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MISSOURI FISHING REPORTS

Posted: 04/15/2004

MISSOURI LAKES

 

Blind Pony Blue Springs Bull Shoals (East) Bull Shoals (West) Clearwater
Concordia City Lake Council Bluff S. Grand River Jacomo James A. Reed
Lake of the Ozarks Longbranch Longview Maple Leaf Lake Mark Twain
Missouri River
St. Joe
Montrose Mozingo Lake Norfork Pony Express
Pomme de Terre Sever Smithville Stockton Table Rock
Taneycomo Thomas Hill Truman Wappapello  
    This page was last updated 01/14/14
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BLIND PONY  

Updated 04/15/04

Lake Map

Report by: The Bait Stop 

CLOSED DUE TO RENOVATIONS

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BLUE SPRINGS

Updated 04/15/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 802.0 Temperature: 

Inflow: 20 cfs Outflow: 28 cfs. Level: 0.55 feet high

Lake Map

Report by Forty Woods Bait & Tackle     Missouri Wildlife Check In Station    Braggin' Board

Catfish biting good around jacomo where the creeks are running in

Hybrids No Report

Trout pond No Report

Crappie good

Striper No Report

Largemouth Bass
No Report

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BULL SHOALS

Updated 04/15/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 656.0  Temperature:

Outflow: 3068 cfs Level: 2.44 feet low

Lake Map

Report by BULL SHOALS LAKE BOAT DOCK   Braggin Board

GENERAL CONDITIONS

FISHING-FISHING-FISHING-FISHING-FISHING-FISHING-FISHING-FISHING-FISHING-FISHING-

We never did have the shad kill this winter. The water temperature never got below 45 degrees too much. It usually has to get in the lower 40's before the shad start to die.

LARGEMOUTH BASS- As usual, most of the largemouth are shallow in 10 foot of water or less. I have seen a couple of 5-6 lb. fish listed on the tournament sheets over the last couple of months. So, Bull Shoals has started to make it back from the LMBV virus that took its toll on this lake.

SPOTTED KENTUCKY BASS- These are in their usual deeper pattern then the largemouth bass, mostly on the channel swings and brush piles back in the creeks.

SMALLMOUTH BASS- I have seen three 4 lb. fish caught and released here at the marina this week. These are on the gravel flats and pre- spawn banks.

WALLEYE- NOT MUCH BEING REPORTED YET EXCEPT WAY UP THE LAKE

WHITE BASS- NOT MUCH ACTIVITY YET, SHOULD START SOON

CRAPPIE- NOT MUCH BEING CAUGHT YET OR BEING REPORTED

CATFISH- The trot liners did well over the winter. Not much going on yet.

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CLEARWATER

Updated 04/15/04

Lake Map

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 500.0 Temperature:  55

Release Rate: 602 Level: 5.13 feet low

Largemouth Bass good using soft baits

White Bass No Report

Crappie slow

Smallmouth Bass No Report

Spotted Bass No Report

Catfish fair at night using worms

Bluegill No Report

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CONCORDIA CITY LAKE

Updated 04/15/04

Lake Level: 

Lake Map

Report by: The Bait Stop

Channel Catfish No Report

Crappie They have been catching them mainly on minnows.

Largemouth Bass No Report

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COUNCIL BLUFF

Updated 04/15/04

Lake Map

Temperature: 58   Level: normal

Sunfish No Report

Largemouth Bass fair using crankbaits

Crappie good

Catfish slow

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S. GRAND RIVER

(Below Urich)

 

Flatheads No Report

Channel Cats No Report

Blue Cats No Report

Crappie No Report

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JACOMO

Updated 04/15/04

Lake Map

Temperature:  Clarity:   Level: 0.00 feet low

The park registration office is now open seven days a week 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Lake Jacomo Park Headquarters.

Report by Forty Woods Bait & Tackle    Missouri Wildlife Check In Station  Braggin' Board

Catfish No Report

Bluegill slow

Crappie fair

Bass slow

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James A. Reed

Updated 04/15/04

Temp: 55 clear and high

Lake Maps

Channel Catfish good at Coot and Honker Pond

Largemouth Bass good at Coot and Honker Pond

Bluegill fair at Coot and Honker Pond

Crappie fair at Coot and Honker Pond

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LAKE of the Ozarks

Updated 04/15/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 660.0 Temperature: 53

Inflow: 7100 cfs Outflow: 8600 cfs. Level: 3.91 feet low

Lake Map

Report by Missouri Angler    Missouri Angler Buddy Bass Derby

According to AmerenUE the current lake level is 656.08 with light generation scheduled for the next two days which should give the lake a level of 656.1 by Friday, April 16th. The surface water temperature taken at Bagnell Dam is 53 degrees. The water clarity is still dirty in the main lake and some coves, but there are areas of the lake that are beginning to clear up since generation out of Truman Lake has been reduced. The Grand Glaize, the Big and Little Niangua and Gravois Rivers have good color. The lake has been on a slow rise all week.

LARGEMOUTH BASS – EXCELLENT Bass fishing hasn't’t changed other than it is getting better each day. The recent cold front has moved the larger bass off the banks into 8 to 10 feet of water. The single spin and/or tandem spinnerbait (chartreuse/white, white and chartreuse) continues to be the best bite. The Wiggle Wart and Bandit crankbait are also producing nice keepers. The bass are beginning their pre-spawn stage and are hanging off small chunk rock banks with a pea gravel mix and plain pea gravel flats off channel swings in the pockets and points of these pockets. The jig n trailer, Chomper twin tail grub and tubes (brown/grn. pumpkin, brown/chartreuse and black/blue) worked on the larger chunk rock banks and points are producing, but the spinnerbait and crankbait seems to be producing the best, especially the larger bass. There have been reports that Carolina rigged small plastics have been producing, but the bite has been so soft that it has been difficult to detect the bite. The best bite continues to be below the lodge, but this could change overnight if the weather reaches the 70's and 80's as forecasted the end of this week.

CRAPPIE - FAIR Since the slow rise of the lake this week there has been some small crappie being caught off the bank in 4 to 8 feet of water, mainly in the dirtier water. There hasn't been any reports of large crappie being caught, but again this can change overnight if the warmer weather moves in this weekend. Minnows tipped with Crappie Nibbles has been the best bite. Road Runners, tubes and jigs (white/blue, white/red, chartreuse/white and chartreuse) are working as well.

CATFISH - FAIR There hasn't been many reports on catfish, but the reports received indicate jugs baited with cut shad, crawdads and shrimp have been the best baits in the larger coves and creeks.

WHITE BASS/HYBRIDS - FAIR There have been small whites busting shad in the creeks and large pockets off the main lake during the afternoon and evening, but no reports of large white or hybrids being caught. Road Runner and Rooster Tails are producing.

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LONGBRANCH

Updated 04/15/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 791.0 Temperature: 46

Inflow: 3 cfs Outflow: 52 cfs Level: 0.11 feet high

Lake Map

Channel Catfish fair on trotlines

Flathead slow

Walleye slow

Crappie slow

Largemouth Bass slow

Bluegill slow

White Bass slow

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LONGVIEW

Updated 04/15/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 891.0 Temperature:

Inflow: 15 cfs Outflow: 80 cfs Level: 1.22 feet low

Lake Map

Mouse Creek at Longview Lake has a new gate and the area will be closed at 9:00 p.m. and will not reopen until 8:00 a.m. All fisherman need to have their vehicles out of the area by 9:00 p.m. or their vehicles could be locked in for the night and/or ticketed.

Catfish No Report

Bass No Report

Crappie No Report

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MARK TWAIN

Updated 04/15/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 606.0 Temperature: 55-59 Water Condition: Dingy - Muddy

Release Rate: 130 Level: 3.17 feet high

Lake Map

Report by: South Fork Resort

Date: 4/15/04
Lake Level : 605.40
Last Weeks Lake Level: 605.72
Normal Lake Level : 606
Water Condition: Dingy - Muddy
Surface Water Temp: 55-59 degrees

Crappie fishing has been tough this week, however as of yesterday it is starting to heat up. The latest report is that a lot of small crappie are being caught up in the creeks, with the best fishing taking place in the warmer water. Sandy Creek and Lick Creek are the best bets as of this morning. Near record highs should warm the water up even more and get the crappie on the move as they go about their pre-spawn activities. The usual minnows or black/chartreuse jigs are the best bet, don't forget the crappie nibblets if the bite slows down. Expect to catch a lot of small crappie for every keeper, and try shallow water first and keep on the move. Don't tie off to anything for long if you're not catching keepers.

Hopefully the crappie fishing will continue to heat up for the Crappie USA $10,000 Mega Bucks tournament this Saturday. We will be hosting the Crappie USA Kids Rodeo tournament in our pond. It is free, and a lot of fun, if you're in the area stop by and enter your kid in this event. Here's a link to pictures from last years kids tournament- CrappieUSA Kids

Finally, a report on bass fishing. It's been good for the past week, using spinner baits from the shore out, in water about 6 feet deep. A lot of sub legal bass have been caught (just barely under the 15 inch limit), and they've been fat and healthy.

Catfishing continues to be good. Some nice size blues and channels have been caught on trotlines using goldfish or cut shad. Elk Fork and South Fork are still provided good action. This is the time of year when catfish like to come up to the warmer waters and forage for food. Look for water 8 feet or less near drop-offs and fish it.

Red Morels are still being found in good numbers and size. Small Grey's are also being found. If the weather keeps warming up like it has the whites should be popping up very soon.

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MAPLE LEAF LAKE 

Updated 04/15/04

Temperature: 

Lake Map

No Report

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MISSOURI RIVER

ST. JOSEPH AREA

Updated 04/15/04

Report By Don Guess

Channel Cat good shad sides and large shinners.

Blues good on sides and guts.

Flathead fair on gold fish and carp minnows.

Crappie slow on ponds and lakes.


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MONTROSE

Updated 04/15/04

Temperature: 47   Level: 2.5 feet low Clarity: clear

Lake Map

Channel Catfish fair

Flathead slow

Largemouth Bass slow

Stripers slow

Crappie slow on brush piles

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MOZINGO

Updated 04/08/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool:  Temperature:   55

Level: 

Lake Map

Report By: Big Birds Bait                 Braggin' Board

Check out river bottom lures we stock 8 colors in 4 and 6 inch
Check out the new lx bow by Matthew's

Bass good spinner baits and jigs

Crappie good still holding off points in deeper water jigs and minnows

Bluegill good on worms

Catfish good on worms and minnows and goldfish

All are invited to nodaho bowhunters 1st and  3rd shoot of the year on the 11th

Remember to pray for our troops and POWs REMEMBER JESUS DIED ON THE CROSS FOR US TO SAVE OUR SOULS AND GIVE US EVER LASTING LIFE GOD BLESS

BIG BIRD
God bless the USA


thanks big bird
ride hard ride free
pray for the troops and pray for the POW's and the MIA's

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POMME de TERRE

Updated 04/10/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 839.0 Temperature: 53 and Dingy

Inflow: 200 cfs Outflow: 300 cfs Level: 2.23 feet high

Lake Map

Report by: J&N Sporting Goods

Black Bass Fair Worms , or Spinner Baits use at back of coves

White Bass up the rivers on chartreuse spinners or jigs.

Muskie fair 4-10 feet of water use black spinners on Martins flat.

Crappie fair 5-10 feet of water around brush use minnows or chartreuse jigs.

Lower Lake fair

Black bass crankbaits in 10 to 20 feet range on points Action has been slow.

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PONY EXPRESS

Updated 04/08/04

Temperature: 53  Clarity:  Level: low

Lake Map

Largemouth Bass fair using Rattle traps in 6 feet of water

Channel Cat fair using cut bait in deep water

Bluecat No Report

Bluegill No Report

Crappie good using minnows and jigs

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SEVER

Updated 04/15/04

Water Temp: 52 and Dingy   Level: high

Lake Map

Crappie fair

Blue Catfish fair

Channel Catfish fair

Largemouth Bass fair

Bluegill fair

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SMITHVILLE

Updated 04/15/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 864.2  Temperature: 54 to 60

Inflow: 5 cfs Outflow: 6 cfs Level: 0.43 feet low

Lake Map

Report by Burton's Bait and Tackle

Water Temp:54 to 60 degrees

CRAPPIE: FAIR Crappie are scattered and you can catch them at about any depth, depending on which part of the lake you try. They seem to be scattering some while they are following the creek channels toward the backs of the coves and the shallower water. You have to move around some to catch a limit. Jigs and minnows as usual are the best. The water has more color and is warmer up the river. Darker colored jigs are the best. The crappie have not moved up yet.

BASS: FAIR: Bass fishing is getting better if we can keep the water warm. Suspending rogues in the cleaner water around the main lake and jigs or spinnerbaits if you are fishing up the arms of the lake. Some nice fish are being caught. Look in Burton's Tournaments and see weekend results. Thursday evening tournaments start 4-15, this Thursday.

CATFISH: Good Worms, shad sides, or shad guts are all catching fish. The Platte and Little Platte rivers are also producing some fish since the rains. When it rains the fish move into the backs of the creeks and fishing can be great. The normal areas would be to fish the mouths of the coves in the little Platte river arm of the lake. Start at the mouth and work your way back till you find the fish.

WHITE BASS: Good The whites have started their annual run up the river towards Plattsburg. Fish the Little Platte arm of the lake from the free boat ramp to the public access on 116 hwy between Plattsburg and Lathrop. Throw rooster tails and road runners and you can catch both whites and some crappie.

WALLEYE: They have arrived!! They have spawned and its about over. The full moon on April 5th was probable the peak and the spawn is on the down hill side. Within the next couple of weeks the walleye should start moving to the main lake points to feed up after the spawn. Drift the points with a jig head and crawler or throw a #5 shad rap. Some very nice fish have been reported with the largest report at 12 lb.

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STOCKTON

Updated 04/15/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 867.7 Temperature: 53

Inflow: 700 cfs Outflow: 920 cfs Level: 2.56 feet high

Lake Map

Report By: Square Deal Bait Shop

Black Bass are fair on plastic baits and crankbaits

White bass fair on Rapalas and Rooster Tails

Walleye are fair on stickbaits

Crappie and fair on Tube jigs and minnows

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TABLE ROCK

Updated 04/15/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 915.0 Temperature: 55 - 59

Release Rate: 777 cfs. Level: 1.26 feet low

Report by: Pete's Professional Guide Service

APRIL 13, 2004

WATER LEVEL - 914.12 Normal Pool 915'
JAMES RIVER Upper 45-50
MAIN LAKE 55-59

MAIN LAKE - DAM, KIMBERLING CITY, BAXTER & CAMPBELL POINT & SHELL KNOB

Table Rock showed itself this past Saturday at one of the Central Pro-Am MO-Ark events. Once again it showed why it is called one of the best foul weather lakes in the country. Fish started moving on to the beds last week and Saturday a cold front came thru with much needed rains, steady winds and falling temps, and the big fish hit good. It took over 27 lbs. to win in the MO-Ark tournament on Saturday, while 20lbs didn't get a check. The two big bass were over 8lbs! Over the years I've have learned that the worst the weather gets in the spring, the more the fish turn on, they like it! After the front came through, cold temperatures with bluebird conditions, fishing got tougher on Sunday and then improved on Monday. Many of the fish will pull back off the beds for a few days, but with temperatures expected to be in the high 60's & 70's later on in the week the fish should be spawning all over. Water temps dropped to the low to mid 50's after the front. should be back into the high 50's to 60's by the weekend. Many of the same patterns will work from last weeks report so leaving it up for this week also.

Quality fish can be caught on stick baits and wigglewarts, bites can be few and far between but excellent quality fish when you get bit. Early bite is best or if the winds picks up in the afternoon. Fish secondary points with submerged timber (stickbaits), & channel swing banks in the creeks. Try to key on banks that change from football size rock to pea gravel. We are also catching lots of fish on 4" finesse worms, French fries, & centipedes, in watermelon or green pumpkin fished on 1/8 oz. to 1/4 oz. jig heads. Try also split shot rigged or on a drop shot rig in 10'-15' main lake and secondary gravel points. Many smaller fish being caught on these patterns. Carolina rigs with 4" worms or 4"-5" lizards, along with Twin tailed Chompers or Yamamoto grubs. Single tail grubs will catch fish staging out over 20'-30' on main lake points at 10'-15'. Use shad colors, watermelon, on 1/4 oz. jig heads. Top water baits should start working as the warms continues to warm up.

LONG CREEK & JAMES RIVER

A lot of pockets and the backs of creeks are loaded up with shad. When the shad are up throw a 1/4 oz. Rattle Trap under and around the bait fish, your are apt to catch white bass or blacks this way. The same patterns noted above will work in these areas as well. There is a lot more stained water in the rivers, and the water is warming up good in the afternoons. Try wiggle warts or spinnerbaits on channel swings as well as in the backs of the creeks, also try Senco's or trick worms in the backs of main lake pockets and backs of creeks. The Upper White has been producing many crankbait and jig fish. Rock Creek, Owl Creek, & Roaring River areas. Fish the main river points with Carolina Rigs, and also try 3/4 oz. football jigs fished in 15'-18'. Good Luck!

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TANEYCOMO

Updated 04/15/04

Temperature:  Level:

Report by River Run Outfitters

Branson Chapter Trout Unlimited next meeting April 27, 2004, 7:00 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery.

GENERAL COMMENTS

Water Conditions: Last week they ran two to three generators all week. Over the weekend, they generated for 1-2 hours before noon. Water off balance of day. Monday they generated all day, but yesterday and today they generated for a couple hours in the morning then off the balance of the day. Plus the weather is beautiful and forecast for remainder of week is good!

FLY FISHING TROPHY AREA (dam to Fall Creek)-SHALLOW WATER-WADING-
Last week we were fishing the red midge, size 16. Trip out Friday also caught them on the rust midge with the high water. Over the weekend, after the water turned off, you could catch them on almost anything you threw. Stan had a trip out Sunday so I wend out by myself to the Rocking Chair hole. Fished from noon until 4:30. Water was down so I started with the rust zebra, size 18. Caught several fish on that and noticed the fish coming up. Immediately put on a soft hackle and finished the afternoon with a fish or hit on almost every cast. Think they would have taken any color soft hackle, but the insect green or caddis green, size 16 or 14 seemed to be the most consistent. Would not get a hit every time on the dark olive. As you may know, this is my favorite way to fish so I had a great afternoon. Probably caught 50 fish! Yesterday, after the water shut down was the same way. Zebras, scuds, soft hackles....all of them were working in almost every color. Saw thousands of scuds in the water yesterday. They were well involved in their reproduction activities. Seined up a few and several of these were at least a size 10.

STAN'S TIP: With a new fishing season upon us, get your fly line ready. Clean it in a non-grease cutting detergent (Ivory) rinse well, and dress, if recommended by the manufacturer. If you fish a lot, this should be done at least a couple time a year. If the tip of your line is sinking, check for cuts and nicks as these will make your line sink.

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THOMAS HILL

Updated 04/08/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 722.00 Clarity:  Level:

Temperature: 59 and Dingy

Lake Map

Report by Kaseyville Bait and Tackle

Crappie fair using jigs and minnows

Bass No Report

Channel cat No Report

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TRUMAN

Updated 04/15/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 706.0 Temperature:  53

Inflow: 4000 cfs Outflow: 5925 cfs Level: 1.75 feet high

Lake Map     Braggin' Board

MAIN LAKE Report by Sterett Creek Marina

It looks like spring has sprung here in the lakes area. The turkeys are gobbling, the shrooms are popping and there are a few fish biting. The weather has been a little chilly the last couple of days but the weather man has given us a reprieve for the rest of the week. If his weather forecast is correct we will be in the 70s the rest of the week and by the weekend we will have fish jumping in the boat. I just hope my boat is one they are jumping in. We are starting to see some crappie being caught and the bass bite is pretty good. The lake is still off colored but it is very fishable.

LAKE LEVEL: 707.73 2'
WATER TEMP: 53deg.
WATER CLARITY: Stained to dirty.

BASS: 2hr. 45min. - 10.15lbs tells me the bass fishing is not to bad. That was the result of the Sterett Creek Hawg Fight last night. Marty Watson and Jeff Hook took home 1st place honors. They also had big bass weighing 4.05lbs. 2nd place went to Chuck Strohman and Mike Green with a 8.09lb. stringer. 3rd place went to Mike Simons and Kevin Smith with 5.98lbs. Spinner baits and jig and frog were the best baits going last night. Chartreuse spinner baits with gold blades fished on the points next to deeper water worked pretty good. The fish seem to be holding in 4' to 6' of water and the spinners have to be moved pretty slow. Black and blue jigs fished on the steeper banks in 4' to 8' of water also worked. Fish seem to be holding about 1/2 way back in the coves. We are now asking for donations to buy Emil Tally a watch so he can get back to weigh ins on time, either that or to send him to school to learn to tell time.

CRAPPIE: The crappie are still slow but its just a matter of time.

I saw a couple of limits caught off the bank night before last but these fish have gotten pushed back with the two frosts we've had the last couple mornings. The Crossroads tourn. that went out last Sat. took 10 1/2lbs. to win, 10 fish limit. Big fish was 1.91lbs. Winning team was Fernandez and Markey brought in the winning string. With the weather they are calling for for the rest of the week we should have bedding fish all over the lake this weekend.

Fish the pea gravel banks with a jig and bobber set about 2' deep. A roadrunner will also do a good job. The lake is still 2' high so I think the crappie will spawn on the original bank line. I really think the fishing is going to get going this weekend.

WHITES: No reports.

CATFISH: Jug fishing for cats is still good. Set stages 10' deep and bait with cut shad. Most of the fish in our area are coming off the flats.

This weeks ratings from Sterett Creek are:

Bass # 1

Catfish # 2

Crappie # 3

This Sat. we have the Sedalia Lions Club Crappie Tourn. out of Sterett Creek. This is a big tourn. and a very good cause. If interested call us at the marina and we can get you in contact with them for details.

That's going to be it for this week from Sterett Creek Marina

So until next week we bid you good fishing.

Tommy

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Grand River Arm

Updated 04/15/04

Lake temp: 54 - 56

Report for Grand River Arm by Bucksaw Marina

The weather has finally turned around from the gorgeous and warm days to rainy, cold and clammy. We have finally seen some good indications that the crappie are trying to move up. The weather this weekend will put a halt on that for a day or two but it won't last long. They are wanting to do their thing.

CRAPPIE: Get ready, because the crappie are getting ready to bust loose. In the last two days we've seen some fish come in that were caught on the banks. These fish are just coming up to check the water conditions though. Reports of spurts of bank activity for 20-30 minutes then no bites on the banks for up to one hour. Saw some real nice bags come in from up river around Hay Creek area. Nothing big yet just nice keepers. The old stand-by SLIDER is the main bait. Should get really good by next weekend or so.

BASS: Still a spinnerbait bite between here and the Long Shoal bridge. North pockets with shad activity is the best. Look at secondary point on the down stream side in 1-4 feet of water. After this colder weather, might have to slow down with a jig or tube to get bit.

I know it's short, but that's about all we know for know.

* New Missouri regulations require that jug lines be attended at all times.

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WAPPAPELLO

Updated 04/15/04

Lake Elevation at Normal Pool: 359.0 Temperature: 

Release Rate: 410 Level: 2.40 feet low

Lake Map

Largemouth Bass good using crankbaits

White Bass No Report

Crappie good using minnows and jigs

Bluegill good using crickets

Catfish fair on trotlines and juglines using live bait and worms

Note: On the waters of Wappapello Lake & its tributaries, all Walleye & Sauger must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught. Anglers are encouraged to harvest bass under 11" (daily limit 6) to reduce the numbers of small bass in Wappapello lake.

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