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| Largemouth bass. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
In most streams south of the Missouri River, black bass season will open May 24, 2014, until that date all black bass in those streams must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught. For details see Chapter 6 of the Wildlife Code.
PLEASE CHECK REGULATIONS CAREFULLY: Special regulations may apply to designated portions of water bodies; some baits and lures may not be legal for all portions.
PLEASE CHECK REGULATIONS CAREFULLY: Special regulations may apply to designated portions of water bodies; some baits and lures may not be legal for all portions.
Central
Lakes
Binder Lake
Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 73º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
crappie fair; bluegill fair; largemouth bass fair; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Blind Pony Lake
Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
the lake is 1.5' low; largemouth bass fair on soft plastics near brush piles and the face of the dam; bluegill and channel catfish fair on nightcrawlers; crappie fair near the face of the dam; all other species slow; the lake is closed to private boats and bait held or transported in containers with water is prohibited; Please return boats available for use (at no charge) to the shoreline storage area when done. Boats left elsewhere on the lake are unavailable for others to use.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Lake of the Ozarks (Bagnell Tailwater)
Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass
White Bass: Slow
Catfish: Fair
crappie slow on minnows and crappie jigs; black bass season closed; white bass slow on light colored soft plastics, Rooster Tails and crappie jigs; catfish fair on worms, cut shad and chicken liver.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Lake of the Ozarks (Glaize)
Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Slow
Catfish: Slow
crappie slow on jigs and minnows; white bass slow on light colored soft plastics and spoons; catfish slow on chicken livers, stinkbaits, worms and cut baits; black bass fair on dark colored soft plastics, spinnerbaits and crankbaits.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Lake of the Ozarks (Gravois)
Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
Catfish: Slow
crappie good on minnows around brush; black bass fair on crankbaits; white bass fair on minnows; catfish slow on cut bait.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Lake of the Ozarks (Niangua)
Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Good
Catfish: Good
White Bass: Fair
catfish good on cut shad; crappie good on light colored jigs with Crappie Nibbles; black bass fair on spinnerbaits; white bass fair on spinnerbaits.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Lake of the Ozarks (Osage)
Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Good
White Bass: Fair
catfish good on cut shad; crappie fair on dark colored jigs or minnows; black bass fair on crankbaits; white bass fair on dark colored plastics.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Little Dixie Lake
Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
crappie good on live minnows and light green jigs; largemouth bass fair on plastics; bluegill good on crickets; channel catfish good on chicken liver; all other species slow; all use including fishing is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Rivers
Lamine River
Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Blue Catfish: Good
the Lamine is 1' above normal; channel catfish and blue catfish good on cut baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Missouri River (Middle)
Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
blue catfish good on cut carp and liver; channel catfish fair on stinkbait; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Osage (lower, at Tuscumbia)
Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass
White Bass: Slow
Catfish: Fair
crappie slow on minnows and crappie jigs; black bass season closed; white bass slow on light colored soft plastics, Rooster Tails and crappie jigs; catfish fair on worms, cut shad and chicken liver.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Kansas City
Lakes
Atkinson Lake (Schell-Osage CA)
Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Good
all other species fair.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area
Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Black Bass: Good
Crappie: Fair
Bluegill: Good
water level 1' low; black bass good on plastic worms near brush piles and weedbeds; crappie fair on tube jigs near shallow water brush piles; bluegill good on worms under a bobber; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Montrose Lake
Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Catfish: Fair
Fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Schell Lake (Schell-Osage CA)
Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Good
all other species fair.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Truman Lake
Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Good
Catfish: Fair
Crappie good on jigs and minnows: all other species slow; fishing pressure medium.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Truman Lake Tailwaters
Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
White Bass: Good
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Good
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Fair
White bass good on Sassy Shad and spoons on top water; catfish fair on live bait; all other species slow; pressure medium.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Rivers
Missouri River (Kansas City area)
Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish
Blue Catfish
the river level is elevated but still within the normal range and fishing for catfish is improving; channel catfish are biting on cut bait and worms; blue catfish are becoming more active and moving onto the flats, try using worms or cut bait in these locations, stinkbaits are not as regularly successful; all other species are slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Northeast
Lakes
Henry Sever Lake
Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits; crappie good on minnows and jigs; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Hunnewell Lake
Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
crappie fair using Twister Tails; all other species slow; the lake is closed to private boats, and bait held or transported in containers with water is prohibited.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Long Branch Lake
Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 58º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Fair
crappie good in 3' deep water on minnows and jigs; hybrid striped bass fair on lures; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Mark Twain Lake
Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
Lake Level 606.8; crappie fair on minnows and jigs close to shore; blue catfish fair on natural baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Thomas Hill Reservoir
Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Largemouth Bass: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
crappie good on jigs and minnows near banks in shallow water; largemouth bass good on lures; channel catfish fair on nightcrawlers and stinkbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Rivers
Mississippi River (upper)
Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 54º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Freshwater Drum: Good
channel catfish good on stinkbaits and nightcrawlers; freshwater drum good on nightcrawlers; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Salt (below Mark Twain)
Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 57º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Northwest
Lakes
Bilby Ranch Lake
Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
Crappie: Good
63 degrees, normal and clear; black bass good; channel catfish good; crappie good along rocky shores; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Lake Paho
Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 58º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie
Channel Catfish
Largemouth Bass
58 degrees and dingy; crappie are being taken near rip rap during low light periods on small spinners and jigs; channel catfish continue to be taken on natural baits; largemouth bass continue to be taken on soft plastics in less than 3' of water; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Mozingo Lake
Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
Crappie: Good
Walleye: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
60 - 65 degrees, low, clear; black bass good; crappie good with males moving to the shallows; bluegill fair on small jigs tipped with worms; walleye slow; channel catfish good on cut bait.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Pony Express Lake
Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Largemouth Bass: Good
66 degrees, low and clear; crappie coming into shallows to spawn, good on jigs; largemouth bass good on plastic worms; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Smithville Lake
Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
White Bass: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs; black bass good; white bass good; catfish fair.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Rivers
Grand River
Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 50º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
channel catfish fair on cut shad and worms; all other species slow
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Missouri River (upper)
Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 54º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Flathead Catfish: Fair
Channel Catfish: Good
Common Carp: Fair
54 degrees, normal and clear; channel catfish good on worms and dip baits; flathead catfish fair on worms; carp fair on worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Ozark
Lakes
Bull Shoals Lake (East)
Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
White Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
white bass and crappie fair on swimming minnows; black bass fair on artificial baits.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Norfork Lake
Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
White Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
white bass and crappie fair on swimming minnows; black bass fair on artificial baits.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Rivers
Big Piney River (lower, Pulaski Co.)
Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 61º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
goggle-eye good on jigs and nightcrawlers.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Big Piney River (upper, Texas Co.)
Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
Smallmouth Bass: Good
goggle-eye and smallmouth bass good on soft plastics and live bait.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Bryant Creek
Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
smallmouth bass and goggle-eye fair on soft plastic baits.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Current River
Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
goggle-eye good on jigs; all other species are slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Eleven Point River
Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
all species good.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Gasconade River (middle)
Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
goggle-eye good on jigs and nightcrawlers; channel catfish fair on live bait.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Gasconade River (upper)
Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 71º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
Sunfish: Good
goggle-eye and sunfish good on soft plastics and nightcrawlers.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Jacks Fork River
Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
smallmouth bass and goggle-eye good on soft plastics.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
North Fork of the White River
Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
smallmouth bass and goggle-eye fair on soft plastic baits.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Southeast
Lakes
Clearwater Lake
Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
White Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
crappie fair on Twister Tail jigs with Crappie Nibbles at 10' depths around brush piles; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Council Bluff Lake
Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
Redear Sunfish: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
largemouth bass good on dark colored soft plastics during low light periods; channel catfish fair on liver; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Cypress Lake
Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Good
bluegill good on worms and crickets about 10' from bank in 2' - 3' of water; largemouth bass fair on artificial lures in 2' - 3' of water; crappie fair on minnows and jigs in 2' - 3' of water; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Duck Creek C.A. Pool #1
Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 70º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
Bluegill: Good
Redear Sunfish: Slow
bluegill good on crickets; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Lake Girardeau
Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits; crappie fair on minnows and jigs; bluegill fair on minnows and jigs; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Perry County Lake
Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
crappie fair on jigs; largemouth bass fair on plastic worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Robert DeLaney Lake
Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Bluegill: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
crappie good on jigs and minnows; bluegill fair on crickets and waxworms; black bass fair on live bait and spinners, all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Wappapello Lake
Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Channel Catfish: Good
Bluegill: Fair
channel catfish good on worms and live bait on trotlines and jug lines at night; crappie fair on minnows and jigs; black bass fair on crankbaits and plastic worms; bluegill fair on crickets; all other species slow. Anglers should note the 9" minimum length limit regulation for crappie on Wappapello Lake. Recorded lake level and other information can be received by calling the Wappapello Lake Information Hotline at 573-222-8139 or 1-877-lake-info.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Rivers
Black River (above Clearwater Lake)
Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
White Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
smallmouth bass and goggle-eye good on plastic baits; white bass fair on Road Runners; bluegill fair on live worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Black River (below Clearwater Lake)
Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 61º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
crappie fair on minnows and jigs; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Castor River (above Zalma)
Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
black bass fair on jigs and small crankbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Mississippi River (Middle)
Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Slow
the river is 25.2' and falling; channel catfish and blue catfish fair on worms and stinkbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Mississippi River (Ohio River to Arkansas)
Information: 573-290-5730
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Striped Bass: Slow
Shovelnose Sturgeon
river is 27' and holding, channel catfish fair on worms and cut bait; some having luck catching shovelnose sturgeon on worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
St. Francis River (above Wappapello Lake)
Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Green Sunfish: Good
Bluegill: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
green sunfish and bluegill are good on crickets and worms; channel catfish good on large minnows; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
St. Francis River (below Wappapello Lake)
Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
channel catfish fair on worms and stinkbaits; flathead catfish fair on trotlines with goldfish; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Southwest
Lakes
Bull Shoals Lake (West)
Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 59º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
White Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
Walleye: Fair
black bass good on spinnerbaits, jigs, and Alabama Rigs (only 3 hooks allowed); white bass good on white Rooster Tails and swimming minnows; crappie good on minnows, jigs, and swimming minnows; walleye fair on jerkbaits and minnows; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Lake Taneycomo
Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 49º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
rainbow trout good in upper portion of the lake on marabou jigs and glo balls on spinning gear, flies such as scuds and San Juan worms on fly rods also working well; rainbow trout good in lower portion of the lake on Power Baits, corn, and nightcrawlers.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Pomme de Terre Reservoir
Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Good
Walleye: Good
Catfish: Good
black bass good on plastic worms and crankbaits; walleye good on yellow and chartreuse jigs and Rogues while casting shallow points; crappie good on minnows and chartreuse jigs around brush piles in 8' - 15' of water; catfish good on jug lines, trotlines and pole and line using cut baits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Stockton Lake
Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Fair
crappie good on minnows and various colored artificial lures in 13' - 15' of water; black bass fair on flats and off points using jerkbaits of various colors, most common is chartreuse, blue, or white; catfish slow, best on liver or earthworms from banks off coves and points; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Table Rock Lake
Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Crappie: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
black bass good on purple or green worms on a shakey head off main points and sloping gravel banks; crappie fair around shallow cover on white or yellow jigs; goggle-eye fair on purple salamanders; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Table Rock Lake (James River arm)
Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
White Bass: Fair
Walleye: Fair
white bass fair on white sliders, pearl white swimming minnows, and X-raps that dive to at least 6', live minnows and Alabama Rigs with three hooks are also working well; crappie fair on small jigs and minnows near the bank in early morning and late evening; black bass fair on swimbaits and spinnerbaits, Alabama Rigs with three hooks also working well, try smoke or shad colored baits that mimic a small school of fish and cast along rocky bluffs that have some submerged tree tops, green colored jigs thrown on gravel points are producing good results; walleye fair on spinnerbaits, shad crankbaits and live minnows; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Rivers
James River
Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
White Bass: Fair
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Good
Catfish: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
black bass good on spooks in top water and on 4" jerkbaits and crankbaits in shallow water off points; crappie good on jigs and minnows in 5' of water around trees; goggle-eye good on spinnerbaits and worms around rocks; catfish good on minnows and worms in open channels of warm water; white bass fair on minnows and X-rap Rapalas in the morning and evenings.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Niangua River
Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Fair
Brown Trout: Fair
rainbow and brown trout fair on brightly colored Power Bait and olive/dark colored flies; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
St. Louis
Lakes
Busch Memorial Conservation Area Lake 33
Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 61º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Good
crappie good on jigs and minnows; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Busch Memorial Conservation Area Lakes 3, 4, 5, 7, and 23
Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
catfish fair on cut baits, doughbaits, blood baits and livers; call the "Fish Stocking Hotline" (636) 300-9651 for stocking information.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Rivers
Big River
Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 58º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Bourbeuse River
Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 61º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Bluegill: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
channel catfish fair on cut bait, blood bait and worms.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Meramec River (Crawford Co.)
Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Brown Trout: Good
black bass fair on plastic worms; bluegill fair on worms; catfish fair on cut bait.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Meramec River (St. Louis Co.)
Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 56º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Slow
Catfish: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Crappie: Slow
bluegill fair on worms; catfish fair on worms.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Mississippi River (St. Louis Region)
Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 58º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
Freshwater Drum: Fair
Shovelnose Sturgeon: Fair
blue catfish and channel catfish fair on worms and cut shad; shovelnose sturgeon and freshwater drum fair on worms.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Missouri River (Lower)
Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 59º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Freshwater Drum: Fair
catfish fair on cut baits and blood baits.
(Reported on: 5/7/14)
Trout Parks
Trout Parks
Bennett Spring State Park
Information: Park 417-532-4418
Water Surface Temp: 57º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Slow
Zone 1 and 2 lures that are working well are: peach or creamsicle marabou jigs; holographic red or black Cracklebacks; red brassie; John Deere and grey Deere, white mini jig; red glo balls; white Rooster Tails. Zone 3 baits that are popular are: orange Power Bait; pink worms; red salmon eggs. May fishing hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. May weed cutting is scheduled for May 20 - 21. Cutting will start in Zone 3 and work upstream. Cutting will begin at 8:00 am and finish around 2:30 pm. If you have any questions call 417-532-4418
(Reported on: 5/5/14)
Maramec Spring Park
Information: 573-265-7801
Water Surface Temp: 56º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Brown Trout: Good
Fishing is good, the spring branch has normal flow and the water is very clear; remember to use lightweight line and small tackle especially when the water is very clear; green/white, black/white, and green/yellow rubber leg jigs and trout worms in orange, black/yellow, red, green/white, and orange/white are producing good fish; fish are biting on doughbaits in white, yellow, cream and brown colors fished on the bottom; fishing hours for the month of May are 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.; Kid's Free Fishing Day isSaturday May 17, 2014. For more information or to volunteer please call 573-265-7801.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Montauk State Park
Information: 573-548-2585
Water Surface Temp: 57º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
the water level is normal and running clear, the river level is currently 1.46' at the lower end of the park which is down slightly from last week; 4 lb. test fishing line or lighter is recommended; fishing is good on most baits; white, brown and yellow scented dough and putty baits are working well in the bait zones; most flies, Rooster Tails and jigs in black and yellow, olive colors and other dark colors are working well, some colors work better at different times of the day; the best fishing is in the mornings and evenings. May fishing hours are 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. For up-to-date stream conditions checkhttp://waterdata.usgs.gov/
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Roaring River State Park
Information: 417-847-2430
Water Surface Temp: 58º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Kids Fishing Day will be held on May 17th. The upper part of the stream will be reserved for kids 15 and under all day. The River is still going down slowly. Water level is below normal for this time of year. Right now using 6X tippet on fly rods and 7X when fishing dry flies. Best flies right now are #14-#22 Adams, #14-#22 blue wing olives, #14-#20 caddis fly, zebra midges #18's and smaller, pheasant tails, copper johns, burlaps, sow bugs and hares ears all #14's and smaller; black, brown, and the olive Rooster Tails; small Colorado wooly bugger spinner combos; orange, white, and florescent yellow Power Bait eggs; plastic worms in orange, cheese, pink, and orange peel area all good. Marabou jig fishing is good right now, on a spin or casting reel, you will need 2 or 3 lb. line, p-line, maxima, or mean green will work well; still using #10 hooks on the worms and #12 and smaller for the plastic eggs; 3/0 and BB sized sinkers will work best for you right now; Zone 3 is fishing good on Power Bait paste, white has been good and orange has been working; also corn, nightcrawlers and natural eggs have been working.
(Reported on: 5/6/14)
Fish Management Notice
Trout Stocking
The Conservation Department stocks trout in each of the trout parks every evening from the day before the March 1 opener through Oct. 30. Tag sale estimates determine a daily stocking rate average of 2.25 fish per expected angler. Except on opening day, three fish are stocked for every expected angler. FromMarch 1 to Oct. 31, the parks will collectively sell more than 400,000 tags and stock more than 900,000 fish. These fish will average about 12 inches long over the season, but some variation occurs. Dozens of lunkers weighing upwards of 3 pounds are stocked each year. A few tip the scales at more than 10 pounds.
