Learn fishing skills with MDC’s free fly-tying classes in Jefferson City

 

MDC staff will guide participants through the skill of fly-tying

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to spend a few relaxing hours with MDC staff learning the art of fly-tying. Many different materials will be available for use, and participants will be taught how to fly-tie. This free event will be held at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City on Jan. 26 from 5:30-7:30 in the evening.

Fly-tying is a great way to customize a fishing lure to a specific type of fish or to a particular stretch of stream. It is also a way to get an added sense of accomplishment when a fish is caught with the handmade lure.

All participants must be older than 12 and register prior to attending one of these classes. Registration can be done at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4fw.  All questions can be directed to the instructor, Ashley Edwards, at ashley.edwards@mdc.mo.gov.

Runge Nature Center is located at 330 Commerce Drive in Jefferson City.

Two Days to Trout Park Catch and Keep Opener

Accuweather Forecast for Licking, MO

I'm not brave enough to mix it up with the opening day crowd, but man-oh-man, is the forecast looking perfect!  At Licking, just outside Montauk State Trout Park, the forecast high is 65 degrees with sunshine and a 0% chance of precipitation. As Opening Day veterans can tell you, you're probably just as likely to encounter snow as to have conditions like these.

If you are a first timer for Opening Day, what can you expect?  Well, lots and lots of people all ready to spend the day trying to catch their 4 fish limit and maybe even land one of the lunkers that are stocked on Opening Day as well as for a while after as well.  We will be making the rounds at a couple of the parks sharing the scenes through our Twitter   (@FamilyOutdoors1) and Facebook pages (https://www.facebook.com/thefamilyoutdoors/ ). I will thoroughly enjoy seeing the fun and waiting for more tranquil days to wet my line in the parks.

Opening Day numbers from 2021

6:30 am is the official starting time for fishing...if you are new to the whole process, here's how it works. Ahead of time, you want to get your license and tag taken care of.  The park offices can let you know what all you need, but the general idea is you need a fishing license and a daily trout park tag.  On Opening Day, you'll want to get those items taken care of way ahead of time as the lines will be LONG!  

If you are ready to fish at 6:30 am (on Opening Day, get to your spot way before), you will be standing in the stream likely checking the time over and over.  At 6:30 am, a horn will sound and everyone will cast pretty much simultaneously.  As the crowds will be great, some communication prior to the horn about the planned direction of casts is a great idea. 

Glow Bug trout fly
A go-to Trout Park classic

If you are unsure about techniques for catching fish in the trout parks, visit Trout Park Fishing from Family-Outdoors. The information is designed for people starting off in the Trout Parks.

We are looking forward to a great day and wish all the fishermen, women, and kids a great day of fishing. Drive safely and be courteous to those around you once the fishing starts.  

Learn about Missouri Trout Fishing

 

Photos: MDC will offer a free two-part trout
fishing clinic in sessions on
Feb. 19 and Feb. 26 in Liberty

To be honest, we are pretty proud of our trout fishing educational opportunities at Family-Outdoors. For example, you could start at our Missouri Trout Fishing page and acquire a ton of info!

Additionally, one of the pre-eminent outdoor agencies isn America, the MDC is hosting this program that will be great!

Second session will include trout fishing at Capital Federal Sports Complex 

Liberty, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a free two-part trout fishing clinic in Liberty on Saturday, Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 26. Instructors will teach trout fishing skills and provide actual fishing time with coaching by MDC staff and volunteers. The Feb. 19 session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be at the Liberty Community Center, 1600 S. Withers Road. On Feb. 26, the clinic will move to the lakes at the Capital Federal Sports Complex, 2200 Old 210 Highway, for some actual trout fishing from 8 to 11 a.m.

MDC stocks rainbow trout in urban lakes during winter when the water is cool and oxygenated enough to support this cold-water fish. The stockings provide a close-to-home fishing opportunity. Trout stocked at the sports complex and the fishing clinics are a partnership between MDC and the Liberty Parks and Recreation Department.

The clinic session on Feb. 19 will cover tackle and techniques for catching trout. Then participants will learn how to clean and prepare trout for cooking. On Feb. 26, participants will go trout fishing in the lakes at the sports complex. MDC will provide all necessary equipment including rods, reels, and line already set up for trout fishing. A Missouri fishing permit is not required. But if participants wish to keep the trout they catch, they must have a Missouri Trout Permit.

This session is for participants ages 8 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult. COVID-19 safety precautions will be followed. In case of bad weather on Feb. 26, participants will be notified of a different date for that session. Registration is required and all participants must be registered separately. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/44Z.

MDC offers online program that puts special spin on trout fishing

July 31 virtual program will focus on spin fishing for trout.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Spin fishing is an easy and relatively trouble-free way for anglers to catch a variety of fish – including trout.

People can get tips on how to get maximum benefits out of this popular style of fishing on their next trout-fishing trip at the free Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) online program “Spin Fishing For Trout,” a free virtual program 1-1:30 p.m. on July 31. Spin-fishing equipment can be effective trout-fishing tackle. MDC Conservation Educator Greg Collier will show how combining the proper reel, line, rod, and tackle, can help fill a stringer with rainbows on your next trout-fishing excursion. People can register for this program at:

 https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/173591

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate using the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/regions.

The Opportunities abound for Missouri Trout Fishermen

Current River at Baptist Camp

I used to go round and round on one of the old Google Groups that was focused on fly fishing about how good Missouri trout fishing was and is.  Some of them acknowledged that you could catch a lot of fish, but because many of them were hatchery fish, or at least not native, they were somehow unworthy.  I do not agree, and continue to be excited by the opportunities that await for myself, but also trout fishermen of all types.

In this post, I am just giving some basic details on the options - at the end of the article, you will find a link to an in depth article written by us on the vast majority of options available to you.

Trout Parks
You almost have to start here, because this is where the majority of Missouri trout fishermen get started and likely do the most fishing.  The parks are spread out west to east, but because the spring fed waters that produce water cool enough for trout is located in the Ozarks, the trout parks are all south of the Missouri River.

These parks offer easy fishing of a wide variety of methods - bait, spin, fly, bank, wading, sitting in a folding chair... They all have stores where you can purchase most of the gear you need as well as receive advice.  A little research on the internet will assist you greatly.

Rivers
The Current, Eleven Point, North Fork of the White, and Meramec are a few of the rivers in Missouri that offer outstanding fishing.  A lot of these waters are blue ribbon (fish must be 18" to keep), but you will not really be fishing them for the numbers of fish.  They are beautiful, and solitude can be yours here.

Small Streams
There are a bunch of small streams like Little Piney, Capps, Crane, Blue Springs, etc., that offer great solitude, unique opportunities for special breeds of fish, but like the rivers, they arenot going to fill your freezer with fish...

Finally, the MDC stocks many waters around Missouri for winter trout fishing in local lakes.  This can be a lot of fun, and since the fish will not survive through the summer anyhow, there is certainly no downside in limiting out any chance you get.

If you'd like to get started, or learn some new places to go, check out Missouri Trout Fishing.

Missouri Weekly Fishing Report

Central

Lakes

Binder Lake

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Bluegill: Good
Sunfish: Good
Black Bass: Good
bluegill and sunfish good on minnows and worms; black bass good on spinnerbaits and spoons; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Blind Pony Lake

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
all species are slow; reminder, 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: 6/8/16)

Lake of the Ozarks (Bagnell Tailwater)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
White Bass: Fair
catfish fair using cut baits, chicken livers, worms, and cut shad; crappie slow, try using minnows 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: 6/8/16)

Lake of the Ozarks (Glaize)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
White Bass: Fair
catfish fair using cut baits, worms, and chicken livers; crappie fair using minnows and crappie jigs; black bass slow, try using dark-colored soft plastics, buzzbaits; white bass fair using light-colored soft plastics, spoons, and Rooster Tails.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Lake of the Ozarks (Gravois)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Slow
catfish fair using cut baits; crappie slow; black bass fair using spinnerbaits; white bass slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Lake of the Ozarks (Niangua)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
catfish good using cut shad; crappie slow, try using minnows; bass fair using light-colored crankbaits.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Lake of the Ozarks (Osage)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
catfish fair using cut shad or hot dogs; crappie slow, try using minnows; bass fair using crankbaits.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Little Dixie Lake

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Largemouth Bass: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
Redear Sunfish: Good
crappie good on minnows and chartreuse and white; redear sunfish good on jigs. largemouth bass good on crankbaits and plastics; channel catfish fair on worms and prepared baits; all other species slow; all use, including fishing, is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Rivers

Lamine River

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Good
5' above normal; blue catfish good on cutbait below DeBourmont Access; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Missouri River (Middle)

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
channel catfish fair on nightcrawlers; blue catfish fair on fresh shad and cut Asian carp; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Osage (lower, at Tuscumbia)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
White Bass: Fair
catfish fair using cut baits, chicken livers, worms, and cut shad; crappie slow, try using minnows or crappie jigs; black bass slow, try using worms or dark-colored soft plastics; white bass fair using light-colored soft plastics, Rooster Tails and crappie jigs.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Kansas City

Lakes

Atkinson Lake (Schell-Osage CA)

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
all species fair; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Good
Bluegill: Good
Redear Sunfish: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
largemouth bass good on soft plastics near cover; channel catfish fair on cut baits and chicken liver; crappie slow, try using tube jigs and minnows near brush piles and weedbeds; bluegill and redear sunfish good on worms and small jigs.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Montrose Lake

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Slow
black bass good; catfish good; crappie slow; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Schell Lake (Schell-Osage CA)

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Catfish: Fair
all species fair; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Truman Lake

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Good
Walleye: Fair
catfish good on live baits such as goldfish and perch; hybrids fair using jigs and spoons; black bass fair using spinnerbaits and buzzbaits; crappie good using jigs and minnows; walleye fair using spoons and Rooster Tails; fishing pressure medium.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Truman Lake Tailwaters

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
White Bass: Fair
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Fair
Crappie: Slow
Catfish: Good
white bass and hybrid striped bass fair using spoons and spinnerbaits; crappie slow; catfish fair using cut baits, goldfish and perch; fishing pressure medium.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Rivers

Missouri River (Kansas City area)

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Good
Flathead Catfish: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
water level is falling, with debris in the flow; blue catfish and flathead catfish good on setlines using bluegill and other live baits; channel catfish good on worms and stinkbaits in the tributaries; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Northeast

Lakes

Henry Sever Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Bluegill: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Muskellunge: Good
Catfish: Good
bluegill fair using worms and minnows; crappie fair using minnows and jigs; largemouth bass fair using crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and rubber worms; muskie good using crankbaits and jerkbaits; catfish good using stinkbaits, blood baits, and hot dogs; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Hunnewell Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Bluegill: Good
Redear Sunfish: Good
Crappie: Good
bluegill good using Twister Tails; crappie good using jigs; channel catfish good 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: 6/7/16)

Long Branch Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Freshwater Drum: Good
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Good
Flathead Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
channel catfish good on stinkbaits, worms, shrimp, leeches, and livers; freshwater drum good on worms; hybrid striped bass good trolling across points with lures resembling shad; flathead catfish fair on setlines using live baits; crappie fair on jigs and minnows; largemouth bass fair on minnows and lures.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Mark Twain Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Flathead Catfish: Good
Crappie: Good
White Bass: Good
Largemouth Bass: Good
water level is low at 607.5; temperatures are at 72-75 degrees in the arms; temperature will be colder in the main channel; water is stained but clearing; catfish good on cut baits, shad, and live bluegill and goldfish; flathead catfish good on bluegill and green sunfish; crappie good in brush piles and standing timber, try using minnows or bright-colored jigs; white bass good on the points and mounds; largemouth bass good on bluffs and points, try using soft plastic lizards or worms; all other species are slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Thomas Hill Reservoir

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Catfish: Good
Black Bass: Slow
crappie slow; catfish good on all natural baits; black bass slow.
(Reported on: 5/31/16)

Rivers

Mississippi River (upper)

Information: 573-248-2530
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Freshwater Drum: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
Flathead Catfish: Fair
water level is normal and holding; freshwater drum good on worms; channel catfish good on shrimp and cut baits; flathead catfish fair on live baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Salt River - Downstream of Mark Twain Lake

Information: 573-248-2530
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported: : Good : Good : Good
catfish good using cut baits; all other species reported slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Northwest

Lakes

Bilby Ranch Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Good
Walleye: Good
channel catfish good on cut bait; black bass fair; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Lake Paho

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Largemouth Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
Black Bullhead : Good
largemouth bass good on soft plastics and spinnerbaits fished adjacent to shallow aquatic vegetation; channel catfish good on crayfish and stinkbaits fished on flats near drop offs and shallow aquatic vegetation; crappie good on small spinnerbaits in low light conditions; bullheads good on nightcrawlers fished with bobbers.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Mozingo Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Walleye: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Good
Bluegill: Good
black bass fair; crappie fair over medium depth brush; catfish good on cutbaits or worms; bluegill good on small worms; walleye good on crankbaits and jigs.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Pony Express Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Channel Catfish: Good
Black Bass: Slow
crappie slow, try using jigs; channel catfish good on worms and chicken livers; black bass slow, try using spinnerbaits.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Smithville Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Good
Catfish: Good
crappie fair; bass good on brush hogs and spinnerbaits; catfish good.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Rivers

Grand River

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
Channel Catfish: Good
blue catfish and flathead catfish fair using live baits on setlines; channel catfish good using dip baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Missouri River (upper)

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
Common Carp: Fair
water level has fallen below flood stage this weekend but is still very high with minor flooding occurring; channel catfish and carp fair on worms; flathead catfish fair on goldfish and worms; blue catfish fair on goldfish; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Ozark

Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake (East)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
crappie fair on jigs and minnows; black bass fair on a variety of lures; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Norfork Lake

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
crappie fair on jigs and minnows; black bass fair on a variety of lures; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Rivers

Big Piney River (lower, Pulaski Co.)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Big Piney River (upper, Texas Co.)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: dingy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Bryant Creek

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
smallmouth bass and goggle-eye fair on soft plastic; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Current River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Eleven Point River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
all species fair.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Gasconade River (middle)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Gasconade River (upper)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Jacks Fork River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
smallmouth bass fair on soft plastics and crankbaits; goggle-eye fair on soft plastics and grubs.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

North Fork of the White River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Slow
smallmouth bass and goggle-eye fair on soft plastic lures; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Southeast

Lakes

Clearwater Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Council Bluff Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 71º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Redear Sunfish: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Channel Catfish: Fair
channel catfish fair on worms and cut baits; largemouth bass are fair on dark-colored sort plastics during low light periods; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Cypress Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 80º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Good
Redear Sunfish: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
bluegill and redear sunfish good on jigs, crickets, and worms; largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits, minnows, jigs, and plastic worms; channel catfish fair on worms, crickets, and stinkbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Duck Creek C.A. Pool #1

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Good
Crappie: Fair
Warmouth: Good
Redear Sunfish: Good
bluegill, redear sunfish, and warmouth good on crickets, worms, BreamBugs and jigs; crappie fair on minnows; largemouth bass are fair on shiners and spinnerbaits.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Lake Girardeau

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 82º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Redear Sunfish: Slow
Channel Catfish: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Slow
bluegill fair on crickets; black bass fair on soft plastics; channel catfish fair on crickets and worms on bobbers in shallow waters; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Perry County Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
bluegill fair on worms and crickets; black bass fair on jigs; channel catfish fair on worms and crickets; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Robert DeLaney Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Bluegill: Good
Channel Catfish: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
bluegill good on mealworms and red wigglers; crappie fair on dark-colored jigs; black bass fair on jigs and plastic tubes; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Wappapello Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
Channel Catfish: Good
bluegill fair on crickets and worms; channel catfish good on live baits and worms on jug lines and trotlines at night; anglers should note the 9" minimum length limit regulation for crappie; the lake level is approximately 13' above summer pool elevation and is expected to crest on 06/07; due to high water levels, some boat ramps and other facilities around the lake are closed; 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: 6/7/16)

Rivers

Black River (above Clearwater Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Slow
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Black River (below Clearwater Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 71º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
Suckers: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
channel catfish fair on nightcrawlers and cut baits; all other species slow; discharge rate is 3500cfs.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Castor River (above Zalma)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
Longear Sunfish: Fair
Smallmouth Bass: Fair
black bass and goggle-eye are good on minnows and plastic worms; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Mississippi River (Middle)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Slow
Blue Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
blue catfish fair on cut baits and worms; flathead catfish fair on live goldfish and sunfish; all other species slow; the water level at Cape Girardeau is 28.8'.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Mississippi River (Ohio River to Arkansas)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Good
channel catfish fair on stinkbaits; blue catfish fair on cut Asian carp; flathead catfish good on live sunfish; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

St. Francis River (above Wappapello Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 71º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Suckers: Fair
catfish good on live bait; black bass fair on soft plastics; crappie fair on minnows and jigs; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

St. Francis River (below Wappapello Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Crappie: Slow
channel catfish fair on pole and line with stinkbaits and livers; flathead catfish fair on live green sunfish and goldfish; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Southwest

Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake (West)

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 73º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
White Bass: Fair
Walleye: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Good
black bass good on soft plastics, jigs, nightcrawlers, and topwater lures in the early morning; crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush piles; white bass fair on white Rooster Tails and swimming minnows; walleye fair on jerkbaits, nightcrawlers, and spoons; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Lake Taneycomo

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 52º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Good
trout good on scud pattern flies and San Juan worm flies, marabou jigs, Rooster Tails, and Rogues in the upper portion when the water is running; trout good in lower portion of the lake on orange, chartreuse, pink, or white Gulp Power Baits when fished with a sinker and an 18" leader that allows the bait to float off the bottom, live minnows, nightcrawlers, and worms also working well.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Pomme de Terre Reservoir

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 76º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
Catfish: Good
Walleye: Good
Bluegill: Good
black bass good on plastic baits on the points and topwater lures over brush; crappie good on minnows in 15' - 20' of water; bluegill good on crickets; catfish good on live baits; walleye good while trolling on flats.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Stockton Lake

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 71º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Walleye: Good
White Bass: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
Bluegill: Good
largemouth bass good on plastic worms, jig combinations, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, nightcrawlers, and minnows in 2' - 10' of water off of points and near submerged structure, fair on topwater lures; bluegill good on nightcrawlers, Beetle Spins, and Road Runners in shallow water; walleye good on deep diving crankbaits and nightcrawlers along the bottom in 10' - 20' of water; channel catfish good on nightcrawlers, minnows, and jigs in coves; carp good while bowfishing in coves; smallmouth bass fair on plastic worms in 2' - 10' of water; crappie good on minnows and jigs near deep submerged structure; smallmouth bass good on plastic worms in 2' - 10' of water; white bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, and minnows in 10' - 15' of water; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Table Rock Lake

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Good
Crappie: Fair
bluegill good on worms around docks and rocky banks; black bass fair on topwater lures in the early morning, try Ned Rig in 15' - 20' of water later in the day off steep bluffs; crappie fair in 15' of water around cover; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Table Rock Lake (James River arm)

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Fair
black bass good on deep diving crankbaits around docks and rock shelf bluffs, also try jigs and grubs on secondary gravel points; catfish good on shrimp and small perch, channel catfish being caught on stinkbaits, blood baits, and cut baits; crappie fair on live minnows around submerged timber and brush piles in 20' of water.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Rivers

James River

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
Catfish: Good
Bluegill: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
black bass good on swimbaits, grubs, crankbaits, Wiggle Warts, and topwater Spooks; crappie good on minnows and shad baits; goggle-eye good on minnows and small jigs in darker colors; bluegill good on worms, crickets, and small jigs; catfish good on live baits, cut baits, livers, shrimp, and worms.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Niangua River

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Fair
Brown Trout: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
trout fair below Bennett Spring on Power Baits and minnows; black bass fair on live baits and soft plastics; goggle-eye fair on small jigs in darker colors; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

St. Louis

Lakes

Busch Memorial Conservation Area Lake 33

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
catfish fair on cut baits, doughbaits, or livers; black bass fair on spinnerbaits, plastic worms, or crankbaits; crappie fair on minnows and jigs; bluegill fair on worms, crickets, and natural baits.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

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

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair : Slow : Slow : Slow
catfish fair, try using cut baits, doughbaits, or livers; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Rivers

Big River

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Bourbeuse River

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
catfish fair on cut baits, worms, and blood baits; black bass slow on crankbaits; crappie slow on minnows; bluegill fair on worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Meramec River (Crawford Co.)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 75º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
catfish fair on cut bait; black bass fair on plastic worms; bluegill fair on crickets.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Meramec River (St. Louis Co.)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 74º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
catfish fair on blood baits, cut baits, and livers; crappie fair, try using minnows; black bass fair, try using crankbaits; bluegill fair using natural baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Mississippi River (St. Louis Region)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 78º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
blue catfish fair on cut baits; channel catfish are fair on dip bait and prepared baits.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Missouri River (Lower)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 77º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
blue catfish are fair on cut baits; channel catfish fair on cut and prepared baits.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

Trout Parks

Trout Parks

Bennett Spring State Park

Information: Park 417-532-4418
Water Surface Temp: 57º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Fair
Zone 1 and 2 popular lures: black, red and yellow, gingersnap, and yellow and brown marabou, minnow, gold, bumble bee, brown glitter, or black with gold spinner Rooster Tails, olive or orange scuds, olive zebra midge, Bennett blue, pearl, or holographic green crackleback; Zone 3 popular baits: salmon eggs or salmon peach, rainbow, pink, or yellow Power Baits; June fishing hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. June weed cutting is scheduled for June 28-29; cutting will begin in Zone 3 and move upstream; remember that all brown trout less than 15" in length must be returned to the water immediately; for up-to-date stream conditions check USGS water data website at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?06923500; trout cam - https://mostateparks.com/content/trout-cam; for more information, please contact Bennett Spring Hatchery at 417-532-4418. Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for June 11th and 12th.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

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 above average flow due to recent rains; best fishing times are the first couple of hours shortly after the morning whistle but fish can be caught throughout the day; very light line is key to success, 2-4 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; Rooster Tails 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 June are 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Free Fishing Weekend is June 11th and 12th, no fishing license or trout tag is required statewide.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Montauk State Park

Information: 573-548-2585
Water Surface Temp: 57º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
water level is currently at 1.87' down from 1.99' last week and is still slightly dingy; 4 lb. test fishing line or lighter is recommended; orange, yellow, and green dough baits, plastic worms, and eggs have been working in the bait zones; Root Beer Midge and Black Zebra Midge are good choices in the fly-only zone; Rooster Tails in black and yellow, black and white, and all white are good choices in all zones; the morning hours are the best times to fish, but fish can be caught throughout the day; June fishing hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; for up-to-date stream conditions check USGS water data website athttp://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?07064440.
(Reported on: 6/7/16)

Roaring River State Park

Information: 417-847-2430
Water Surface Temp: 58º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
dredging will continue this week in the lower half of Zone 2; the river is low for this time of year and is clear; right now, Cracklebacks, Adams, beetles, ants, hoppers, and caddis flies are all good; leaders are 9' with 6X or 7X tippets; fish are still being caught on nymphs, pheasant tails, copper johns, black, brown and gray zebra midges, sow bugs, burlaps, hares ears and small prince nymphs; glo balls, San Juan worms, black, brown, olive, and tan buggers and leeches work well most of the day, fish are still being caught on the baby buggers in the same colors; plastic eggs and worms are still catching lots of fish, orange, orange/white, cheese, white, and fluorescent yellow have all been good; spinnerbaits are still working in the early mornings black, brown, white, olive, and skunk have all been working well; jig fisherman are really doing well right now, the water is good for sight fishing and the jig fisherman are catching trout on olive, black, brown, white, and tan; if you are using Micro Jigs, tan, olive, and black/yellow have been the best colors; Zone 3 is fishing good on white or orange Power Bait paste; corn, nightcrawlers, and natural eggs have also been working.
(Reported on: 6/8/16)

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.

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