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Good
White Bass: Fair
catfish good using cut shad or bluegill; crappie good using jigs with Crappie Nibbles; black bass good using spinnerbaits or dark-colored plastics; white bass fair using spinnerbaits.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Little Dixie Lake

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
crappie fair in deeper water; channel catfish fair; all other species slow; all use, including fishing, is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
(Reported on: 6/15/15)

Rivers

Lamine River

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: muddy
the river is at flood stage and rising; all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/15/15)

Missouri River (Middle)

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Flathead Catfish: Fair
flood stage; flathead catfish fair on live sunfish; all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/15/15)

Osage (lower, at Tuscumbia)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
White Bass: Slow
Catfish: Fair
crappie slow using minnows and crappie jigs; black bass slow using worms and dark-colored soft plastics; white bass slow using light-colored soft plastics, Rooster Tails, or crappie jigs; catfish fair using whole or cut shad.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

Kansas City

Lakes

Atkinson Lake (Schell-Osage CA)

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
all species fair; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
Redear Sunfish: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Slow
lakes are full; bluegill and redear sunfish fair using worms under a bobber; crappie slow with some success using tube jigs near brushpiles; black bass fair; channel catfish and all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Montrose Lake

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 84º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
black bass fair; catfish good; crappie slow; all other species fair; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

Schell Lake (Schell-Osage CA)

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
all species fair; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

Truman Lake

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Slow
catfish good; crappie slow and spread out; all other species fair; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

Truman Lake Tailwaters

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Catfish: Fair
crappie slow and scattered; catfish fair; all other species fair; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

Rivers

Missouri River (Kansas City area)

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Good
Flathead Catfish: Good
water level is falling; water clarity is muddy with light debris in the flow; blue catfish and flathead catfish good on or near the tributaries; flathead catfish good on bluegill; blue catfish good on cut baits, particularly cut Asian carp.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Northeast

Lakes

Henry Sever Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
Sunfish: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
Muskellunge: Good
largemouth bass good on plastic worms and crankbaits; crappie good on minnows and jigs; sunfish good on nightcrawlers and jigs; channel catfish good on nightcrawlers, cut baits, and stinkbaits; muskellunge good on crankbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

Hunnewell Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Bluegill: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Channel Catfish: Good
bluegill fair using earthworms; largemouth bass fair using topwater lures; channel catfish good using chicken liver; all other species slow; the lake is closed to private boats and bait held or transported in containers with water is prohibited.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Long Branch Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Common Carp: Good
Freshwater Drum: Good
Flathead Catfish: Fair
channel catfish good on leeches, worms, and stinkbaits; common carp good on worms and doughbaits; freshwater drum good on worms; flathead catfish fair on live baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Mark Twain Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Grass Carp: Good
72 - 75 in the upper arms of the lake; 70 - 72 in the main channel and lower end of the lake; the lake and surrounding areas have received a significant amount of rainfall in the past week so water is muddy with large amounts of floating debris; lake level is at 615.56 and is expected to crest at 619.5 by 6/19/2015; catfish are good in the rising waters on goldfish and cut baits; carp carp good on the flooded grass flats; all other species are slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Thomas Hill Reservoir

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
lake is at 715', 3' above normal pool; recent rains have made the lake dingy; all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Rivers

Mississippi River (upper)

Information: 573-248-2530
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Flathead Catfish: Good
Blue Catfish: Fair
Channel Catfish: Good
Freshwater Drum: Good
flathead catfish good on live baits; blue catfish fair on cut baits and live baits; channel catfish good on stinkbaits, cut baits, and shrimp; freshwater drum good on worms.
(Reported on: 6/15/15)

Salt River - Downstream of Mark Twain Lake

Information: 573-248-2530
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

Northwest

Lakes

Bilby Ranch Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
channel catfish good on liver; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Lake Paho

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Largemouth Bass: Good
all species fair.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Mozingo Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Bluegill: Good
bass good; bluegill good; channel catfish good; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Pony Express Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Slow
crappie slow on jigs and small crankbaits; catfish good on worms, cut baits, chicken livers, and live baits; bass slow, best on spinnerbaits and crankbaits.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Smithville Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Good
White Bass: Good
Catfish: Good
crappie fair; black bass good; white bass good; catfish good.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Rivers

Grand River

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 71º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Blue Catfish: Good
Flathead Catfish: Fair
channel catfish good; blue catfish good; flathead catfish fair; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Missouri River (upper)

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Common Carp: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
channel catfish fair on worms and dip baits; flathead catfish fair on goldfish, bluegill, and worms; common carp fair on worms corn; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Ozark

Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake (East)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Norfork Lake

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Rivers

Big Piney River (lower, Pulaski Co.)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 71º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Big Piney River (upper, Texas Co.)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 73º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species fair on soft plastic baits and live baits.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Bryant Creek

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 73º
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 or live baits.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Current River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
all species good with live baits and plastics.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Eleven Point River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species fair.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Gasconade River (middle)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 71º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Gasconade River (upper)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Jacks Fork River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

North Fork of the White River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 66º
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 or live baits.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Southeast

Lakes

Clearwater Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
White Bass: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Council Bluff Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Redear Sunfish: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Channel Catfish: Fair
redear sunfish and bluegill fair on worms; largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and dark-colored soft plastics during low-light periods; channel catfish fair on liver; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Cypress Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 83º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Catfish: Good
Redear Sunfish: Fair
crappie slow on minnows and jigs; bluegill and redear sunfish fair on crickets and jigs; largemouth bass fair on jigs and spinnerbaits; catfish good on stinkbaits and worms.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Duck Creek C.A. Pool #1

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 84º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Good
Bluegill: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Warmouth: Fair
Redear Sunfish: Slow
346.1'; largemouth bass good on topwater lures; bluegill and warmouth sunfish fair on crickets and jigs; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Lake Girardeau

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 85º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Redear Sunfish: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
bluegill and redear sunfish fair on crickets and worms; all species fair.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Perry County Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Sunfish: Fair
Bluegill: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
Catfish: Fair
sunfish fair on crickets; catfish fair on worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Robert DeLaney Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Good
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Slow
black bass fair on artificial lures; bluegill good on worms and wax worms; crappie fair on jigs and minnows; catfish fair on worms and stinkbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Wappapello Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
Catfish: Fair
362.48'; black bass fair on crankbaits and soft plastic lures; bluegill fair on crickets and worms in the brush; catfish fair using live baits and worms on jug lines and trotlines at night; 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: 6/17/15)

Rivers

Black River (above Clearwater Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 68º
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: 6/17/15)

Black River (below Clearwater Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 59º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Catfish: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
bluegill fair on nightcrawlers and crickets; black bass fair on assorted lures; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Castor River (above Zalma)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
Longear Sunfish: Slow
black bass and google-eye fair on minnows; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Mississippi River (Middle)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
33.9'; channel catfish fair on cut baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Mississippi River (Ohio River to Arkansas)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Slow
Flathead Catfish: Slow
30' at Cairo; catfish fair on cut baits and worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

St. Francis River (above Wappapello Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
crappie fair on minnows and assorted jigs; black bass fair on assorted lures; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

St. Francis River (below Wappapello Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 74º
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; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Southwest

Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake (West)

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Striped Bass: Fair
Catfish: Good
black bass good on soft plastics, worms, crayfish, jigs, and spinnerbaits; striped bass fair on live baits and large swimbaits; catfish good on trotlines and jug lines using live bluegill, chicken livers, and other live baits.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

Lake Taneycomo

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 55º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Good
due to recent rains and power needs, water is running through the spillways most days; a flow advisory is in effect; trout good in upper portion on green or orange glo balls drifted with the current, 1/8 oz. and 1/4 oz., white, and black marabou jigs and Rooster Tails when generators are running; use flies, scuds, and San Juan worms when water is off, trout good in lower portion on chartreuse, orange, white, and pink Power Baits, Trout Nuggets, corn, minnows, and nightcrawlers.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

Pomme de Terre Reservoir

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Good
black bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits; crappie good in 25' of water around structure; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

Stockton Lake

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
Walleye: Slow
Catfish: Good
black bass fair on spinnerbaits, tube jigs, and grubs early and late in 25' of water; crappie fair trolling crankbaits in 20' of water; white bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits on flats; catfish good on jigs with shad or small bluegill; walleye slow on main lake points using jigs tipped with nightcrawlers.
(Reported on: 6/15/15)

Table Rock Lake

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 81º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Bluegill: Good
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Good
black bass good on crankbaits, crayfish, and Ned Rig in peanut butter jelly color 15" - 25" around cover; crappie good on worms; bluegill good on worms; catfish good on cut baits and goldfish.
(Reported on: 6/15/15)

Table Rock Lake (James River arm)

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
black bass fair in 4' - 8' using topwater lures, Redfins working well; crappie fair in 15' - 30' using live minnows, small jigs, and soft plastic minnows; catfish good in shallow water using live small bluegill, cut shad, and nightcrawlers; goggle-eye fair on crayfish and small live worms around large boulders 4' - 6' deep; white bass fair early morning and late evening using topwater lures and shallow diving crankbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/15/15)

Rivers

James River

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 71º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Good
Catfish: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
Bluegill: Good
black bass good on soft plastics, Texas rig, crankbaits, topwater buzzbaits, and spooks in evenings and morning; crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush piles; goggle-eye good on spinnerbaits and minnows; catfish good on worms and minnows; bluegill good on worms and crickets.
(Reported on: 6/15/15)

Niangua River

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Good
Black Bass
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
black bass fair on minnows and soft plastics; goggle-eye fair on nightcrawlers and minnows; trout good on bright-colored Power Baits.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

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: 75º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
catfish fair on blood baits, doughbaits, and livers; black bass fair on spinnerbaits with plastic worms or crankbaits; crappie slow on minnows; bluegill fair on worms or crickets; other species fair.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Busch Memorial Conservation Area Lakes 3, 4, 5, 7, and 23

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Black Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Crappie: Slow
catfish good on blood baits, doughbaits, or livers; black bass fair on spinnerbaits, plastic worms, and crankbaits; crappie slow on minnows; bluegill fair on worms and crickets; other species fair; call the fish stocking hotline for recent stocking information 636-300-9651; please remove your trash.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Rivers

Big River

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 71º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Slow : Slow
catfish fair on livers; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Bourbeuse River

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
catfish fair on worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Meramec River (Crawford Co.)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Black Bass: Good
Bluegill: Good
Crappie: Slow
Rainbow Trout: Fair
catfish slow on livers; black bass good on spinnerbaits and crankbaits; crappie slow; bluegill good on worms and crickets; trout fair on worms above highway 8 bridge outside trophy area.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Meramec River (St. Louis Co.)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Catfish: Good
Bluegill: Slow
Crappie: Fair
catfish good on hotdogs and worms; black bass fair on topwater crankbaits; crappie fair using minnows; bluegill slow on worms; other species are good on corn and doughbaits; black bass may now be possessed in most streams south of the Missouri River from May 23, 2015 - February 29, 2016.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Mississippi River (St. Louis Region)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Freshwater Drum: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Missouri River (Lower)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
all species slow; river high.
(Reported on: 6/17/15)

Trout Parks

Trout Parks

Bennett Spring State Park

Information: Park 417-532-4418
Water Surface Temp: 56º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Slow
Zone 1 and 2 lures that are working well: salmon, white, red and white, marabou, tri-color, and chartreuse glo balls, gray Deere, white or skunk Rooster Tails, and green, aqua, or chartreuse Cracklebacks; Zone 3 baits that are popular: yellow Power Baits, and red salmon eggs; fishing hours for June are from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; weed cutting is scheduled for June 23rd 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: 6/17/15)

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: Fair
fishing is good; the spring branch has normal flow and the water remains cloudy due to recent rains in the area; trout worms in white and yellow rigged 18" below a small split shot are doing well; fish are hitting green and white marabou jigs, silver tinsel jigs, and green rubber leg jigs; doughbaits in salmon peach, orange, hatchery brown colors are producing good fish when suspended under a float; remember that all brown trout less than 15" in length must be returned to the water immediately; fishing hours for the month of June are 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; for more information call 573-265-7801.
(Reported on: 6/15/15)

Montauk State Park

Information: 573-548-2585
Water Surface Temp: 59º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
the water level is at 1.95' at the lower end of the park; water clarity is clear, 4 lb. test fishing line or lighter is recommended; fishing is usually good on all baits with white, brown, and yellow scented doughbaits working well in the bait zones; fishing has picked up with the decrease in water flow and the improvement in clarity; mini glo balls in peach color, Cracklebacks in light olive, and holograph green, root-beer and ruby midges are working well; Rooster Tails and jigs in gold, black, yellow, olive, and other dark colors work well with some colors working better at different times of the day; the best fishing is in the morning and evening; fishing hours for June are 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; for up-to-date stream conditions checkhttp://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?07064440.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

Roaring River State Park

Information: 417-847-2430
Water Surface Temp: 58º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
we have already received 2” of rainfall this week, the river is up about half a foot and the water is dingy, Cracklebacks, Adams, beetles, ants, hoppers, and caddis flies are all working well; leaders are 9' with 6X or 7X tippets; fish are 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 being caught on the baby buggers in the same colors; plastic eggs and worms; orange, orange/white, cheese, white, and fluorescent yellow have all been good; spinnerbaits are working in the early mornings in black, brown, white, olive, and skunk; jig fisherman are catching trout on olive, black, brown, white, and tan; micro jigs in tan, olive, and black/yellow have been the best colors.
(Reported on: 6/16/15)

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.

Related articles

• Missouri Fishing Report June 5, 2015 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• OK Fishing Report (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Is This the Biggest Largemouth Bass Ever Caught on Video? (outdoorhub.com)