Thursday, June 9, 2016

Missouri Weekly Fishing Report

English: Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu...

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.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Missouri Department of Conservation Director Robert L. Ziehmer Announces Resignation

MDC Director Robert L. Ziehmer
(pictured in the MDC hat collaring the baby elk)
 is stepping down as director effective July 15.
After six and half years, Ziehmer is stepping down as director effective July 15.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces that Director Robert L.  Ziehmer is stepping down as director effective July 15, 2016
“It is with mixed emotions that I am resigning from my position as director,” Ziehmer said. “My decision to leave was not easy. The many years I have spent with the Department have been both professionally challenging and rewarding.  However, I am excited about continuing my conservation career through a new endeavor in the private sector.”
Ziehmer has been with MDC for over 25 years. During his last six and half years as director, he has continued to move conservation forward by forging strong statewide and national conservation partnerships and increasing public engagement on key conservation initiatives.
Some milestones during Ziehmer’s tenure include restoration activities for elk, prairie chickens, hellbenders and sturgeon; active efforts to deliver the conservation message in all public schools; implementation of major infrastructure projects, including hatchery renovations, wetland renovations, shooting range renovations, and new regional facilities; working to improve the agency’s business processes; and continuing MDC’s role as a national leader in fish, forest, and wildlife management.
“Bob’s dedication to Missouri Conservation and his career with the Department has made a lasting impact for the betterment of the fish, forest, and wildlife of this state,” said Conservation Commission Chair Marilynn Bradford. “He has chosen to take the next step in his conservation career, and we are indebted to he and his family for his devoted service and commitment to Missouri Conservation.”
Ziehmer was appointed director in January 2010. He is the 8th person to serve in this capacity since MDC’s founding in 1937. 

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Tree health in the Ozarks, a growing concern

View from Stegall Mtn Firetower
People with tree concerns or questions can get answers at June 18 event
WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Missourians love their trees and each summer, a number of diseases and pests cause concern for tree owners throughout the region.
People can get information about tree problems they may be experiencing at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) seminar “Are Trees In Trouble.” This free event will be 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 18 at the MDC Ozark Regional Office in West Plains (551 Joe Jones Blvd.). Lunch will be provided.
Part of the workshop will focus on invasive species that could have critical impacts on Missouri forests. Also discussed will be the benefits of urban trees and I-Tree Streets, a computer-based program that allows communities to conduct and analyze street tree inventory. I-Tree Streets software allows homeowners in urban areas to see the benefits of having trees in their neighborhood and around town.
The workshop will conclude with a showing of “Trees in Trouble,” a documentary that tells the story of America’s urban and community forests; their history, their growing importance to our health, economy and environment.
People can register for this workshop by to register for this workshop, contact MDC’s Ozark Regional Office at 417-256-7161. Information about tree pests and tree management can also be found at mdc.mo.gov.

Saturday, June 4, 2016

MDC seeks public input on Danville and Mansfield conservation areas

Public comment period runs through June 30.
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is in the multi-year process of updating Conservation Area Management Plans and is seeking public input on how conservation areas are important to Missourians. Draft plans for the Danville and Mansfield conservation areas are available for public review through June 30. To preview the draft management plan and to share comments online, visit www.mdc.mo.gov/areaplans
Danville Conservation Area consists of 3,136 acres of woodland, upland forest, glade, grassland, bottomland forest, old field, cropland, and ephemeral wetlands in Montgomery County. Management focuses on providing quality natural communities that support diverse wildlife populations and provide outdoor recreational activities. Three individual campsites without amenities, one designated camping area with six defined campsites, five parking lots, two privies, and a 3-mile hiking trail are available for public use. 
Alice Ahart Mansfield Conservation Area contains 80 acres of forest in Camden County. Management activities focus on wildlife, forest, and woodland resources with an emphasis on healthy forests and compatible recreational opportunities. This area offers a parking lot and a 0.75-mile hiking trail for public use. 
“Missourians care about conservation and use conservation areas for many different reasons,” said MDC Director Bob Ziehmer. “These areas help people discover nature through various activities and help make Missouri a great place to hunt, fish and enjoy outdoor activities. We want to know how conservation areas are important to Missourians. Encouraging public comments on Conservation Area Management Plans is part of MDC’s ongoing efforts of working for and with Missourians to sustain healthy forests, fish and wildlife.”
MDC staff will review comments as they develop a management plan for Danville and Mansfield conservation areas. Decisions on which ideas to incorporate into area plans and on how to best incorporate them will be based on the property’s purpose, its physical and biological conditions and capabilities, the best roles of the property in its local, regional and statewide context, and on the professional expertise of MDC staff.

Friday, June 3, 2016

Black bear travels nearly 400 miles across southern Missouri

Traveling black bear is a reminder to be “Bear Aware.”
WHITEWATER, Mo. – A three-year-old black bear sighted in Whitewater Friday morning is a reminder to southeast Missourians to be “Bear Aware” according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Whitewater resident Phillip O’Kelly saw the bear with his daughter on their front porch, but when the bear heard humans, it took off, he said.
“It was probably about 100 feet from the porch,” O’Kelly said. “I came out to look at it and as soon as it heard our commotion it turned around to run off.”
O’Kelly said his property is surrounded by woods and is a place where his family enjoys seeing wildlife of all kinds.
“He wasn’t aggressive, was just looking around and he definitely wasn’t hurting anything,” O’Kelly said. “I hope people just let him be.”
O’Kelly noticed the bear was wearing a collar and ear tag, so the family contacted the MDC’s Southeast Regional Office to report the sighting.
“I’ve been tracking this bear and watched it trek about 400 miles across the southern part of the state,” said Jeff Beringer, MDC resource scientist who leads the Missouri Black Bear Project.
Beringer’s research confirms multiple bear sighting reports made to Bollinger County Conservation Agent Jeff Scott this week, were all related to the same bear as he traveled through the area.
The Missouri Black Bear Project has entered its second phase.  First, biologists trapped and radio-collared bears across southern Missouri. This helped them to estimate how many bears are in the state. Now the biologists are measuring survival and reproductive rates of female bears as well as keeping track of survival of first-year cubs.
“This bear probably left Christian county because his mother ran him off and because young male bears have an instinct to move and find unrelated females,” Beringer explained. “Not all bears move this far, but long dispersals are common for male bears.”
Beringer said the bear sighted in Whitewater was originally captured when it was 18-months-old in Christian county, where it wintered.  Sometime the following year, the bear traveled to Warren County where he denned. 
“This spring, a landowner took pictures of him and sent them to me and I noted the collar and knew he was a long way from home,” Beringer said, adding that studying the animal’s movements gives MDC an opportunity to see how bears use corridors and other physical barriers like roads and rivers.  Beringer said the bear was recaptured and given a new collar in May and has since traveled on its own to southeast Missouri.
“He’s probably looking for a female and I expect he will settle down somewhere this summer, since he’s three-years-old now,” Beringer said.
Beringer said this bear sighting is a good reminder for Missourians to be “Bear Aware” by making efforts to keep bears wild. Residents should ensure bird feeders are put away, trash is kept out of reach and any pet food is stored inside at night.
“A fed bear is a dead bear,” Beringer said. “Bears are creatures of habit, so if they find they can get a free meal somewhere, they’re likely to stick around and that’s when they get into trouble.”
O’Kelly said although he enjoyed seeing the bear, his property doesn’t have things sitting out that might make the bear stay.
“It’s neat to see a bear in real life, instead of on television,” O’Kelly said. “He was a cute bear to look at, but we hope people let him be and he can travel on and stay out of trouble.”
For more information on bears in Missouri and how to be “Bear Aware,” go online tohttp://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zky.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

How are conservation areas important to you?

The Missouri Department of Conservation is in the process of updating management plans for conservation areas and invites public comments. To view management plans and share comments online, visit mdc.mo.gov/areaplans.  
The following draft conservation area management plans are available for public comment June 1-30, 2016.

Central Region

Danville Conservation Area Management Plan – Danville Conservation Area is 3,136 acres of woodland, upland forest, glade, grassland, bottomland forest, old field, cropland, and ephemeral wetlands in Montgomery County. Management is focused on providing quality natural communities that support diverse wildlife populations and provide outdoor recreational activities. Three individual campsites without amenities, one designated camping area with six defined campsites, five parking lots, two privies, and a 3 mile hiking trail are available for public use.  
Mansfield Conservation Area Management Plan  – Alice Ahart Mansfield Conservation Area is 80 acres of forest in Camden County. Management activities are focused on wildlife, forest, and woodland resources with an emphasis on healthy forests and compatible recreational opportunities. This area offers a parking lot and a 0.75 mile hiking trail for public use.

Kansas City Region

Pinhook Access Management Plan  – Pinhook Access is 4 acres of forest and grasslands in Pettis County. This area is managed to provide public fishing access to Muddy Creek for bank anglers. There is one parking lot for public use.

Northeast Region

Anderson & DuPont Conservation Areas Management Plan  – This plan includes both Edward Anderson Conservation Area (1,046 acres) & DuPont Reservation Conservation Area (1,320 acres) in Ralls and Pike Counties. These areas provide for multiple public uses and for conserving and managing the areas’ natural resources.
Shelby County Conservation Areas (Less Than 155 Acres) Management Plan  – These areas provide compatible outdoor recreational activities including hunting and fishing. Conservation areas included in this plan are Arrow-Wood Conservation Area, Fed Bollow Conservation Area, and Pin Oak Conservation Area.

Northwest Region

Crooked River Conservation Area Management Plan  – Crooked River Conservation Area is 1,420 acres of forest, open fields, woodland, old field, grassland, food plots, impounded water, wetland, and infrastructure in Ray County. This area is managed to provide quality upland habitat and associated wildlife while providing a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for the public. There are seven parking lots, seven individual campsites, two fishing ponds, and one fishing lake for public use.
Nodaway County Community Lake Management Plan  – Nodaway County Community Lake is 320 acres of old field, lakes/ponds, grassland, cropland, forest, and woodland. The purpose of this area is to provide fishing and hunting opportunities for the public in and around the Maryville area. This area offers a concrete boat ramp, one fishing jetty, one privy, three parking areas, one designated primitive camping area, and 2.6 miles of hiking trails.

Ozark Region

Dan and Maureen Cover Memorial Wildlife Area Management Plan  – Dan and Maureen Cover Memorial Wildlife Area is 282 acres of forest, woodland, grassland, old field, warm-season grass field, and open water in Oregon County. This area is managed for a mosaic of grassland, woodland, and forest natural communities to provide a diversity of wildlife habitats and to provide compatible public recreation opportunities. This area provides a parking lot and 1 acre Cover Lake for public use.

Southeast Region

Coldwater Conservation Area Management Plan  – Coldwater Conservation Area is 10,738 acres of upland forest, woodland, and savanna in Wayne County. The purpose of this area is to provide outdoor recreational opportunities and to manage the area’s forest and field resources for the benefit of wildlife and timber production.

Take a look at management plans and share your thoughts online at mdc.mo.gov/areaplans.
Thank you for your interest in the management of your Conservation Areas! 

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