MDC welcomes participants in dove banding project

Program at Reed Memorial Wildlife Area part of long-term scientific studies

The range of the Mourning Dove (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering the public a chance to participate in research on mourning dove populations. Each summer, MDC employees trap doves and affix small identification bands. The doves are then released back into the wild. Band information returned by hunters and birders helps monitor dove populations. Scientists also track the popular gamebird’s migrations in Missouri and other states.

A limited number of openings are available for people interested in dove banding to join MDC crews at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area at Lee’s Summit. Public participation in dove banding is available on Aug. 2, 3 and 4, and again on Aug. 9 and Aug. 10. Two trapping and banding sessions will be held on each day beginning at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m.

Space is limited to six people per session. Participants must register in advance by calling 816-622-0900. Rick Bredesen, Reed Area manager, said the sessions will give participants a chance to work closely with doves and see science-based wildlife management in action. The sessions will also be a chance to discuss ecology and wildlife topics such as bird migration and habitat.

For more information on doves and science-based conservation in Missouri, visithttp://mdc.mo.gov.

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.

MDC's west-central waterfowl areas ready despite floods

Add caption

Wetland conditions fair to good at four areas offering public waterfowl hunting

Kansas City, Mo. – Habitat conditions at four key Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wetlands hit by floods rains in summer will vary from fair to good for the waterfowl hunting season. MDC’s Four Rivers, Settles Ford, Montrose and Schell-Osage conservation areas are all in the Middle Zone under statewide seasons and limits. The hunting season in the Middle Zone for ducks and coots starts with a youth hunt Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, and the regular season is Nov. 7 to Jan. 5.

   

Most waterfowl habit at MDC wetlands in west
central Missouri is in fair condition, as summer
floods shortened the growing season in low-lying areas.
But habitat is good enough for a good waterfowl
season if the weather conditions push ducks through the area.

Spring and early summer brought heavy rains and flooding to the Kansas City region, including the South Grand, Deepwater, and Osage River and feeder streams in west central Missouri. Habitat quality at public waterfowl hunting areas in the region will vary depending on how late flood water stood on managed wetlands, said Chris Daniel, MDC wildlife management biologist and manager for the Four Rivers Conservation Area. The lowest areas holding water into summer provided a shorter growth period for moist-soil plants that provide food for waterfowl, such as wild millet and annual smartweed. Fortunately, the higher and drier areas are in good shape.

   “There’s a lot of variability in habitat quality across the areas,” Daniel said. “Across all areas, fair is possibly the most accurate average of habitat.”

   Despite delays due to wet conditions, MDC crews were still able to implement some management practices that provide food for migrating waterfowl. Cropping was limited to just a few locations and no corn was planted in wetland units. But moist-soil management which promotes native plants such as annual smartweed and wild millet was somewhat successful. Aerial seeding of Japanese millet was done on some areas. Seeds from those plants provide wildlife food.

   Duck populations in the northern states and Canada are strong, biologists say, so large flocks of waterfowl are expected to migrate southward this autumn. That combined with management efforts could make for good hunting on MDC areas, if the weather patterns also cooperate.

   “The waterfowl hunting this year could be very good,” Daniel said.

   However, waterfowl hunting success is very weather dependent. Warm weather can delay ducks in their migration; severe cold fronts can push them quickly south. But if the weather cooperates, MDC public hunting areas are ready for waterfowl and hunters.

   The last flood water receded from the four conservation areas in late July. Overall, vegetation will be shorter than normal this year.

   At Schell-Osage, spring and summer rains provided ample rainfall for areas lakes used as the primary water source for wetland units. Along with fall rains, all hunting positions should be usable by mid-season. Wet conditions prevented any corn from being planted in wetland areas this year. Army worms also destroyed much of the planted and wild millet at Schell-Osage.

   At Four Rivers, hunters should note that the disabled-accessible waterfowl hunting blind at Pool 9 at Four Rivers is closed for repairs until the 2016 season.

   At Settle’s Ford Conservation Area, managers say a dry autumn has reduced water levels in wetland pools. However autumn rains could quickly recharge the system to full levels.

   Hunters will find the MDC Waterfowl Hunting Digest for 2015-2016 at nature shops and offices, or visit http://on.mo.gov/201Jtur. The digest has the complete list of seasons and regulations for all waterfowl hunting in Missouri.

   The MDC MO Hunting app allows hunters to purchase hunting permits online or carry a signed digital permit utilizing devices such as cell phones and tablets. Visithttp://mdc.mo.gov/mobile/mobile-apps/mo-hunting.

   Information on MDC conservation areas that offer waterfowl hunting is available athttp://on.mo.gov/1ikSpa3. The MDC online Atlas gives information about areas including telephone numbers and maps.

   Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt.

Related articles

• MDC hosts free National Hunting and Fishing Day activities (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Kansas City gets $475,000 grant for environmental cleanup (fox2now.com)
• Record 100-pound flathead catfish pulled from Missouri River (ky3.com)

Big turnout for MDC and DU Family Outdoors Day

Large crowd attends National Hunting and Fishing Day event at Lee's Summit

Kansas City, Mo. – Sunny weather with a touch of autumn helped draw attendance estimated at 800 to 1,000 people on Sept. 26 to Family Outdoors Day at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee’s Summit. The event honoring the annual National Hunting and Fishing Day was a partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation, Ducks Unlimited and other conservation partners.

     “This was one of the best that I’ve seen in a long time,” said Debra Burns, MDC wildlife regional supervisor.

   

Visitors saw wildlife exhibits and newcomers to outdoor sports got hands-on help for activities such as fishing, trap shooting and archery. Families watched demonstrations of retriever dogs and tried their hand at throwing the atlatl dart. The annual event celebrates the heritage of hunting, fishing, shooting and enjoying nature.

   For more information on Missouri outdoors and MDC programs, visit http://mdc.mo.gov.

Summer Fishing Fun in Kansas City!

The 10th annual Urban Kids Fishing Derby hosted by Urban American Outdoors in Kansas City, Missouri. Photo by Katie Steiger-Meister/USFWS.

On June 20, 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assisted Urban American Outdoors and Kansas City Parks with the 10th Annual Urban Kids Fishing Derby in Kansas City, Missouri.

The morning sun was out and the temperature creeping from warm to hot as more than 200 children and their families arrived at Spring Valley Park in Kansas City, Missouri ready for some summer fishing fun. Hosted by Urban American Outdoors and Kansas City Parks and Recreation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was on-hand to assist. Director Dan Ashe, Midwest Regional Director Tom Melius and staff from Neosho National Fish Hatchery participated in the fishing derby and monarch butterfly activities.

The event began with Wayne Hubbard, host of Urban American Outdoors, welcoming participants and partners. As part of the opening remarks, Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, presented honorary Kansas City Monarch jerseys to Dan Ashe, Wayne Hubbard and Assistant to the Director of Kansas City Parks, Mark Bowland. A handful of lucky participants were then chosen to help the new honorary Monarchs plant a butterfly garden by the fishing derby pond.  By 9:00 a.m.  the plants were in the ground and the first hooks were in the water as kids got down to business and started fishing. By 9:05 a.m. the first fish was being pulled from the water and screams of shock and delight from children could be heard echoing across the pond.

Staff from Neosho National Fish Hatchery and members of their friends group were a pivotal part of the day, stocking the pond with channel catfish from Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery in Oklahoma and bringing dozens of fishing rods and boxes of bait to share with participants. Project Leader Dave Hendrix, fishery biologist Roderick May, education specialist Bruce Hallman, maintenance mechanic Raymond Villa and members of their friends group helped introduce numerous kids to the fun of fishing.

Monarch Watch also participated in the event. Executive Director Chip Taylor and a handful of staff and volunteers set up a tent where kids and their families could see live monarch butterflies, caterpillars and pupas. They also provided seed packets for participants interested in starting their own butterfly gardens.

Whether it was a catfish on their hook or caterpillar on their hand, the event helped hundreds of Kansas City children experienced the thrill of being outdoors and interacting with nature. With downtown Kansas City only minutes away, the event underscored that kids don’t have to go far to start playing in nature.

Go Wild -Go Native

MDC offers Grow Native event May 2 at Discovery Center

Free event in KC offers tips and seedlings for native plant landscaping

Kansas City, Mo. – Native wildflowers and grasses work well in home landscape plantings, and a free Grow Native special event will teach participants about planting and caring for native varieties 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave. in Kansas City. The event will include guided tours of the Discovery Center’s diverse wildflower garden, now with spring flowers in full bloom, given by MDC staff.

  

Many native wildflowers work well in home landscaping
 and attract pollinators such as butterflies.
The purple coneflower (top photo) and purple poppy
mallow are popular with gardeners.Photos by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation

 Participants will have a chance to take home free native plants and grasses, as well as tree seedlings such as redbud, dogwood and plum, while supplies last.  Demonstrations will include making seed balls for home flower gardens, potting native plants and grasses, rock painting and crafts for children.

    All ages are welcome and participants are welcome to walk in, no advance registration is needed.  For more information, call 816-759-7300 or visit http://mdc.mo.gov/node/281.

Related articles

• MDC to give away seedlings at KC Arbor Day event April 18 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

MDC limits firearm antlerless deer permits

Antlerless deer hunting permits have been reduced from “any number” in most

counties of the state to one in most counties of the state for all portions of the firearms deer season combined.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters that firearm antlerless deer hunting permits have been reduced from “any number” in most counties of the state to one in most counties of the state. The reduction applies to all portions of the firearms deer season combined.

Exceptions to this regulation change allow hunters to fill two firearm antlerless deer permits in Chariton, Randolph, Macon, Linn, Sullivan, and Adair counties, which surround the area where chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been found in a small number of deer in Macon County. According to MDC, continuing to maintain stable deer numbers in this “CWD Containment Zone” will help limit the spread of the disease to other deer and other areas.

Other areas where hunters can fill two firearm antlerless deer permits include urban zones around the state where deer numbers are typically higher than desired, and in Barton, Howell, and Oregon counties where local deer numbers are higher than deer management goals.

The regulations changes were approved by the Conservation Commission at its April meeting and MDC initially communicated the information to the public at that time.

Details on these changes and other information on deer hunting are available in the Department's “2014 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet available at locations where permits are sold, MDC regional offices and nature centers, and online at mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/resources/2010/03/ftd2014.pdf.

According to MDC Deer Biologist Jason Sumners, the regulation changes are in response to lower overall deer numbers around much of the state as a result of long-term efforts to reduce the deer population through increased doe harvest. Previous regulations allowing the harvest of any number of antlerless deer have helped to decrease and stabilize deer numbers in many areas where deer numbers were too high.

Sumners added that the planned effort to reduce deer numbers in some areas was intensified by an unanticipated, extensive outbreak of hemorrhagic disease (HD) throughout most of the state related to the record-setting drought during summer and fall of 2012. With the resulting recent decrease in deer numbers in many areas of the state, some hunters and landowners have voiced their concerns about the level of doe harvest and the continuing need to offer hunters “any number” of antlerless permits.

“Our Regulations Committee considers the changing status of the deer herd across the state -- along with feedback from hunters, landowners, and others -- each year as it reviews recommendations for deer-hunting regulations,” Sumners said.

“Deer populations in Missouri vary regionally and county-by-county as habitat, hunting regulations, hunter numbers, and frequency and severity of disease outbreaks affect deer numbers,” he explained. “As these factors change over time, our deer management strategy is to be responsive to those changes.”

He added that MDC’s deer management strategy focuses on using science-based wildlife management practices, providing opportunities for all citizens to enjoy deer-related recreational activities such as deer hunting and watching, maintaining a healthy deer population, and providing related information to the public.

Related articles

• Missouri officials, hunters seeing fewer deer (cjonline.com)

MDC to host open house at Reed Memorial Wildlife Area

Public input welcomed

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at MDC’s Kansas City Regional Office, which is on the Reed Area at 12405 S.E. Ranson Road. Staff will answer questions about the area or about conservation in general. Visitors will also be able to fill out comment sheets. Fishing is a popular family activity at MDC's  James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee's Summit.                            Photo by Bill Graham,  Missouri Department of Conservation know your suggestions for the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee’s Summit. An open house for public comments on area management practices will be held    MDC is in the multi-year process of updating management plans for almost 1,000 conservation areas throughout the state and invites public comments.    Public comment on plans for the Reed Area can be made now via Internet athttp://mdc.mo.gov/node/22681. Also, public comment sheets are available at the front counter at the Kansas City Regional Office. The public comment period will remain open through Nov. 30.    Noted Kansas City business woman Nell Reed donated 731 acres to MDC in 1952 to begin the area. The donation was in memory of her husband James A. Reed, a former Kansas City mayor and U.S. senator. He had introduced her to hunting and fishing. MDC has used Department funds and federal monies to purchase additional tracts. The 3,084-acre area offers hiking, fishing, hunting, birding and other outdoor recreation. Anglers can fish in 12 lakes ranging in size from one acre to 42 acres. Information about the area is available at http://on.mo.gov/1ADgDRq.    For more information about Missouri’s outdoors visit http://www.mdc.mo.gov.

Discover Nature Fishing sessions offered in KC area

Kansas City, Mo.  ̶- Fishing is a great way for people to enjoy nature, especially children. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a new program to help kids and

families gain angling skills and confidence. MDC’s Discover Nature Fishing Program is free and teaches participants about fishing tackle, methods and where to go.

   Discover Nature Fishing will be offered in the Kansas City area as a series of four classes. The two-hour class sessions will cover all aspects of fishing. They include:

·        Session one: equipment, casting and proper fish handling.

·        Session two: how to rig a pole with tackle such as hooks, sinkers and bobbers, and how to bait a hook and what bait works for which fish species.

·        Session three: aquatic biology, ecology and conservation.

·        Session four: how and when to use various types of artificial lures to catch fish.

    Sessions one and two will be presented 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, June 21, at the Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center in Blue Springs. These sessions are limited to the first 25 people to register. Participants may register by calling 816-622-0900.

   Discover Nature Fishing will be an ongoing program statewide, so watch for notices of future sessions.  MDC also welcomes volunteer instructors to teach fishing skills to others. Those interested in volunteering may also call MDC’s Kansas City Regional Office at 816-622-0900.

   Fishable waters are often found close to home, even in urban areas. Time and expense need not be barriers to going fishing. Tackle choices and methods can be simple and effective for catching fish. MDC’s Discover Nature Fishing Program is open to anyone who wishes to learn about the sport. Fishing is fun and gets people outdoors in fresh air and nature.

   One advantage, Missouri is a great place to fish. For more information on fishing and conservation see http://www.mdc.mo.gov.

State Parks Youth Corps expands to Kansas City

DSC05570 (Photo credit: VSPYCC)

A nationally recognized jobs initiative for young adults is expanding to Kansas City this year, Gov. Nixon announced today. Through a one-year partnership with the Department of Social Services, State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC) will offer 100 paid positions at Kansas City Parks to area youth.

“Providing our youth with opportunities to hone job skills and develop that strong, Missouri work ethic is a valuable tool in growing the next-generation of our workforce,” said Gov. Jay Nixon. “Since 2010, the State Parks Youth Corps has been doing just that by allowing young Missourians to participate in meaningful work projects in the state’s outdoor areas. And now, by expanding this valuable program to Kansas City, even more of our youth will be better prepared to launch successful careers.”

“The summer is a great time for our young people to build skills and we’ve worked hard to provide those opportunities in recent years,” said Mayor Sly James. “This partnership will allow us to enhance our efforts and give more youth opportunities to explore public service and to build an appreciation for the crown jewels that are our local parks.”  

“Partnering with Kansas City gives young people real-world job experience in the outdoors and helps improve the area’s public parks so even more Missourians can enjoy nature,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. “Over the past several years, State Parks Youth Corps participants have made huge contributions to our parks and historic sites throughout the state, and this year, the Kansas City community will be able to reap those benefits, too.”

State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC), launched by the Governor in 2010, provides Missouri youth with the opportunity to work outdoors improving Missouri’s parks and historic sites. SPYC employs eligible Missourians between the ages of 17 and 23 at parks, historic sites and natural areas across Missouri, from May 1 through Dec. 31. Applications for the program are now being accepted online at thinkoutside.mo.gov.

Since the program began in 2010, SPYC workers have completed more than 550,000 hours in Missouri state parks and historic sites. During 2013, SPYC workers put in more than 70,000 hours, performing a variety of tasks, ranging from routine maintenance work and trail construction to interpretation and stewardship efforts. Examples included treating 365 acres of Long Branch State Park for invasive plant species; repairing and repainting 15 picnic tables, 12 benches, and 60 grills at St. Joe State Park; leading nearly 1,700 visitors on tours at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park; and working to build an accessible pathway at Battle of Lexington State Historic Site.

State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC) is administered by Missouri’s Workforce Investment Boards in partnership with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks and the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Division of Workforce Development. In 2013, Missouri State Parks Youth Corps was accepted as a part of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC).

In addition to the added positions in Kansas City, SPYC is also expanding to St. Louis where 100 area youth will have the opportunity to work in St. Louis City Parks.

MDC Discover Nature Field Day connects KC youths with outdoors

Kansas City, Mo. – Myla Johnson reached out and touched a large black rat snake held by a volunteer. Johnson, 6, had no fear of the snake. But she did have curiosity. Volunteers unraveled mysteries and

Courtesy MDC

imparted new wonders about snakes and nature for Johnson and 1,200 other youths this week at Discover Nature Field Day.

More than 1,200 youths from urban neighborhoods in the Kansas City metro area were introduced to critters, trees, fishing, canoeing, archery and target shooting with pellet guns. The annual field day was held June 25-28 at the Missouri Department of Conservation's (MDC) James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area at Lee’s Summit.

“This gives kids the opportunity to explore areas that they’ve never explored before, like a wetland or a hike in the woods,” said MDC Education Consultant Claudine Lamb. “This gives them something other than a video game.”

The students ranged in age from kindergarten through middle school. They were divided into age ranges and rotated through different outdoor skills or nature study stations at the lakes, meadows and woodlands at the Reed Area. The field day is a partnership between MDC, Missouri Master Naturalists, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department.

One student excitedly reeled in her first fish, a small bluegill, and then she got help with the trickier problem of releasing the fish back to the lake.

“Will this hurt?” she asked.

MDC Education Specialist Shea Bergman showed her a skill to avoid sharp spines in a bluegill’s back fin.

“Comb these down and hold it like this,” Bergman said, ‘then the spines can’t hurt you.”

Most of the youths attending are participants in the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kansas City or Freedom School, a literacy advocacy program.

“A lot of these kids don’t get to do anything like this except when they come here,” said Chris Wiley, a teacher for a Boys and Girls Club program in Independence. “It’s a different experience and one they will remember. Especially when they catch a fish, they know it’s doable.”

Lamb said it is very rewarding for MDC staff members and volunteers to see the children happy and laughing as they net insects in a meadow, dip minnows from lake shallows or paddle a canoe for the first time.

“I’ve had the leaders tell me that the children talk about this for the rest of the summer,” she said. “They say it’s the best field trip ever.”

For more information on MDC educational programs, or listings of conservation areas for summer visits, go to www.mdc.mo.gov.

Missouri Weekly Fishing Report (MDC)

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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 REGION (573) 882-8388

     LAKES

Binder Lake: 83 degrees, low, clear; all species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Blind Pony Lake: 87 degrees, clear; 3' low; largemouth bass fair on soft plastics; all other species slow; the lake is closed to private boats, and bait held or transported in containers with water is prohibited. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Lake of the Ozarks (Glaize): 85 degrees, dingy; black bass fair using dark colored soft plastics and buzzbaits; white bass slow, try light colored soft plastics and Rooster Tails; crappie fair on minnows and crappie jigs; catfish fair on hot dogs, cut baits and worms.
 (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Lake of the Ozarks (Gravois): 85 degrees, dingy; crappie and catfish fair; black bass and white bass slow.
 (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Lake of the Ozarks (Niangua): 85 degrees, dingy; black bass slow, try using soft plastics and spinnerbaits; crappie fair using minnows; catfish good using live bait and cut shad;
white bass fair near Ha Ha Tonka State Park. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Lake of the Ozarks (Osage): 85 degrees, normal, dingy; black bass slow, try using soft plastics; crappie fair using minnows and fishing deep; catfish good using live bait, cut shad and liver; white bass slow.
 (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Little Dixie Lake: 83 degrees, low, clear; all species slow; the area is closed to all activities, including fishing from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

     RIVERS

Lamine River: 87 degrees, 5' low; channel catfish fair using pole and line methods between the Old Hwy 50 Access and the North Bridge on the Lamine River Conservation Area; all other species slow.

 (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Missouri River (middle): low, muddy; blue catfish and channel catfish good on nightcrawlers and live  baits; flathead catfish fair on live goldfish and bullheads; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Osage (Bagnell Tailwater): 72 degrees, normal, dingy; black bass slow, try worms and light colored soft plastics; white bass slow, try light colored soft plastics and crappie jigs; crappie slow, try minnows and crappie jigs; catfish slow, try cut baits, stinkbaits, worms and chicken livers.
 (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Osage (lower, at Tuscumbia): 74 degrees, normal, dingy; black bass slow, try worms and light colored soft plastics; white bass slow, try light colored soft plastics and crappie jigs; crappie slow, try minnows and crappie jigs; catfish slow, try cut baits, stinkbaits, worms and chicken livers.
 (Report made on 8/8/2012)

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KANSAS CITY REGION (816) 655-6254

     LAKES

Atkinson Lake (Schell-Osage CA): 87 degrees, low, muddy; all species slow; fishing pressure light. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area: 90 degrees, clear; water level 1.8' low; all species slow. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Montrose Lake: 85 degrees, low, dingy; catfish fair; black bass and crappie slow; fishing pressure light. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Schell Lake (Schell-Osage CA): 87 degrees, low, muddy; all species slow; fishing pressure light. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Truman Lake: 85 degrees, normal, clear; crappie good on minnows and jigs on flats; catfish good on cut bait; white and hybrid striped bass good on crankbaits, still surfacing; all other species fair. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Truman Lake Tailwaters: 87 degrees, low, clear; crappie fair; all other species good. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

     RIVERS

Missouri River (Kansas City area): 88 degrees, falling, muddy; blue catfish and flathead catfish good at night using cut Asian carp and shad; large catfish being caught using worms and cut Asian carp; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

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NORTHEAST REGION (660) 785-2420

     LAKES

Hunnewell Lake: 83 degrees, low, dingy; channel catfish fair using earthworms and stinkbaits; all other species slow; the lake is closed to private boats, and bait held or transported in containers with water is prohibited. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Long Branch Lake: 82 degrees, low, dingy; carp near the surface are good for bow fishing; all other species slow.  (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Mark Twain: 89 degrees, normal, dingy; crappie fair on minnows and jigs; channel catfish good on cut baits and nightcrawlers; all other species slow.  (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Sever: 84 degrees, low, clear; channel catfish fair on Sonny's dip bait; black bass fair on wacky worms; bluegill and redear sunfish fair on live baits beneath bobbers; all other species slow.  (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Thomas Hill Reservoir: 87 degrees, low, clear; all species slow. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

     RIVERS

Mississippi River (upper): 85 degrees, rising, muddy; channel catfish fair on stinkbaits; all other species slow.  (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Salt (below Mark Twain): 82 degrees, normal, dingy; largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits near stick-ups; channel catfish fair on stinkbaits; flathead catfish fair on trotlines set in deep holes; drum good on nightcrawlers; all other species slow.  (Report made on 8/8/2012)

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NORTHWEST REGION (816) 271-3100

     LAKES

Bilby Ranch Lake: 84 degrees, low, clear; black bass good on soft plastics or topwater lures during low light hours; channel catfish good on chicken liver; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Lake Paho: 89 degrees, low, clear; largemouth bass good in early morning and late evenings on soft plastics; channel catfish good using commercial dip baits; all other species fair. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Mozingo Lake: 85 degrees, clear; black bass good near weedlines and deeper brush using crankbaits or soft plastics; crappie good over deep brush in 15 - 18' of water; catfish fair on cut bait; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Pony Express Lake: 82 degrees, low, clear; catfish good using chicken liver; all other species fair. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Smithville Lake: 86 degrees, low, clear; crappie fair around brush piles in 10 - 12' of water using jigs or minnows; white bass good in the shallows towards evening using Road Runners and Rattle Traps; catfish good in shallow water using prepared baits, nightcrawlers and crayfish. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

     RIVERS

Grand River: 82 degrees, falling, channel catfish, blue catfish and flathead catfish good; all other species fair. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Missouri River (upper): 86 degrees, low, dingy; channel catfish good on worms; flathead catfish good on worms and live bait; blue catfish good on cut bait; carp fair on worms. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

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OZARK REGION (417) 255-9561

     LAKES

Bull Shoals Lake (East): 86 degrees, low, dingy; all species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Norfork Lake: 84 degrees, low, dingy; all species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

     RIVERS

Big Piney River (lower, Pulaski Co.): 80 degrees, low, clear; black bass and goggle-eye good on crankbaits and soft plastic worms. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Big Piney River (upper, Texas Co.): 83 degrees, low, clear; black bass fair on soft plastics, nightcrawlers and minnows in early morning and late evening; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Bryant Creek: 83 degrees, low, dingy; all species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Current River: 79 degrees, low, clear; suckers good on nightcrawlers; smallmouth bass fair on plastic worms. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Eleven Point River: 62 degrees, low, clear; rainbow trout fair on minnows; smallmouth bass fair on soft plastics. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Gasconade River (middle): 82 degrees, low, clear; black bass and goggle-eye good on crankbaits and soft plastic worms. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Gasconade River (upper): 82 degrees, low, dingy; all species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Jacks Fork: 78 degrees, low, clear; all species good on soft plastics. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

North Fork of the White River: 69 degrees, low, clear; smallmouth bass and goggle-eye fair on soft plastics. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

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SOUTHEAST REGION (573) 290-5858

     LAKES

Clearwater Lake: 90 degrees, normal, clear; largemouth bass fair on topwater baits early and late in day; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Council Bluff Lake: 88 degrees, low, clear; all species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Cypress Lake: 86 degrees, normal, dingy; channel catfish good in 2 - 8' depths on worms, crickets and stinkbaits; bluegill and redear sunfish fair in 1 - 3' depths on jigs, worms and crickets; crappie slow in 1 - 3' depths on minnows and jigs; largemouth bass slow in 1 - 3' depths on minnows, jigs, plastic worms and crankbaits; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Duck Creek CA Pool 1: 85 degrees, low, clear; largemouth bass good on topwater lures; bluegill, redear sunfish and warmouth sunfish fair on jigs and crickets; all other species slow.  Note: boaters be aware of tree stumps due to low water levels. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Lake Girardeau: normal, dingy; channel catfish fair on worms, cut bait and stinkbait; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Perry County Lake: 87 degrees, clear; channel catfish fair on stinkbait; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Robert DeLaney Lake: 93 degrees, dingy; all species slow.  (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Wappapello Lake: 87 degrees, normal, black bass fair on plastic worms and crankbaits early and late; channel catfish fair on trotlines and jug lines using live bait at night; crappie fair using spider rigs early in the morning; bluegill fair using crickets; all other species slow.
Anglers should note the 9" minimum length limit regulation for crappie on Wappapello Lake.  Call the Wappapello Lake Recreation Hotline for updates at 573-222-8139. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

     RIVERS

Black River (above Clearwater Lake): 81 degrees, low, clear; smallmouth bass and goggle-eye fair on crayfish colored tube baits; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Black River (below Clearwater Lake): low, dingy; black bass fair on topwater lures in early morning; walleye fair on crankbaits; channel catfish fair on live bait and worms; all other species slow.  (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Castor River (above Zalma): low, clear; all species good; black bass best on soft plastics. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Mississippi River (middle): rising, dingy; blue catfish and channel catfish good on worms and cut baits; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Mississippi River (Ohio River to Arkansas): normal, dingy; channel catfish fair on liver and cut bait; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

St. Francis River (above Wappapello): low, dingy; all species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

St. Francis River (below Wappapello): 87 degrees, low, dingy; channel catfish fair on chicken liver, stinkbaits and worms; flathead catfish fair on goldfish and small sunfish; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

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SOUTHWEST REGION (417) 895-6881

     LAKES

Bull Shoals Lake (West): 75-80 degrees, low, clear; Dam Area - bluegill fair on crickets and earthworms; black bass fair on soft plastics and nightcrawlers; Beaver Creek Arm, temp is 88-92 - black bass fair on soft plastics and nightcrawlers; bluegill fair on crickets and earthworms; catfish fair on nightcrawlers; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Lake Taneycomo: 55 degrees, normal, clear; trout good in upper portion of lake on orange glo balls being drifted with the current, olive, black/white marabou jigs and flies; trout good in lower portion of lake on Gulp Power Eggs in orange, white and pink colors, nightcrawlers, live minnows and corn. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Pomme de Terre Reservoir: 88 degrees, normal, clear; crappie fair on minnows and jigs in deeper water over structure; black bass fair on deep diving lures, spinnerbaits and Texas rigged worms off of deep drop-offs and rocky bluffs; catfish fair on cut bait using trotlines or jug lines; bluegill fair on worms and crickets; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Stockton Lake: 85 degrees, low, clear; black bass fair on topwater jigs in early morning; catfish fair on liver and earthworms from the banks off coves and points; crappie slow, best on minnows in 15 - 25' of water; walleye slow, best on artificial worms in 30' of water; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Table Rock Lake (James River arm): 87 degrees, low, dingy; black bass fair on deep diving crankbaits in shad, blue/silver or dark blue colors, work the lure back and forth next to underwater structure, chunk rock banks that have deep drop offs are best; crappie fair on minnows or small soft plastic tube jigs around slightly submerged timber in 20' of water and around boat docks; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/6/2012)

Table Rock Lake (main lake): 86 degrees, low, clear; black bass good on deep running crankbaits, tube baits, drop shot or spoons in 28 - 35' of water around brush piles or structure, especially good in early morning around any kind of structure or on topwater lures where there are shad; crappie good on live minnows or small plastics on standing timber or around brush piles in 15 - 25' of water and by using lights at night; flathead catfish good on small bluegill; channel catfish good on nightcrawlers or chicken livers; bluegill good on earthworms in shallow water or around cover; walleye slow, best on crankbaits or nightcrawlers on main river points. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

     RIVERS

James River: 86 degrees, low, clear; black bass are in summer pattern, good on drop shot with spoons and soft plastic jigs and live earthworms, also try buzzbaits over brush and in shallow water; catfish good on bait fish, cut bait and earthworms on pole and line or trotlines; white bass slow, best on crankbaits with 1/2 oz. spoons, white is best color; crappie slow, best on jigs and minnows around brush in 5 - 15' of water. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Niangua River: 72 degrees, low, clear; trout fair, best on natural baits and Power Baits below Bennett Spring; goggle-eye slow, best on natural baits and soft plastics; black bass slow, best on soft plastics and natural baits; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

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ST. LOUIS REGION (636) 300-1953

     LAKES

Busch Memorial Conservation Area Lake 33: Lake 33 is under construction for dam repairs, no boats available. During aeration operation we will close Lake 33 to public use due to concerns for public safety. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Busch Memorial Conservation Area Lakes 3, 4, 5, 7, and 23: 82 degrees, low, clear; channel catfish slow on cut bait, worms, doughbait, blood bait and livers; limit 4; black bass slow on spinners, plastic worms and crankbaits; please remove litter.


 (Report made on 8/9/2012)

     RIVERS

Big River: 84 degrees, low, dingy; channel catfish fair on prepared baits and cut baits; bluegill fair on worms and crickets; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Bourbeuse River: 88 degrees, low, clear; all species slow.  (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Meramec River (Crawford Co.): 86 degrees, low, dingy; bluegill fair on worms and crickets; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Meramec River (St. Louis Co.): 84 degrees, low, clear; bluegill fair on worms and crickets; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Missouri River (lower): 85 degrees, low, muddy; channel catfish fair on cut bait, livers and live sunfish; all other species slow. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

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TROUT PARKS

Bennett Spring State Park: 57 degrees, the spring level is low and clear; Zone 1 and 2 best lures: olive colored roaches; John Deere colored, grey deere colored and white floss colored mini-jigs; cream colored scuds; green grizzly colored and red holographic colored Cracklebacks; moss colored and powderpuff pink colored marabou jigs;  red colored and purple colored brassies; shiny black colored and bumblebee colored Rooster Tails; easter egg colored, pink colored and red and white colored glo balls; olive or brown colored wooly buggers with gold spinner; Zone 3 best lures: pink colored and pink and white colored plastic worms; white colored Power Baits and minnows; August fishing hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Maramec Spring Park: 57 degrees, fishing is good; use very light weight line and tackle as the water is extremely low and very clear; fish are holding in shady areas and swift water below the waterfalls and around boulders, target these areas for best success; orange, green, and red trout worms are producing well; feather jigs in dark colors are producing good numbers of fish; tightlining doughbait (salmon flavor) is producing fish in the late afternoon; fishing hours for the month of August are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Report made on 8/8/2012)

Montauk State Park: 60 degrees, the river level is below normal and slowly dropping, but the river is still easily fishable; the water is clear; 2 lb. test fishing line or lighter is recommended; look for fish to be staying in deeper or shaded areas; fishing is good on most baits; white, brown and yellow scented dough and putty baits are working well in the bait zones; most flies, Rooster Tails and jigs in black and yellow, olive colors and other dark colors are working well; the best fishing is in the mornings and evenings. August fishing hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For up-to-date stream conditions check  http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?07064440 (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Roaring River State Park: 58 degrees, clear; storm damage from August 3rd has been cleaned up; all areas are open for fishing; the river is getting very low; conditions are typical of late summer; use 2 pound test or lighter; beetles, ants and hoppers, Cracklebacks, pheasant tails and copper johns are good; olive, black, and brown wooly buggers or worms are good; orange, white, chartreuse, fluorescent yellow plastic eggs are working well; cheese yellow, white, mint green, yellow/orange, pink, and the orange, and orange/white plastic worms are good; spinners are good early, black, brown, olive and black/yellow are good early; marabou jigs in white, tan and pinks early and later in the day; use black, black/yellow, brown, brown/yellow, and black/olive marabou jigs in 1/16th - 1/100 in size; in Zone 3 use nightcrawlers, corn, Power Bait paste and nuggets; Kids Fishing Day is August 18th. (Report made on 8/9/2012)

Related articles

• Oklahoma FISHING REPORT FOR AUGUST 8, 2012 (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)