MDC seeking public input on changes for smallmouth and rock bass

For smallmouth bass, the proposed changes would maintain the current statewide length limit of 12-inches with a daily limit of six fish, but change all Special Management Areas to a 15-inch minimum length limit with a daily limit of one smallmouth bass. (MDC photo)

Potential regulation changes will improve fishing and simplify length and daily limits.

FARMINGTON, Mo. – Smallmouth bass and rock bass -- also called goggle eye -- are very popular with anglers on Missouri’s Ozark streams. However, research by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that both species grow slowly and that many do not reach a quality size before dying from natural causes or being caught by anglers.

As a result, many anglers surveyed by MDC have reported that fishing quality for rock bass has declined over the past decade. Many anglers also have responded that the minimum-length limits and daily limits for smallmouth on rivers and creeks varies and can be complicated.

According to MDC fishing regulations, there is no existing statewide minimum length limit for rock bass, but some rivers and creeks in MDC Special Management Areas have an eight-inch minimum. Smallmouth bass have a statewide minimum length limit of 12 inches with a six-fish daily limit, while MDC Special Management Areas have a minimum length limit of 15 or 18 inches with a daily limit of one or two fish.

As a result of research and angler feedback, the Conservation Department is proposing changes to fishing regulations for these two popular game fish that would help grow smallmouth and rock bass while simplifying regulations for smallmouth in MDC Special Management Areas.

For rock bass, MDC research shows that a majority of anglers favor a single, statewide minimum length limit. MDC is proposing setting it at seven inches.

For smallmouth bass, the proposed changes would maintain the current statewide length limit of 12-inches with a daily limit of six fish, but change all Special Management Areas to a 15-inch minimum length limit with a daily limit of one smallmouth bass.

Proposed regulations would also create a new Special Management Area on the Current River and expand the Special Management Areas on the Big Piney, Big River, Jacks Fork, and Meramec rivers.

MDC is seeking public input on these potential regulations changes and will host a series of open houses around the state to provide more information, answer questions, and get public comments. One of these open houses is scheduled for Oct. 6 in Farmington at the Memorial United Methodist Church at 425 North St. The Department invites anglers and others to stop during the open house between 6 and 8 p.m.

MDC is also accepting public comments online at mdc.mo.gov/node/9092 or through U.S. mail to: Missouri Department of Conservation, Attn: Policy Coordination, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

Related articles

• MDC seeking public input on changes for smallmouth and rock bass (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Captive snake with no male companion gives birth - again (seattletimes.com)

MDC offers fishing equipment through loaner program

The first step to experiencing the fun of fishing in Missouri is to have the right equipment. Through the Missouri Department of Conservation's Rod and Reel Loaner Program, individuals can check out fishing poles and tackle boxes for free at participating sites around the state.

People can check out fishing equipment to check out angling opportunities.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Organizations in several communities in southwest Missouri have partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to make fishing more accessible through MDC’s Rod and Reel Loaner Program.

Through this program, which is available in select communities across the state, individuals can check out fishing poles and tackle boxes for free at participating sites. The fishing poles are equipped with standard spin-cast reels. The tackle boxes are supplied with hooks, sinkers and bobbers for basic fishing opportunities. People need to bring their own live bait or desired lures to bait the hook.

In Springfield, loaner fishing equipment is available at the MDC Southwest Regional Office,MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center, Valley Water Mill Park and Fellows Lake Marina. Other MDC Rod and Reel Loaner Program locations in southwest Missouri are the Branson Taneyhills Community Library in Branson, the Carthage Public Library, the Geneva Sharp Library in Stockton, Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery in Branson, Christian County Library in Ozark, Dade County Library in Greenfield, Hickory County Library in Hermitage, Joplin Carnegie Library in Joplin, Sarcoxie Library in Sarcoxie, McDonald County Library in Pineville, Neosho Newton County Library in Neosho, Baxter Boat Dock in Lampe, and the Seymour Community Library in Seymour. Check at each site for information on check-out procedures and rules specific to that location.

This program is an effort by MDC to increase fishing opportunities for all Missouri citizens.

To also help people get hooked on fishing, the Department offers its Discover Nature Fishing program. This program is a four-lesson series geared towards families and youths ages 7-15. From May into September, lessons are offered at select sites across Missouri. These lessons cover casting, proper fish handling, tying on hooks, stocking a tackle box, fish identification, how to release a fish, regulations and other topics. Find out more about the Discover Nature Fishing Program by calling the MDC Southwest Regional Office in Springfield, 417-895-6880, or by going online to http://mdc.mo.gov/node/27175.

MDC using satellite technology for deer study

Some white-tailed deer in northwest and southeast Missouri have radio collars and ear tags. They are part of a comprehensive MDC and University of Missouri study about deer population, movements and survival. Hunters may harvest these day if appropriate to seasons and methods, as hunter harvest is a part of the data gathered for the study.

                          Photo courtesy of Van Ellis

Hunters in northwest Missouri can harvest deer with radio collars

 St. Joseph, Mo. – Deer hunters in northwest Missouri may see deer wearing radio collars when they head into the woods this fall. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) asks that hunters harvest these deer, if appropriate to seasons and methods. The collars are a tool in a five-year study to evaluate white-tailed deer reproduction and movement patterns. Normal harvest of collared deer will make data collected for the study more useful, said Emily Flinn, MDC deer biologist.

   “To keep the study accurate to what actually happens to the herd, we don’t want to alter what happens during deer hunting season,” Flinn said. “If a hunter sees a collared deer that they could legally, and would normally, harvest, they should still do so, even if it’s wearing a collar.”

   MDC crews last winter captured and placed radio collars and ear tags on about 90 deer at locations scattered throughout Nodaway, Gentry, Andrew and DeKalb counties. Then the deer were immediately released. Similar research is underway in a study area in the southern Missouri Ozarks. The tracking collars regularly transmit each deer’s location using Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology. Computers then help biologists collect and analyze the data. More deer will be collared starting in early January.

   This study is one of the most comprehensive deer research projects conducted in Missouri, Flinn said. Data collected will aid biologists in years to come with applications to population models and disease management protocols. MDC utilizes several sources of data to monitor Missouri’s deer population. This study includes monitoring bucks and does of all ages throughout the year. The study includes collecting data on deer mortality, whether by natural causes or hunter harvest.

   In addition to normal checking procedures, MDC asks hunters to call the phone number on the collar or small ear tag to report that they harvested a collared deer.

   This study is a cooperative partnership with the University of Missouri at Columbia and is funded with assistance from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Funds.

   For information about deer management in Missouri, contact Flinn atemily.flinn@mdc.mo.gov or 573-815-7901, ext. 3619. Jon McRoberts is project leader for the UMC research team and can be contacted at mcrobertsj@missouri.edu or 573-881-1978.

   For information about deer hunting in Missouri, visit http://www.mdc.mo.gov.

   NEED PERMITS? Buy and print them online at mo.wildlifelicense.com/start.php or through MDC’s FREE Mo Hunting mobile app. Get more info on Mo Hunting atmdc.mo.gov/mobile/mobile-apps/mo-hunting.

Shorter days, cooler nights, and beautiful trees are on tap for fall

Missourians can expect a beautiful fall color that should last through late October

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.— As the heat of summer fades into the cool weather of fall, trees and shrubs around the Show-Me State transform from leaves of green to a fall-foliage color palette of golds, reds, oranges, and purples. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages people to discover nature through fall-color excursions.

"People can travel anywhere in Missouri and find a variety of trees that show off a fantastic array of color in the fall," said MDC Resource Forester Cory Gregg.

Gregg explained that leaves turn colors when two things happen.

"First, sugars produced by photosynthesis are trapped inside leaves by chilly - but not freezing - autumn nights," he said. "Those sugars are the building blocks for red, yellow, orange, and purple pigments. Cool nights simultaneously cause the breakdown of green pigments, allowing these other colors to show through."

The variety of trees means Missourians enjoy a fall color season that can last four to six weeks. Sassafras, sumac, and the Virginia creeper are some of the earliest foliage to change, beginning in mid-September. By late September, black gum, bittersweet, and dogwoods are turning.

The color change starts earliest in northern Missouri and moves southward across the state. The peak of fall color in Missouri is usually around mid-October. This is when maples, ashes, oaks, and hickories are at the height of their fall display. Normally by late October, the colors are fading and the leaves start to drop from the trees.

"As of mid-September, it's still early in the season and we haven't seen much of a change," said MDC Community Forester Mark Grueber. "As we move into fall, we'll hope for warm sunny days and cool nights to provide us with the best color display."

Beautiful fall colors in Hartsburg's river bottom. 

Viewing Fall Color

For spectacular vistas, Grueber recommends routes along rivers with views of forested bluffs, and along ridges with sweeping scenes of forested landscapes. On a smaller scale, drive on back roads, hike, or take a float trip under a colorful forest canopy on a clear, blue-sky day. Conservation areas and state parks are great places to visit for fall color.

"Even treeless areas, such as prairies and roadsides, display beautiful shades of gold, purple, olive, and auburn with autumn wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses," Grueber said. "In cities and towns, enjoy places with mature trees, such as older neighborhoods, parks, and even cemeteries."

Weekly Fall Color Updates

MDC offers weekly fall color updates provided by foresters from all over the state through November. The updates include what species of trees are turning and recommendations for where to see them. The easiest way to get those updates is with MDC's free mobile app, MO Fall Colors. It provides fall-color scenes from around the state, complete with GPS navigation information. Users can even add their own fall-color photos and share them with Facebook friends and others. The app is active during fall-color changes beginning now through November. Download MO Fall Colors for Android and Apple devices athttp://mdc.mo.gov/node/19321%20.

Fall color updates are also available on the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/node/4548.

Related articles

• MDC offers National Hunting and Fishing Day events around Missouri (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Captive snake with no male companion gives birth - again (japantimes.co.jp)
• Autumn almost here, what to expect from fall foliage (ky3.com)

MDC hosts MoNASP teacher training workshop in Osage County

The session is free, but registration is required by Oct. 9.

LOOSE CREEK, Mo.-Teachers can help their students learn responsibility and focus like never before -- all by participating in the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). MDC will be holding a training workshop for teachers interested in joining MoNASP from 4:30-8:30 p.m.on Thursday, Oct. 15 and Friday, Oct. 16, at the Immaculate Conception School gym located at 147 County Road 402 in Loose Creek. The session is free, but registration is required byOct. 9.

The certification course is for teachers and school administrators who would like to start a MoNASP program in their school. Participants must score 80% or better on a 100-question certification exam that will be given at the end of the workshop.

"Nearly everyone -- regardless of age, size, or physical ability -- can succeed in archery," said MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist Brian Flowers. "Statistics show school archery programs improve school attendance, increase participants self-esteem, physical activity, help kids relate to the learning subject matter, and gets kids outdoors to discover nature."

MoNASP is modeled on the National Archery in the Schools Program, which began with a simple idea; teach kids the basics of archery as part of a school curriculum. MoNASP teaches International-style target archery to students in grades 4-12. Currently, more than 500 Missouri schools and more than 135,000 students participate in this lifetime sport.

To register for the workshop, visit http://naspbai.org/ClassView.aspx?cid=4911. For more information, contact Flowers at Brian.Flowers@mdc.mo.gov or 573-815-7901, ext. 3388.

For more information about MoNASP, visit mdc.mo.gov/education/monasp.

Missouri weekly fishing report for 9/24/2015

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: 81º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Bluegill: Fair
Sunfish: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
bluegill and sunfish fair on worms; largemouth bass fair on plastics; crappie fair on jigs; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Blind Pony Lake

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
the lake is 1' low and clear; largemouth bass fair; bluegill and 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: 9/22/15)

Lake of the Ozarks (Bagnell Tailwater)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Slow
catfish slow, try using worms or cut baits; crappie slow, try using minnows or crappie jigs; black bass fair using buzzbaits or dark-colored soft plastics; white bass slow, try using light-colored soft plastics or spoons.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Lake of the Ozarks (Glaize)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
White Bass: Fair
catfish slow, try using whole or cut shad and stinkbaits; crappie fair uing minnows, grubs, and crappie jigs; black bass slow, try using worms and dark-colored soft plastics; white bass fair using light-colored soft plastics, Rooster Tails, and crappie jigs.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Lake of the Ozarks (Gravois)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
White Bass: Slow
catfish fair on cut baits; crappie slow; black bass slow on plastic worms; white bass slow.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Lake of the Ozarks (Niangua)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
catfish good using livers or cut shad; crappie fair using minnows or dark-colored jigs; black bass fair using crankbaits or Rooster Tails; white bass fair using light-colored plastics.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Lake of the Ozarks (Osage)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Good
catfish good using cut shad or shrimp; crappie fair using minnows; black bass fair using spinnerbaits; white bass good using light-colored plastic baits.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Little Dixie Lake

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 85º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
crappie fair on jigs; largemouth bass fair on plastic and crankbaits; channel catfish fair on cut baits and livers; all other species slow; all use, including fishing, is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Rivers

Lamine River

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Flathead Catfish: Fair
Lamine River is clear above the mouth of the Blackwater River; below the mouth of the Blackwater River the water is dingy; flathead catfish fair down stream from the DeBourgmont Access on setlines baited with goldfish.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Missouri River (Middle)

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Good
Flathead Catfish: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
blue catfish, flathead catfish, and channel catfish good on live baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/21/15)

Osage (lower, at Tuscumbia)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Slow
catfish slow, try using worms or cut baits; crappie slow, try using minnows or crappie jigs; black bass fair using buzzbaits or dark-colored soft plastics; white bass slow, try using light-colored soft plastics or spoons.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Kansas City

Lakes

Atkinson Lake (Schell-Osage CA)

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 81º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Fair
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Fair
all species fair; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Bluegill: Good
Redear Sunfish: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
lakes are full; black bass good on plastic worms near brush; channel catfish fair using cut baits or chicken livers; bluegill and redear sunfish good using worms under a bobber, find a shady area; crappie fair using tube jigs near brush piles; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Montrose Lake

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Good
black bass good; catfish and crappie fair; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Schell Lake (Schell-Osage CA)

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Fair
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Fair
all species fair; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Truman Lake

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 81º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Fair
White Bass: Good
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Good
catfish good using jugs or rod and reel with fresh cut shad; white bass and hybrids good using jigging spoons; crappie good around brush piles; fishing pressure light to medium.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Truman Lake Tailwaters

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 81º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Good
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Good
White Bass: Good
crappie fair; catfish good using fresh cut shad on jugs or rod and reel; bass good using spinnerbaits; fishing pressure light to medium.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Rivers

Missouri River (Kansas City area)

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
Channel Catfish: Slow
water level is steady; water clarity is muddy; blue catfish and flathead catfish fair using live baits such as bluegill and using creek chubs on setlines; channel catfish slow, try using worms and dip baits in or near tributaries; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Northeast

Lakes

Henry Sever Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 79º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
Blue Catfish: Good
largemouth bass good on soft plastics and topwater lures; crappie good on jigs and minnows; channel catfish and blue catfish good on cut baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Hunnewell Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Bluegill: Fair
channel catfish good using doughbaits; bluegill fair using earthworms; all other species slow; the lake is closed to private boats, and bait held or transported in containers with water is prohibited.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Long Branch Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
all species slow.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Mark Twain Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Good
water level is at 604.48; clear water; catfish good on stinkbaits; black bass fair on large soft plastics; crappie good on dark-colored jigs and chartreuse jigs tipped with minnows; all other species are slow.
(Reported on: 9/21/15)

Thomas Hill Reservoir

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
crappie good using jigs and minnows along Highway T rocks and deeper water brush piles; all other species slow; pressure light.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Rivers

Mississippi River (upper)

Information: 573-248-2530
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Flathead Catfish: Good
Freshwater Drum: Good
channel catfish good on stinkbaits; flathead catfish good on bluegill and green sunfish; freshwater drum good on worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/21/15)

Salt River - Downstream of Mark Twain Lake

No report submitted. Please contact the appropriate regional office for additional information.
Information: 573-248-2530

Northwest

Lakes

Bilby Ranch Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good : Good
channel catfish good on livers; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Lake Paho

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: -none-
channel catfish fair on cut fish and nightcrawlers; largemouth bass fair around aquatic vegetation.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Mozingo Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 73º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
all species fair.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Pony Express Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
crappie slow; catfish fair; black bass fair.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Smithville Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Good
White Bass: Good
Catfish: Good
crappie fair; catfish good; black bass good; white bass good.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Rivers

Grand River

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Good
Blue Catfish: Fair
channel catfish are fair on doughbaits and cut baits; blue catfish fair on cut baits; flathead catfish fair on live fish.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Missouri River (upper)

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Common Carp: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Good
Blue Catfish: Good
channel catfish good on worms and fair on dip baits; flathead catfish good on goldfish and bluegill, fair on worms and cut baits; blue catfish good on cut baits and fair on worms; carp fair on worms and corn.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Ozark

Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake (East)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 83º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Norfork Lake

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 81º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Rivers

Big Piney River (lower, Pulaski Co.)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 73º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
smallmouth bass and goggle-eye good on soft plastic baits and jigs; channel catfish fair on live baits.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Big Piney River (upper, Texas Co.)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
all species good on soft plastics.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Bryant Creek

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 75º
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 plastics.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Current River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Good
Suckers: Good
smallmouth bass good on soft plastics; suckers good on nightcrawlers.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Eleven Point River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
all species fair.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Gasconade River (middle)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 73º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
smallmouth bass and goggle-eye good on soft plastic baits and jigs; channel catfish fair on live baits.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Gasconade River (upper)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 82º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
Sunfish: Fair
black bass, goggle-eye, and sunfish fair on live baits.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Jacks Fork River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
all species fair.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

North Fork of the White River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 70º
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 lures.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Southeast

Lakes

Clearwater Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 82º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Council Bluff Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): normal
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; channel catfish fair on livers; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Cypress Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Redear Sunfish: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
all species slow; area is closed to fishing until 1 p.m. during teal season.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Duck Creek C.A. Pool #1

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Crappie
Warmouth: Slow
Redear Sunfish: Slow
All species slow.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Lake Girardeau

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Redear Sunfish: Slow
Channel Catfish: Fair
Bluegill: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
black bass fair on artificial worms and lizards; bluegill fair on worms and crickets; channel catfish fair on stinkbaits and chicken livers; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Perry County Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Bluegill: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
crappie fair on minnows; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Robert DeLaney Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Bluegill: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
Smallmouth Bass: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
bluegill fair on waxworms; blue catfish and channel catfish fair on cut baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Wappapello Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Crappie: Fair
Bluegill: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
black bass good on soft plastics and crankbaits early and late day; crappie fair on minnows and jigs; bluegill good on crickets and worms; channel catfish fair using live baits, worms on jug lines and trotlines at night; anglers should note the 9' minimum length limit regulation for crappie; 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: 9/22/15)

Rivers

Black River (above Clearwater Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 72º
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: 9/22/15)

Black River (below Clearwater Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Suckers: Fair
black bass fair on assorted lures; channel catfish fair on cut baits; hog suckers and yellow suckers fair using a gig; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Castor River (above Zalma)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Slow
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Slow
Longear Sunfish: Good
Smallmouth Bass: Good
smallmouth bass good on minnows; longear sunfish good on worms and small crankbaits.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Mississippi River (Middle)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Slow
Blue Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
flathead catfish fair on live sunfish and gizzard shad; blue catfish fair on cut baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Mississippi River (Ohio River to Arkansas)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish
4.3' at New Madrid; blue catfish and channel catfish fair on cut baits and stinkbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

St. Francis River (above Wappapello Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 79º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
Suckers: Fair
hog suckers and yellow suckers fair with use of gig; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

St. Francis River (below Wappapello Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: -none-
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 livers; flathead catfish fair on trotlines with live bluegill; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Southwest

Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake (West)

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 81º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Striped Bass: Fair
Catfish: Fair
striped bass fair on live baits and large swimbaits when water is running at Powersite Dam; black bass fair on soft plastic worms, crayfish, jigs, and spinnerbaits; catfish fair on trotlines and jug lines using live bluegill, green sunfish, chicken livers, crayfish, and other live baits.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Lake Taneycomo

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 53º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Good
trout good in upper portion of lake on glo balls and marabou jigs when generators are running water, scuds and San Juan worms during the day, and wooly boogers working well at night when water is not running; trout good in lower portion of the lake on Power Bait nuggets, corn, minnows, and nightcrawlers.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Pomme de Terre Reservoir

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 79º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Muskellunge: Slow
crappie fair on jigs and minnows using 1/32 - 1/16 oz jigs in 15' - 20' of water over brush piles and around standing timber; catfish fair on jug lines using hot dogs and cut baits; black bass slow, best on soft plastics in 20' - 25' of water off main lake points; muskellunge slow, best on single and double bladed bucktail lures; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Stockton Lake

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
Walleye: Good
Bluegill: Good
walleye good on flicker shad while trolling or bottom bouncers with worms on flats or main points; catfish and bluegill good on worms or liver; white bass good while trolling with Rooster Tails or fishing wind points; black bass good on spinnerbaits in 15' - 22' of water; crappie slow, best on jigs in 12' - 20' of water over brush piles.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Table Rock Lake

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Bluegill: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
bluegill good on live worms; black bass good on crayfish in orange and Ned rig around secondary points; goggle-eye good on beetle spins; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Table Rock Lake (James River arm)

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
Catfish: Good
catfish good on live baits such as crayfish, creek chubs, and nightcrawlers, also try using trotlines with small bluegill or sunfish; black bass fair on deep-diving crankbaits, Shakey Heads with a watermelon-colored worm working well on gravel points in 20' - 25' of water or try crayfish-colored Rattle Traps; goggle-eye fair on crappie jigs and small soft plastic crayfish using 1/16 oz jigs, try fishing around large rocks; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Rivers

James River

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
Bluegill: Fair
goggle-eye good on spinnerbaits, crayfish-colored crankbaits, and minnows; catfish fair on worms and minnows; black bass fair on soft plastic lures, Texas rigged worms, football jigs, and crayfish crankbaits; crappie fair on minnows and jigs in purple; bluegill fair on worms, crickets, and small jigs.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

Niangua River

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: clear
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 soft plastics; goggle-eye fair on nightcrawlers and minnows.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

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: 78º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Catfish: Slow
Crappie: Slow
bluegill slow, try using worms or crickets; catfish slow, try using doughbaits, blood baits, or livers; black bass slow on spinnerbaits, plastic worms, and crankbaits.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

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

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
catfish slow, try using doughbaits, blood baits, or livers; black bass slow, try using spinnerbaits, plastic worms, or crankbaits; bluegill fair on crickets; all other species slow; please remove your trash.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Rivers

Big River

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Fair : Slow
catfish fair on cut baits and blood baits; black bass slow, try using crankbaits; bluegill fair with crickets; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Bourbeuse River

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
bluegill fair using natural baits; catfish fair on doughbaits.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Meramec River (Crawford Co.)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Crappie: Slow
catfish slow on livers; black bass fair on spinnerbaits and plastic worms; bluegill fair on crickets.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Meramec River (St. Louis Co.)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
bluegill fair on worms and crickets; black bass fair on plastic worms; catfish slow on doughbaits.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Mississippi River (St. Louis Region)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Freshwater Drum: Fair
channel catfish and blue catfish fair on cut baits; freshwater drum fair on worms.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Missouri River (Lower)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
channel catfish and blue catfish fair on cut baits; flathead catfish fair on live baits.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Trout Parks

Trout Parks

Bennett Spring State Park

Information: Park 417-532-4418
Water Surface Temp: 58º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Slow
Zone 1 and 2 popular lures: aqua or chartreuse Cracklebacks, copper Hot Shot, gingersnap, salmon and white, pink and white, or black and yellow marabou, and olive or black zebra midge; Zone 3 Popular Baits: yellow or salmon peach Power Baits, and green with red sparkly trout magnet; September fishing hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.; September weed cutting has been canceled due to mechanical failures.; October weed cutting is scheduled for October 20-21; 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: 9/21/15)

Maramec Spring Park

Information: 573-265-7801
Water Surface Temp: 57º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Fair
fishing is good; the spring branch has good flow and very good clarity; best fishing times are the first couple of hours shortly after the morning whistle; very light line is key to success, 1 - 2 lb. test is preferred; fish are hitting doughbaits in white, salmon peach, and hatchery brown colors when fished on a small treble hook and suspended under a float; roostertails in black/white, green, brown, and purple; plastic worms in orange, yellow, white, and red have all been proving good; remember that all brown trout less than 15" in length must be returned to the water immediately; fishing hours for the month of September are 7:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
(Reported on: 9/23/15)

Montauk State Park

Information: 573-548-2585
Water Surface Temp: 56º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
the river is running clear and normal for this time of year; the level is the same as last week and is currently at 1.35'; 4 lb. test fishing line or lighter is recommended; all colors of scented doughbaits work well in the bait zones; single hook Rooster Tails in olive, black, black and yellow, and black and white colors are good choices in all zones; cream thread jig, olive woolly bugger, root beer midge, and tube midges are good choices in the fly-only zone; the morning hours are the best times to fish but with the cooler temperatures fish can be caught throughout the day; September fishing hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.; for up-to-date stream conditions check USGS water data website at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?07064440.
(Reported on: 9/22/15)

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 in good condition; the water has cleared and visibility is better than last week; the dry fly fishing is back; right now we are fishing dark woolly 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; glo balls and San Juan worms in bright orange and red are also working; the water is back to normal and the use of Power Bait is recommended if you just want to catch a fast limit of trout, the orange, brown, and white are all good in the eggs; if you are using the worms, the orange peel, black/yellow, John Deere green, electric chicken, and cheese are all working; small gold spoons are really good if you fish them deep and slow; small spinnerbaits still work fine; jigs are catching fish, 1/32 and smaller are best, a few people have been catching trout on the white and olive micro jig; larger jigs are working best in darker colors: olive, black, black/yellow, and dark brown have all been working well; in the clear water the use of 2 lb. line is recommended; 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: 9/23/15)

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. FromMarch 1 to Oct. 31, the parks will collectively sell more than 400,000 tags and stock more than 900,000 fish. These fish will average about 12 inches long over the season, but some variation occurs. Dozens of lunkers weighing upwards of 3 pounds are stocked each year. A few tip the scales at more than 10 pounds.

Related articles

• Oklahoma weekly fishing report 9/17/2015 (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Missouri weekly fishing report 9/17/2015 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Erie-area fishing report for weekend of Sept. 11-13 (goerie.com)