MDC offers outdoor skills events geared for special needs

Staff and volunteers help participants fish, canoe and target shoot

Kansas City, Mo. – Connections with nature enhance life for all, including people with special needs. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offers programs to help those with special needs and their caregivers enjoy the outdoors.

   MDC will offer an outdoor skills special needs event 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. The program is reserved for outdoor enthusiasts young or young at heart who may have special physical or mental needs, and their guardians or caregivers. Participants in the morning will try fishing in the Burr Oak Woods pond and target shoot with air rifles. MDC staff and volunteers assist participants with all activities.

   A campfire lunch will be provided. In the afternoon, participants will get a chance to go canoeing at the pond.

  in 15 years.’ “

 “This is about getting people outdoors and giving them the same opportunities that everyone else has to enjoy nature,” said Lisa LaCombe, Burr Oak Woods manager. “We get cool comments from people, such as ‘this is the first time I’ve gotten to fish

   LaCombe is also the latest organizer for a decades-old No Boundaries fishing program. This year it will be held June 11 at the Longview Lake Marina. The event coincides with Missouri’s free fishing weekend. MDC staff and volunteers assist the anglers and their caregivers with the fishing.

   “Even the smallest sunfish they catch brings great delight,” LaCombe said.

   MDC staff and conservation partners also recently held an 8th Annual Outdoors Without Limits event at Hazel Hill Lake north of Warrensburg in Johnson County. The joy people get from connecting with the outdoors is rewarding to those who help them.

   “Our staff partners with people on things like canoeing,” LaCombe said. “We get into the canoe and paddle with them and make sure they have a good experience. Many times they will progress and follow up by paddling a kayak on their own.”

   Registration is required for the programs and can be made by calling LaCombe at 816-655-6263, ext. 1332, or email at lisa.lacombe@mdc.mo.gov.

   MDC provides fishing docs, boat ramps and restrooms at many conservation areas that are accessible for people with special needs. For more information, visit http://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/accessible-outdoors.

Warsaw angler catches state-record spotted bass

Congratulations to Jason Reynolds on breaking the state record by catching a 2-pound, 11-ounce spotted bass on Truman Lake.

WARSAW, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports Jason Reynolds of Warsaw became the most recent record-setting angler in Missouri when he hooked a spotted bass on Truman Lake on a jug line. The new “alternative method” record spotted bass, caught by Reynolds on May 11 weighed 2-pounds, 11-ounces with a length of 17 1/2 inches. Reynolds was using bluegill for bait to try to catch catfish, but instead caught a state-record spotted bass.

“I really can’t believe I caught a state--record fish,” Reynolds said. “I almost released the fish right after I got it in the boat, but I didn’t because it was hooked in the gills and I wanted to make sure it was going to live before I released it.”

Reynolds added that once MDC confirmed he broke a state-record he was in shock.

“I have fished all my life and caught some pretty nice fish, but I would have never thought I would have a state-record with my name on it,” he said. “I’m so grateful and proud to have caught that fish.”

MDC staff verified the record-weight fish using a certified scale in at Lost Valley Fish Hatchery in Warsaw.

Reynolds noted he gave the spotted bass to staff at the hatchery so they could help nurse the fish back to its healthy self.

“I was hoping to release the spotted bass back into Truman Lake, but the fish didn’t make it,” he said. “So now I am going to mount it and put on my wall.”

Reynolds’ recent catch broke the previous state-record spotted bass by almost 1 pound in the alternative methods category. This state record fish is the 12th fishing record broken this year.

Missouri state-record fish are recognized in two categories: pole-and-line and alternative methods. Alternative methods include: throwlines, trotlines, limb lines, bank lines, jug lines, spearfishing, snagging, snaring, gigging, grabbing, archery, and atlatl.

Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish. For more information on state-record fish, visit the MDC website at http://on.mo.gov/1S64jH6.

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Blinds open to photographers at MDC's Cooley Lake

Wetland and nearby forested bluff provide good birding and hiking opportunities

Kansas City, Mo. – Blinds added to the Cooley Lake Conservation Area wetland are open for use by wildlife watchers. Missouri Department of Conservation crews built the blinds last autumn. They are available for photography at the area east of Liberty off Missouri 210, just northeast of Kansas City in Clay County.

   Cooley Lake is an old oxbow, or former channel, of the Missouri River. A shallow-water wetland, it attracts shorebirds, waterfowl, songbirds and birds of prey. On April 12, the spring waterfowl migration was still in evidence. Several species of ducks, a flock of pelicans and Canada geese were using the marsh.

   

MDC utilizes the blinds for a special managed youth waterfowl hunt in autumn. But they are available at other times for use by photographers and wildlife watchers. Access is only available by hiking on levees adjacent to the wetland, some blinds are a long walk from parking areas. Users should be aware that water levels fluctuate and conditions can range from dry to flooded at some blinds.

   The 1,348-acre area also includes a forested bluff and some upland areas north of the oxbow. A farm road and some trails provide hiking opportunities.

   For information on Cooley Lake Conservation Area, including maps, visithttp://on.mo.gov/1r09Cgi.

MDC offers private landowners payment for public use of land

Landowners can apply June 1 – July 15 for new program that pays them to allow public hunting, fishing, or wildlife viewing on enrolled private lands.

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a new program to increase public access to private lands for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP) provides incentive payments to private landowners who volunteer to open their properties to the public for these types of outdoor activities. Additional incentives are also available to enhance wildlife habitat on enrolled lands. The program will focus mostly on enrolling lands in northern Missouri where public access opportunities are generally more limited.

Landowners can apply for MRAP starting June 1 until July 15. Approved landowners will be notified in August with enrolled lands becoming open for public use this fall.

Offered lands must meet eligibility requirements such as being at least 40 contiguous acres or at least a one-acre pond for fishing access. Land must also contain minimum amounts of quality wildlife habitat such as native grass fields, crop-field buffers, restored wetlands, or managed woodlands.

Thanks to grant funding through the USDA Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, the Department plans to enroll up to 10,000 acres statewide with emphasis on north Missouri. Tracts near major urban centers will also be targeted, as well as lands with abundant wildlife habitat.

Applying landowners may select one of six public-access options: All Access Hunting and Fishing, Small Game and Turkey Hunting, Youth Only Hunting and Fishing, Archery Hunting, Fishing Only, or Wildlife Viewing.

MRAP lands are open to foot traffic only and area users self-register at designated property entry points. Parking typically occurs along roadsides. Public access is only for types of use agreed upon by the landowner and posted at entry points. Participating landowners are offered liability protection under Missouri’s Recreational Use Immunity Law.

Annual payment rates will be determined by the access type selected by the landowner, amount of quality habitat available, committed participation length, and other factors. Most landowners will likely earn $15-$25 per acre each year they participate. Payment rates for fishing-only access will be on an adjusted scale and will be based largely on impoundment size or stream length.  

For more information and an MRAP application, visit mdc.mo.gov/mrap or contact local MDC staff. Find local MDC staff at mdc.mo.gov under LOCAL CONTACT.

MDC joins birding enthusiasts at Wings Over Weston

Annual birding festival showcases conservation and ecology of wild birds

Weston, Mo. – Birds and butterflies were featured at the Wings Over Weston festival May 13 and 14 at Weston Bend State Park in Platte County. School groups toured nature exhibits and learned about birds and natural habitats on the birding fest’s opening day. More than 700 people visited on Saturday when the festival hosted the general public. Sunny, cool weather made it a great day to hike on the park’s trails and look for birds.

   The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is a partner in the annual event. Wings Over Weston is organized by the Burroughs Audubon Society of Kansas City and Missouri State Parks. Other conservation partners, such as Missouri Master Naturalists, provide exhibits and volunteers.

   Visitors enjoyed guided birding hikes, crafts and games for children, live bird displays, a native plant sale, and conservation exhibits. MDC staff was on hand with displays about prairie chickens, peregrine falcons, stream ecology, monarch butterfly conservation and information about wild birds.

    MDC conservation areas offer excellent opportunities for birding year round. For more information on birding in Missouri, visit http://on.mo.gov/1sjfstj.

MDC bands young peregrine falcons in KC metro area

Biologists also monitoring new falcon nest at Thomas Hill Reservoir

Kansas City, Mo. – Peregrine falcons continue to thrive in the Kansas City area, and a new nest at Thomas Hill Reservoir in Randolph County may be a forerunner of future nests in rural areas. Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) biologists recently worked with falcon program partners to place identification bands on falcons born this spring. The falcons, endangered in Missouri, are the result of a conservation program to develop populations by releasing birds and placing nest boxes in urban settings. Tall buildings or smokestacks mimic cliffs where falcons historically nested.

   Falcon pairs at nest sites in Kansas City and St. Louis are consistently producing young falcons each spring, said Joe DeBold, MDC urban wildlife biologist. In the Kansas City metro this spring, 10 young were hatched at three nests on KCP&L power plant smokestacks. A nest at American Century Investments at the County Club Plaza produced four young. All nest sites are on towers or skyscraper ledges, places the high-flying falcons prefer. The falcons prey on pigeons and other birds for food.

    MDC first released peregrine falcons in downtown Kansas City in 1991. A pair eventually produced young at a nest at that release site in 1997. Since then, numbers of nests have gradually grown. Nest boxes are in place at other sites in Missouri and biologists hope new falcon pairs will utilize them in the coming years.

  “The new nest at Thomas Hill gives us hope that we’re going to start recruiting more nesting pairs in Missouri,” DeBold said.

   On May 19, MDC biologists banded falcons at some urban Kansas City sites along with staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, a partner in the program. The bands help biologist track falcon migrations and nesting.

   Partners KCP&L and American Century Investments this spring provided cameras for online viewing of falcon nests. But look quick, as falcons grow fast and DeBold expects the birds that hatched in late April to fledge, or start flying, in June.

   The young can still be viewed online at http://bit.ly/1Tvfozx or at

http://bit.ly/1YSqGzk.

  For more information on falcons or other watchable wildlife, visit http://mdc.mo.gov.

Missouri Weekly Fishing Report May 19, 2016

View a searchable version of the weekly fishing report and the annual fishing prospects at http://fishing.mdc.mo.gov.

In most streams south of the Missouri River, black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted/Kentucky bass) may not be possessed from March 1 through the Friday before the fourth Saturday in May. During those dates 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 of Missouri", or website athttp://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/regulations/black-bass-stream-restric....

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: 67º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
high, and muddy; all species slow; black bass are becoming more active in the weeds.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Blind Pony Lake

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 68º
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: 5/17/16)

Lake of the Ozarks (Bagnell Tailwater)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
White Bass: Good
catfish slow, try using cut baits, worms, or chicken livers; crappie fair using minnows or crappie jigs; black bass slow, try using dark-colored soft plastics or buzzbaits; white bass good using light-colored soft plastics, spoons, or Rooster Tails.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Lake of the Ozarks (Glaize)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
White Bass: Good
catfish fair using cut baits, chicken livers, or whole shad; crappie slow, try using minnows or crappie jigs; white bass fair using light-colored soft plastics or crappie jigs.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Lake of the Ozarks (Gravois)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
catfish good using cut baits; crappie fair using minnows; white bass fair; black bass fair.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Lake of the Ozarks (Niangua)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
catfish fair using cut shad; crappie fair using minnows or dark-colored jigs; bass fair use crankbaits or dark-colored worms.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Lake of the Ozarks (Osage)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Good
Black Bass: Good
White Bass: Good
catfish fair using cut shad or livers; crappie good using minnows; bass good using crankbaits or jerkbaits.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Little Dixie Lake

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Bluegill: Fair
Redear Sunfish: Fair
Channel Catfish: Good
bluegill and redear sunfish fair on tube jigs and worms; channel catfish good on stinkbaits and worms; all other species slow; all use, including fishing, is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Rivers

Lamine River

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: muddy
the Lamine River is at flood stage and rising; all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Missouri River (Middle)

Information: 573-815-7900
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: muddy
the Missouri River is high and muddy; all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Osage (lower, at Tuscumbia)

Information: 573-346-2210
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
White Bass: Fair
catfish slow, try using cut baits, worms, or chicken livers; crappie fair using minnows or crappie jigs; black bass slow, try using dark-colored soft plastics or buzzbaits; white bass good using light-colored soft plastics, spoons, or Rooster Tails.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Kansas City

Lakes

Atkinson Lake (Schell-Osage CA)

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 68º
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: 5/17/16)

James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Good
Redear Sunfish: Good
Channel Catfish: Good
Crappie: Fair
largemouth bass fair on crankbaits near cover; channel catfish good on worms in moving water near creek channels; crappie fair near brush piles and weedbeds using tube jigs and minnows; bluegill and redear sunfish good on worms and small jigs.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Montrose Lake

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Slow
black bass fair; catfish good; crappie slow; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Schell Lake (Schell-Osage CA)

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Fair
all species fair; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Truman Lake

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Good
White Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
catfish good on fresh cut shad; hybrid striped bass and white bass good on spoons and spinnerbaits; crappie good around the brush piles; fishing pressure medium.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Truman Lake Tailwaters

Information: 660-885-6981
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
White Bass: Good
Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper; Whiterock Bass): Good
Crappie: Good
Catfish: Good
white bass and hybrid striped bass good using spoons and spinnerbaits; crappie good on minnows; catfish good on fresh cut shad; fishing pressure medium.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Rivers

Missouri River (Kansas City area)

Information: 816-622-0900
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Good
Flathead Catfish: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
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 fair on worms in the tributaries; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Northeast

Lakes

Henry Sever Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Bluegill: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Muskellunge: Fair
Catfish: Fair
bluegill fair using worms and minnows; crappie fair using minnows and jigs; largemouth bass fair using crankbaits and spinnerbaits; muskie fair using crankbaits and jerkbaits; catfish fair using stinkbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Hunnewell Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Blue Catfish: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
bluegill good using crickets and earthworms; crappie fair using jigs; channel catfish fair using earthworms, all other species slow; the lake is closed to private boats, and bait held or transported in containers with water is prohibited.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Long Branch Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Flathead Catfish: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
Common Carp: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Fair
flathead catfish good using setlines using live bluegill; crappie fair using jigs and minnows; channel catfish fair using minnows, leeches, livers, and worms; common carp fair using worms; largemouth bass fair using minnows and lures; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Mark Twain Lake

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Level (Range): low
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Slow
water level is low at 607.46; temperatures are still holding at 63-66 degrees in the arms; temperature will be colder in the main channel; water is muddy because of the rain received; catfish are good using cut shad, live bluegill, and goldfish; flathead catfish are starting to bite; crappie slow now because of the rain and colder weather; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Thomas Hill Reservoir

Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Catfish: Good
Largemouth Bass: Good
water condition dingy due to recent rain; crappie good along rocky shores using minnows; largemouth bass good using spinnerbaits; catfish good using natural baits; fishing pressure light.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Rivers

Mississippi River (upper)

Information: 573-248-2530
Water Surface Temp: 61º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Freshwater Drum: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
Blue Catfish: Good
Flathead Catfish: Good
freshwater drum good using worms; flathead catfish good using live baits; blue catfish good using live baits and cut baits; channel catfish fair.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Salt River - Downstream of Mark Twain Lake

Information: 573-248-2530
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Good
Freshwater Drum: Good
catfish good using live bait; freshwater drum good using worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Northwest

Lakes

Bilby Ranch Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Good
Walleye: Fair
channel catfish good on cut baits; black bass good; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Lake Paho

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
full pool and turbid water conditions, especially at the north end; channel catfish good on nightcrawlers at the mouth of feeder streams and road tubes; largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and Rattle Traps; crappie fair on in minnows fished under bobbers; a few hybrid stripped bass are being taken as incidentals while fishing for any of the other species in the lake.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Mozingo Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Walleye: Fair
Black Bass: Good
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Good
Bluegill: Good
north end turbid, south end dingy; black bass good; crappie fair to good on live minnows, some shallow with others being found over medium depth brush and at mouths of coves; catfish good on cut baits or worms; bluegill good on small worms; walleye fair on crankbaits or small plastics.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Pony Express Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Slow
Channel Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
crappie slow on jigs; channel catfish fair on cut baits and chicken livers; bass slow on spinnerbaits and crankbaits.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Smithville Lake

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Good
White Bass: Good
Catfish: Good
Walleye: Good
crappie fair with most of the spawn over; bass good; catfish good; walleye good.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Rivers

Grand River

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
blue catfish and flathead catfish are fair using live baits on setlines; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Missouri River (upper)

Information: 816-271-3100
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
Common Carp: Fair
the river has fallen below flood stage this weekend, but is still very high with minor flooding occurring; channel catfish, flathead catfish, and common carp fair on worms.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Ozark

Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake (East)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
crappie fair on minnows and jigs; black bass fair using artificial lures; white bass fair on swimming minnows.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Norfork Lake

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
White Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
crappie fair on minnows and jigs; black bass fair using artificial lures; white bass fair on swimming minnows.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Rivers

Big Piney River (lower, Pulaski Co.)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Big Piney River (upper, Texas Co.)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Bryant Creek

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
smallmouth bass and goggle-eye fair on soft plastics.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Current River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Eleven Point River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Gasconade River (middle)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Gasconade River (upper)

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: muddy
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Jacks Fork River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Slow
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Slow
smallmouth bass and goggle-eye slow, try using grubs or soft plastics.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

North Fork of the White River

Information: 417-256-7161
Water Surface Temp: 59º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Smallmouth Bass: Fair
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Fair
smallmouth bass and goggle-eye fair on soft plastics.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Southeast

Lakes

Clearwater Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 72º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: -none-
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Channel Catfish: Good
Bluegill: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
crappie fair on minnow swimbaits, tiny Torpedoes, and chartreuse jigs around brush piles; white bass fair; catfish good on jug lines; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Council Bluff Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Redear Sunfish: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Fair
Crappie: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
largemouth bass fair on dark-colored soft plastics and worms during low-light periods; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Cypress Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Bluegill: Slow
Redear Sunfish: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
Largemouth Bass: Slow
crappie fair on minnows and jigs; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Duck Creek C.A. Pool #1

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Warmouth: Slow
Redear Sunfish: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Lake Girardeau

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Redear Sunfish: Slow
Channel Catfish: Slow
Bluegill: Good
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
crappie fair on jigs and minnows; black bass fair on soft plastic worms during low-light conditions; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Perry County Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Bluegill: Good
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
Channel Catfish: Fair
crappie and bluegill good on worms; channel catfish and black bass good on live bait; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Robert DeLaney Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): -none-
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Fair
Bluegill: Good
Channel Catfish: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
crappie fair on minnows; bluegill good on meal worms; channel catfish fair on worms; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Wappapello Lake

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Bluegill: Fair
Channel Catfish: Good
black bass fair on soft plastics; crappie fair on minnows and jigs; bluegill fair on crickets and worms near brush; 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; 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: 5/17/16)

Rivers

Black River (above Clearwater Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 61º
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: 5/17/16)

Black River (below Clearwater Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
Suckers: Slow
Crappie: Slow
channel catfish fair on nightcrawlers and cut baits; all other species slow; discharge rate is 1150cfs.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Castor River (above Zalma)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Slow
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Slow
Longear Sunfish: Slow
Smallmouth Bass: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/16/16)

Mississippi River (Middle)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Slow
Blue Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
blue catfish fair on cut baits; flathead catfish fair on live goldfish and sunfish; all other species slow; the water level at Cape Girardeau is 32.1'.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Mississippi River (Ohio River to Arkansas)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 61º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Blue Catfish: Slow
Flathead Catfish: Slow
channel catfish good on worms and stinkbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

St. Francis River (above Wappapello Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 69º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Good
Crappie: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
Suckers: Slow
catfish good on nightcrawlers and cut baits; all other species fair.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

St. Francis River (below Wappapello Lake)

Information: 573-290-5730
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Channel Catfish: Fair
Flathead Catfish: Slow
Black Bass: Fair
Bluegill: Slow
Crappie: Fair
channel catfish fair on stinkbaits, chicken livers, and nightcrawlers; crappie fair on minnows; black bass fair on spinnerbaits; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Southwest

Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake (West)

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
White Bass: Good
Walleye: Fair
Crappie: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
white bass good on soft plastics, spinnerbaits, live minnows, and jigs; walleye fair on Rogues, jigs, and live baits below Powersite Dam and in the Beaver Creek area; crappie fair on live minnows, soft plastics, and jigs around submerged timber, some also being caught closer to the bank; black bass fair on soft plastics and jigs.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

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 white, olive, or black 1/16 oz. marabou jigs, black/chrome or white/chrome 1/16 oz. Rooster Tails, Rapalas, or Rogues when the water is running, scud pattern flies and San Juan worm flies, 1/16 oz. white and black Rooster Tails with gold or chrome spinnerbaits in the upper portion when water is shut off; trout good in lower portion of the lake on orange, chartreuse, pink, or white Gulp nuggets, nightcrawlers, and corn.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Pomme de Terre Reservoir

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 65º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
Catfish: Good
Walleye: Good
black bass good on plastic baits in 5' - 6' of water; crappie good on minnows in 15' of water; catfish good on live baits; walleye good on flats while trolling with crankbaits.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Stockton Lake

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Walleye: Good
White Bass: Fair
Largemouth Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
Smallmouth Bass: Good
largemouth bass good on plastic worms, minnows, spinnerbaits, and jigs in 2' - 10' of water off of points and near submerged structure, also good on plastic worms and jig combinations in upper stretches of creek arms and shallow coves; smallmouth bass good on plastic worms in 2' - 10' of water; crappie good on minnows, swimbaits, small crankbaits, and jigs in the upper stretches of creek arms, shallow coves, and near deep submerged structure; bluegill good on nightcrawlers, Beetle Spins, and Road Runners in shallow water; walleye good on minnows and jigs in coves and on nightcrawlers and singlespins along the bottom in 10' - 20' of water; smallmouth bass good on plastic worms in 2' - 10' of water; channel catfish fair on nightcrawlers, minnows, and jigs in coves; white bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, and minnows in 6' - 10' of water; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Table Rock Lake

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 66º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Bluegill: Good
Crappie: Fair
Catfish: Good
bluegill good on Beetle Spins and worms; catfish good on cut baits; black bass good while spawning off sloping gravel banks on Ned rig in pumpkin, or green/orange colors; crappie fair on live bait around structure; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Table Rock Lake (James River arm)

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 68º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Catfish: Good
Crappie: Fair
black bass good on spinnerbaits or Pop R baits during early morning or on cloudy days, try fishing in 20' of water on secondary points using green/purple jigs or white grubs when sunny, shad colored swimbaits also working well; catfish good on trotlines and limb lines baited with small perch; crappie fair on small jigs in white and chartreuse, purple and black, or all chartreuse, use 1/16 or 1/8 oz jig heads; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Rivers

James River

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 67º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Good
Crappie: Good
Catfish: Fair
Bluegill: Good
Northern Rock Bass (Goggle-Eye): Good
black bass good on swimbaits and grubs, crankbaits, Wiggle Warts, and topwater lures; 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 near the bank; catfish fair on live baits and worms.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Niangua River

Information: 417-895-6880
Water Surface Temp: 60º
Water Level (Range): high
Water Type: dingy
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Fair
Brown Trout: Fair
Black Bass: Fair
trout fair below Bennett Spring on Power Baits and Rooster Tails; black bass fair on live baits and soft plastics; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

St. Louis

Lakes

Busch Memorial Conservation Area Lake 33

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Black Bass: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
Catfish: Fair
Crappie: Slow
catfish fair on cut baits, doughbaits, or livers; black bass slow on spinnerbaits, plastic worms, or crankbaits; crappie slow on minnows and jigs; bluegill slow on worms, crickets, and natural baits.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

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

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 64º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
catfish fair using cut baits, doughbaits, or livers; black bass slow on spinnerbaits, plastic worms, or crankbaits; crappie slow on minnows and jigs; bluegill slow on natural baits, worms, and crickets; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Rivers

Big River

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Bourbeuse River

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Slow
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Slow
all species slow.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Meramec River (Crawford Co.)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: muddy
no report due to water conditions.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Meramec River (St. Louis Co.)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 62º
Water Level (Range): rising
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
Black Bass: Slow
Crappie: Slow
Bluegill: Fair
catfish fair on blood baits, cut baits and livers; crappie slow, try using minnows; black bass slow, try using crankbaits; bluegill fair, try using crickets; all other species slow.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Mississippi River (St. Louis Region)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Blue Catfish: Fair
blue catfish fair on cut baits.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Missouri River (Lower)

Information: 636-441-4554
Water Surface Temp: 63º
Water Level (Range): falling
Water Type: muddy
Fish Reported:
Catfish: Fair
catfish fair on cut baits.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

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: Fair
Zone 1 and 2 popular lures: gingersnap, pink and white, or salmon and white marabou, John Deere or gray deere mini jig, bumble bee, white, or yellow coach dog Rooster Tails; Zone 3 popular baits: worms, minnows, or white, rainbow, or yellow Power Bait; May fishing hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.; May weed cutting is scheduled for May 24 - 25; 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: 5/17/16)

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 good flow and good clarity; 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 the month of May are 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.; Veteran's Free Fishing Day is Saturday, May 21st.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

Montauk State Park

Information: 573-548-2585
Water Surface Temp: 57º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
Montauk State Park received 3 inches of rain on May 16th and 17th and the river is up 12" from last week and is currently at 2.65' and running murky; last week 4 lb. test fishing line or lighter was recommended; all colors of scented doughbaits, plastic worms, and eggs work well in the bait zones; primrose and pearl midges, tan scuds, olive midges, and root beer midges are working in the fly-only zone; Rooster Tails in black and yellow, black and white, and white are good choices in all zones; the morning hours are the best times to fish, but fish can be caught throughout the day; May fishing hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.; for up-to-date stream conditions check USGS water data website athttp://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?07064440.
(Reported on: 5/18/16)

Roaring River State Park

Information: 417-847-2430
Water Surface Temp: 58º
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Rainbow Trout: Good
dredging will continue this week in Zone 2; the river is in good condition; we received almost one inch of rain but the water is clear and visibility is good, the dry fly fishing is back; right now we are fishing dark wooly buggers, prince nymphs, copper johns, lightning bugs, small gold jigs, small thread jigs and brassies; large dry flies will take a few here and there; the fish are still reacting to a hopper or beetle; glo balls and the San Juan worms, in bright orange and red are also working; the water is back to normal and the use of Power Bait is recommended if you just want to catch a fast limit of trout, the orange, brown and white are all good in the eggs; if you are using the worms, the orange peel, black/yellow, John Deere green, electric chicken and cheese are all working; small gold spoons are really good if you fish them deep and slow; small spinners still work fine; jigs are catching fish, 1/32 and smaller are best, a few people have been catching trout on the white and olive micro jig; larger jigs are working best, in the darker colors, olive, black, black/yellow and dark brown have all been working well; in the clear water the use of 2-lb line is recommended; if you go into Zone 3 night crawlers and minnows would be good choices, or any of the bright colored Power Baits should work.
(Reported on: 5/17/16)

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.