Missouri Fishing Report from Anglers - January

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May 31, 2006 - Truman - Submitted by Sterett Creek -
LAKE LEVEL:         707.53 / WATER TEMP:       75 deg. / WATER CLARITY: Clear to light stain.

The fishing here on Truman this weekend was great. A 20 lb.+ stringer of bass caught in the Team Supreme tourn. and several 14" crappie along with some big white bass made it a super holiday. The fishing on Truman remains good and getting better with the crappie getting on the summer pattern with the warmer water.

BASS: The bass seem to be everywhere. There are fish on the secondary points hitting worms in 6' to 8' of water. Plum and blue fleck are the top colors. There are fish all the way in the back ends of the coves hitting spinner baits. If the shad aren't there neither are the bass. Look in a foot of water. There is also a buzz bait bite on the main lake flat points. These fish are holding around 4' in the timber. Last nights hawg fight results were, First place was Randy Lutjen with 6 fish weighing in at 14.54 lb., he also had Big Bass 4.36 lb., Second place went to Jerry and Sally Crosthwait with 6 fish weighing 13.13 lb. and third place went to Jim Lehares and Emil Talley with 4 fish weighing 10.18 lb.. We had a total of 12 boats for this tourn. and out of the 12 boats, 8 boats weighed in fish...

CRAPPIE: The crappie fishing has really picked up with the increase in the water temp. They have pulled out on the summer pattern and the big ole girls are starting to hit. Check our web site fore pictures. We saw lots of limits and lots of big fish. 12' to 17' of water fished with minnows about 7' deep is the best pattern. There were a lot of fish caught in the Osage arm.

WHITES & HYBRIDS: The COE didn't run much water this weekend but with the warmer temps. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't start running in the afternoons. There were quite a few whites caught around the islands and in the O 3 area. Spoons in the 17' range seemed to work the best. Fish are holding off the sides of the humps.

CATFISH: The catfishing remains good on Truman. We saw a 68 lb,a 58 lb and all kinds of 10 to 20 lb. fish this weekend. Trot lines in 4' of water next to deeper water baited with leeches was the top producer. Set stages about 12" on floating lines.

That's it for this week from Sterett Creek Marina
                                                660-438-2280
                                                 critter@dam.net

Till next week.
    Tommy

May 30, 2006 - Lake of the Ozarks & Truman - Submitted by Old Oar House Inn

Mile Marker 81

Lake of the Ozark water elevation is 657.70â¤™. Truman lake water elevation is 707.53â¤™. Spillway water temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Water discharge from Truman Dam is 0 CFS through the turbines.

Crappie: Steady

Crappie fishing remains surprisingly steady being so far into May. A best time remain early morning and in the evening hours after the sun begins to hit the tree line. Minnows fished from our docks against the banks continue to produce nice stringers of fish. Tony Wylie showed me a nice 13-Â12 inch pie plate crappie he had in his fish basket late Monday afternoon. Dave and Margaret Jones from Warsaw have done real well all spring catching crappie from our docks and here is a nice picture of them holding up 10 keepers they landed in only 1 Â12 hours. Great job guys.

Catfish: Excellent!

Al and Rose Weston and son Paul have been doing exceptionally well on trotlines the past few weeks. Paul weighed in a 63# blue cat he caught on a live bluegill last week and they have been routinely catching 20# fish. Al said it wonâ¤™t be long and the flat heads will start biting. His bait of choice is live bait. Al said that flatheads were hitting silver and gold rattle type plugs in deep water

Largemouth Bass:

Good. Dale Ladd and Andy Chronister stopped by late Monday for their bass report. The boys said Buzz Frogs made by Young are doing real well for them early in the day. Once the sun begins to climb they said flip the shallows with jigs and 10â¤? rubber worms. They limited out on bass Sunday. Donâ¤™t forget their upcoming bass tournament scheduled shortly. For specifics on their schedule of bass tournaments this summer check out our â¤Happeningâ¤? piece in the web site.

Walleye: Good.

Walleyes are hitting the yellow and gold rattle type plugs the flatheads were hitting as mentioned above. For best results fish the deepest channels you can find.

Carp: Good.

Dale and Andy also reported the carp are beginning to move into the shallows to feed and eventually to begin spawning. The boys honed their archery skills this past weekend and took 16 nice carp bow fishing.

White Bass

No report

We endorse trophy fish catch and release!

Remember a bad day fishing is better than a great day at work.

May 25, 2006 - Table Rock - Submitted by Table Rock Guide Service - Lake Level: 915.5
Normal Pool: 915.0 / Temp: 65-68 degrees

White River Area The bass are starting to go on early summer patterns. Use a 4" smoke with black flake or pumpkin colored grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass. For early morning top water bite use a Cordell Red Fin or Zara spook on pole timbered points, back in the creeks and on main lake points. Throw a 1/2 oz. Jewell football head jigs in 16-22 feet deep on main lake points near spawning pockets in the afternoon on sunny days.

Mid Lake-Kimberling City Area Most of the bass have spawned and starting to go somewhat deeper, but the fishing is good. Use a 4" smoke with black flake or pumpkin colored grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass. For early morning top water bite use a Cordell Red Fin or Zara spook on pole timbered points, back in the creeks and on main lake. Also try throwing a 1/2 oz. Jewell football head jigs in 16-22 feet deep on main lake points near spawning pockets in the afternoon on sunny days.

Lower End-Dam Area Small mouth fishing is good. Most of the bass have spawned are feeding on a 4" smoke with black flake or pumpkin colored grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass. For early morning top water bite use a Cordell Red Fin or Zara spook on pole timbered points, back in the creeks and on main lake. Throw a 1/2 oz. Jewell football head jigs in 16-22 feet deep on main lake points near spawning pockets in the afternoon on sunny days.

Upper End-James River Try a 4" smoke with black flake or pumpkin colored grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass. Early morning top water, Cordell Red Fin or Zara spook on pole timbered points, back in the creeks and on main lake. In the afternoons on sunny days, go to Carolina rigged brush hog or lizard, 10-20 feet deep in watermelon red with chartreuse tail.

Crappie Crappie fishing is excellent in the Kings River, James River on channel banks around pole timber and in creeks around standing timber 5-10 feet deep chartreuse and white crappie jigs, 1/16 and 1/8 oz jigs and on minnows.

In the Long Creek area, crappie are being caught on channel banks around pole timber 5-15 feet deep and in the afternoons after the water warms they can be caught in gravel pockets and on gravel points 5-8 feet deep with chartreuse and white crappie tubes and crappie jigs or minnows.

Lake Taneycomo Trout I'm catching some nice rainbows and a few browns on a small Rapala in the morning and also swimming a white 1/16 ounce jig. The trout in the trophy area will also take pink or green micro jigs under a float and a zebra midge has also been very good. Below the trophy are from Fall Creek down, the trout are biting very good on night crawlers or power baits. In the early morning you can catch them swimming a 1/16 ounce jig or little Cleo spoon, in line spinners are also good in the mornings.

Bill Beck

May 24, 2006 - Truman - Submitted by Sterett Creek -
Lake Level: 707.19 / Water Temp: 71 deg. / Water Clarity: Light Stain.

Holiday weekend, busy day, short report. The weather looks good, the water temp is coming up nicely and the fish are getting more active. If you are out and about this weekend please drive safe on lad and water.

BASS: The bass fishing remains good on Truman. Last nights hawg fights netted a winning stringer of 11.72 lbs. caught by Jerry and Sally Crosswaite. 2nd. was Cox and Beck with 11.22 lbs. and a 4.43 big fish. The blacks in our area are finishing spawning and starting to move to a little deeper water. Jig and frog in 8' to 10' of water was one of the top producers last night. Trees off the points are working the best. There is also a top water bite off the wind blown points. Buss baits in 6' of water are working well.

CRAPPIE: The crappie have started moving to the bluffs. 18' to 20' of water in the hardwoods has been working this week. Fish minnows 10' to 12' and keep moving tree to tree. The outside tree rows in 15' to18' are also working. Fish minnows about 10' in these rows.

WHITES & HYBRIDS: The water has cleared enough from KK Island to the dam to get the whites and hybrids going again. They aren't there in full force yet but we are seeing several limits come in everyday. Chartreuse spoons are working on the humps. Steve Blake had some nice hybrids last night on the 4" sassy shad with a 1/2oz. head. He said he did see some surface activity in the O 3 area.

CATFISH: What a week for catfish. We have weighted several fish in the 45-to 50 lb. range. Lots of 8 to 10 lb. fish. Trot lines baited with leeches in 4' to 8' of water is working the best.

That's it for this week from Sterett Creek Marina
660-438-2280
critter@dam.net

Till next week.
Tommy

May 22, 2006 - Answer to Florida Bass question - You might try some garlic sent found at most tackle shops. It covers a lot of smells and bass seem to like it.
Bill Rose
Lincoln NE

May 19, 2006 - Mark Twain - Submitted by South Fork Resort -
Lake Level : 604. / Normal Lake Level : 606 / Water Condition: Dingy - Clear

Surface Water Temp: 64 - 68 - depending on time of day and depth of water.

The water condition is dingy to lightly stained in the upper reaches to clear near the dam. Turkey season is over.

Crappie - The crappie have been biting all through the recent cold spells, they've just been pretty much on the small side. With the warmer temperatures the past couple of days we've been getting reports of better size crappie in the coves again. Most areas of the lake have been productive. Keep on the move and work the coves and cutouts that provide good cover. Minnows first, jigs second.

Bass fishing has been good. A lot of bass are being caught, several keeper size and better. Rocky banks and standing timber. Spinner baits, jigs or plastic baits have been productive. You can read about bass tournament results at the MAO web site <http://www.mwbt.com/marktwainbwsta042306.htm> . The preliminary list for this years Bud-Lite tournament <http://www.visitmarktwainlake.org/mtlcoc_bud_light_buddy_bass_tournament_drawing.shtml> is now available on the Mark Twain Lake Chamber of Commerce web site.

Catfish - Catfishing has been very good, perhaps a slight downgrade from last week. Goldfish and perch for set lines and nightcrawlers for rod and reel fishermen.

May 17, 2006 - Truman - Submitted by Sterett Creek - LAKE LEVEL: 708.36
WATER TEMP: 62 deg. / WATER CLARITY: Light Stain.

The wind finally layed so we can go fishing. It seems like we are having March weather in May. This week they are calling for a warm up so maybe our water temp. will get back up to where the fish will be more active. The bass fishing is very good along with cat fishing. The COE has been running water in the afternoons so we are seeing some whites come in in the evenings. The crappie are still in the state of confusion. So hopefully with the warm up everything will get back to where it's supposed to be.

BASS: The bass fishing is about as good as it gets. Last nights hawg fights were won by Ernie Cox and Russell Beck with18.44 lbs.They also had big fish weighing 5.07 lbs. Second was Marty Watson and Randy Lutjan with 14.68. John Wilbanks and Doug Jinks came in third with 10.54 lbs. That's some good fishing for three hours. The best bite is back in the coves in the secondary nitches around the points. Brush hogs and lizards in 5' to 6' of water seems to be working the best. There is also a top water bite on the points. Buzz baits seem to be working the best.

CRAPPIE: The crappie fishing remains slow. What fish we are seeing are coming off the summer pattern. The outside tree rows in 15' to 20' of water fished with minnows 6' to 8' down has had some success. The brush pile fish have not started yet. With the warm up we have coming I would think the crappie fishing will improve.

WHITES & HYBRIDS: We are seeing a few whites and small hybrids come in. Most of the fish are coming off the humps in 17' to 25' of water. Spoons seem to be working the best. 0 3 to the Wier to G 4 are the best areas. Also buzz baits on the windy main points are working.

CATFISH: Floating trot lines baited with leeches set with 16" stages are catching a lot of catfish. Lines set in 5' of water next to ditched seem to be doing the best.

That's it for this week from Sterett Creek Marina
660-438-2280
critter@dam.net
Till next week
Tommy

May 11, 2006 - Mark Twain - Submitted by South Fork Resort -

Lake Level : 604.4 / Normal Lake Level : 606 / Water Condition: Dingy - Clear

Surface Water Temp: 64 - 68 - depending on time of day and depth of water.

The water condition is dingy to lightly stained in the upper reaches to clear near the dam. Turkey season is underway, caution should be used if out in the woods looking for mushrooms or whatever. A lot of nice turkey have been taken, check out the latest pictures on the Hunting Photos page <http://southforkresort.net/Photos/hunting.htm> .

Crappie - Crappie continue to bite. Smaller crappie are being caught closer to the banks, with the larger crappie being caught off the banks and deeper. Some of the better crappie have been caught just outside of coves around structure, laydowns and stumps in particular, near deep water dropoffs and channels. We've been getting more reports of females being caught. Most areas of the lake have been productive. Most colors of jigs (Road Runners in particular), tipping with crappie nibbles or minnows is helpful. Minnows have been good as well. Some coves with lots of cover can be very productive by beaching your boat and walking the shore line. Keep on the move and work the coves and cutouts that provide good cover. Last weeks CrappieMasters tournament took 6.3 lbs to win. <http://www.crappiemasters.net/pressreleasepostmarktwain2006.html> We also held the CrappieMasters Kids Fishing Rodeo out of our pond, as usual it was a lot of fun as kids caught and released fish, ate hot dogs and received prizes. Check out the kids pictures here. <http://southforkresort.net/Photos/CrappieMasters/CrappieMastersKids2006/CrappieMastersKids2006.htm>

Monster Missouri Crappie

Could Be International Record

A private lake in Callaway County produced the 5-pound black crappie. The Conservation Department has certified the fish as a new state record.

Horstman's fish is larger than the current all-tackle record listed by the International Game Fish Association in Dania Beach, Fla.

Read more - Missouri State Record Crappie.

Bass fishing continues to be good. A lot of bass are being caught, several keeper size and better. Shallow water, near steep rocky banks. Spinner baits and jigs continue to be the best lures. You can read about bass tournament results at the MAO web site <http://www.mwbt.com/marktwainbwsta042306.htm> . The preliminary list for this years Bud-Lite tournament <http://www.visitmarktwainlake.org/mtlcoc_bud_light_buddy_bass_tournament_drawing.shtml> is now available on the Mark Twain Lake Chamber of Commerce web site.

Catfish - Catfishing has been excellent, with several good size flatheads and blues being caught. A lot of large flatheads and blues have been caught on set lines, using goldfish or perch. As far as biat goes, it tie between goldfish and perch. Nightcrawlers, shad sides and hot dogs and also been working. If you want to know how good the catfishing has been, just check out the latest fishing pictures <http://southforkresort.net/Photos/Fishing.htm> .

South Fork Resort

May 10, 2006 - Truman - Submitted by Sterett Creek - LAKE LEVEL: 708.58 / WATER TEMP: 66 deg.
WATER CLARITY: Upper arms muddy. Big Tebo clear to light stain, dam area light stain. Muddy water coming down the Osage it's about to KK Island.

With the recent rains the lake is up a little but in our area the water color is great. Also the COE has been running water about everyday so this should get the whites and hybrids all fired up. The bass fishing is about as good as I have seen it in a while. Crappie fishing is a little slow right now with the fish moving off the beds and going to the summer pattern. We must have had a fantastic spawn this year as there are millions of fry around the trees.

BASS: The bass fishing remains good on Truman. Lots of different patterns are working right now. Last night Jerry and Sally Crossweight took the honors with 12.67 lbs. Second and big bass went to Howard Love and John Pollit with10.80 and 3.63. 3rd was Emil Tally and Jim Lehares with 8.25 lbs. The lizard and baby brush hog bite is still on. The steep banked nitches with 4' to 8' of water are a good choice. The buzz bait bite really took off last night. I think everyone I talked to caught fish on a buzzer. Then there were those who missed big fish on a buzzer, right Emil. White buzz baits and watermelon red hogs and lizards are the top colors. For the buzz bait fish look for fry around the trees.

CRAPPIE: Our crappie have been slow this week. It looks like they are some where between the spawn banks and the edge of the flats trying to get on the summer pattern. There are a lot of little fish being caught. Minnows are the top producer in 12' to 17' of water fished down about 8' to 10'. The running water is not helping the crappie bite at all.

WHITES & HYBRIDS: The running water is helping the white bass fishing. Spoons on the humps in 15' to 20' of water has been working. All the old areas have fish on them. We have seen some 6 lb hybrids but no real big fish yet.

CATFISH: Jugs are still working. 16" lines baited with leeches have been working the best. Shallow floating trot lines are also working baited with leeches. Set stages about a foot in 4' of water next to the ditches.

That's it for this week from Sterett Creek Marina
660-438-2280
critter@dam.net
Till next week
Tommy

May 5, 2006 - Lake of the Ozarks & Truman - Submitted by Old Oar House Inn

Mile Marker 81
Lake of the Ozark water elevation is 656.55'. Truman lake water elevation is 707.86'. Spillway water temperature is 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Water discharge from Truman Dam remains a steady 8,000 CFS through the turbines.

Spoonbill:
Closed for the season
Colonel John Rackovan from Greenville, PA is shown here with his personal best spoonbill which tipped the scales 62# on the last day of snagging. When I asked him where he caught it all he would say was in the side! Great job Colonel! I saw more and bigger spoonbill this season then I ever have. All indications are that Missouri's spoonbill fishery is doing very well on Lake of the Ozarks.

Crappie:
Steady
The main crappie run has peaked for the season but the fishing is still very good. Best times are early morning and just before dark. Minnows and jigs fished slowly along the shore continue to produce nice stringers of fish. Al and Rose Weston continue to limit out on Crappie from our docks. Al said minnows are his bait of choice.

Catfish:
Excellent!
Just ask 7-year-old Jacob Woodruff pictured here with a nice stringer of catfish how the fishing is and he will tell you. Jacob and his parents Gary and Judy drove over from Fort Leonard Wood and did very well using worms and minnows as is evidenced by this nice stringer of fish. Well done Jacob! This kid is hooked for life on fishing. Take a kid fishing and he will be hooked for life!

Largemouth Bass:
Good.
Dale Ladd and Chandler Young report that largemouth bass fishing is real good right now. Crank baits and Missouri Craw jigs made by 'Jewel' continue to work well for the boys. They said to fish in 4' to 8' of water. Chandler Young is the #2 Junior Bass fisherman in the state and when these boys talk, I listen! The boys have scheduled a series of Bass Fishing tournaments this summer at the Old Oar House. Check out our website for details.

White Bass
Good
Bryan Thompson from Baton Rouge, LA is shown here with a couple nice white bass he caught just below Truman Dam. Bryan said he caught his fish on a Rapala Shad Wrap off the shelf just above the main channel.

We endorse trophy fish catch and release!
Remember a bad day fishing is better than a great day at work.

May 5, 2006 - Table Rock - Submitted by Table Rock Guide Service - Table Rock Guide Service Fishing Report
Lake Level: 910.2
Normal Pool: 915.00'
Water Temp: 67-70 degrees

Table Rock Lake White River Area The bass are starting to go on early summer patterns. Use a 4" smoke with black flake or pumpkin colored grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass. For early morning top water bite use a Cordell Red Fin or Zara spook on pole timbered points, back in the creeks and on main lake points. Throw a 1/2 oz. Jewell football head jigs in 16-22 feet deep on main lake points near spawning pockets in the afternoon on sunny days. Mid Lake-Kimberling City Area Most of the bass have spawned and starting to go somewhat deeper, but the fishing is good. Use a 4" smoke with black flake or pumpkin colored grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass. For early morning top water bite use a Cordell Red Fin or Zara spook on pole timbered points, back in the creeks and on main lake. Also try throwing a 1/2 oz. Jewell football head jigs in 16-22 feet deep on main lake points near spawning pockets in the afternoon on sunny days. Lower End-Dam Area Small mouth fishing is good. Most of the bass have spawned are feeding on a 4" smoke with black flake or pumpkin colored grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass. For early morning top water bite use a Cordell Red Fin or Zara spook on pole timbered points, back in the creeks and on main lake. Throw a 1/2 oz. Jewell football head jigs in 16-22 feet deep on main lake points near spawning pockets in the afternoon on sunny days. Upper End-James River Try a 4" smoke with black flake or pumpkin colored grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass. Early morning top water, Cordell Red Fin or Zara spook on pole timbered points, back in the creeks and on main lake. In the afternoons on sunny days, go to Carolina rigged brush hog or lizard, 10-20 feet deep in watermelon red with chartreuse tail. Crappie Crappie fishing is excellent in the Kings River, James River on channel banks around pole timber and in creeks around standing timber 5-10 feet deep chartreuse and white crappie jigs, 1/16 and 1/8 oz jigs and on minnows.

May 3, 2006 - Truman - Submitted by Sterett Creek - Lake Level: 708.17
Water Temp: 64 deg. / Water Clarity: Upper ends dirty, Lower lake light stain.Very fishable.

Last week we had about 3 1/2" of rain and the lake was on a slow rise. The COE. has been running water all week and caught up with the rise this morning. The good thing is that with the running water the fishing has been real good. The crappie have slowed a little but the whites and hybrids have stared in. The water in our area looks great so I'm looking for a good week of fishing.

BASS: Last night the hawg fights produced another good winning stringer of fish. You have to remember that this is only 3 hours of fishing. Howard Love and John Pollitt were the winners weighing in 10.29 lbs. Right behind them was Randy and Jim Lutjan with
10.28 lbs. 3 rd. was Doug and Ozzie Wallace with 7.85 lbs. Howard and John had big bass also which weighed 2.82 lbs. Most of the fish came back in the pockets off secondary points. With running water this is a good pattern on Truman. Lizards jig and frog, and tubes were the top baits. Watermelon red, and black and blue were the top colors. Fish came from 4' to 8' of water. You have to remember the lake is up 2' so the original bank line is deeper and so are the fish.

CRAPPIE: We are seeing crappie come in on the summer pattern. The outside tree rows on the ends of the flats seem to be working the best. Fish from 12' to 17' of water about 6' deep. Minnows and jigs are both working. Larry Wright and Ron Tadegin brought in some real nice stringers from the Berry Bend area.

WHITES & HYBRIDS: The whites and hybrids have started in early this year. Mike and Pat Friend have brought in several nice stringers along with some hybrids in the 6 lb. range. Fish are holding off the humps in 15' to 20' of water and jigging spoons are the top bait. From KK Island to the dam is producing some good fish and good numbers.

CATFISH: Jugs are still the best of the best. Scotty Weaver just weighed a 11 1/2 lbs caught off cut shad. 12' seems to be the best depth. Earlier this week we had a 27 lb. and a 29 lb. weighed in. Trot lines should be starting in our area real soon.

That's it for this week from Sterett Creek Marina
660-438-2280
critter@dam.net

Till next week.
Tommy

May 3, 2006 - Mark Twain - Submitted by South Fork Resort -

Lake Level : 602.8 / Normal Lake Level : 606 / Water Condition: Dingy - Clear

Surface Water Temp: 66 - 72 - depending on time of day and depth of water.

Attention: This Saturday is the CrappieMasters Kids Fishing Rodeo. It will be held in our pond at South Fork Resort. The Missouri Department of Conservation stocked the pond today (Wednesday 5/3) with about 100 channel cats and hybrid bluegills. The kids tournament is open (FREE) to kids 12 and under, registration is from 8:00 - 9:00, fishing and activities is from 9:00 to Noon. Bring the kids by and let them participate in the fun.

The water condition is dingy to lightly stained in the upper reaches to clear near the dam. Turkey season is underway, caution should be used if out in the woods looking for mushrooms or whatever.

We've been getting more reports of females being caught. Most areas of the lake have been productive. Most colors of jigs (Road Runners in particular), tipping with crappie nibbles or minnows is helpful. Minnows have been good as well. Some coves with lots of cover can be very productive by beaching your boat and walking the shore line. Keep on the move and work the coves and cutouts that provide good cover.

Bass fishing continues to be good. A lot of bass are being caught, several keeper size and better. Shallow water. Spinner baits and jigs have been the best lures. You can read about bass tournament results at the MAO web site <http://www.mwbt.com/marktwainbwsta042306.htm> . The preliminary list for this years Bud-Lite tournament <http://www.visitmarktwainlake.org/mtlcoc_bud_light_buddy_bass_tournament_drawing.shtml> is now available on the Mark Twain Lake Chamber of Commerce web site.

Catfish - Catfishing is very good, with several good size flatheads and blues being caught. Last weekend there was a 50 lb'er and a 57 lb'er weighed in, and several smaller ones. These were caught on set lines, using goldfish or perch. We had better reports from goldfish. Perch, gold fish, nightcrawlers.

South Fork Resort

May 3, 2006 - Table Rock - Submitted by Table Rock Guide Service - Table Rock Guide Service Fishing Report
Lake Level: 910.2
Normal Pool: 915.00'
Water Temp: 67-70 degrees

Table Rock Lake White River Area The bass are starting to go on early summer patterns. Use a 4" smoke with black flake or pumpkin colored grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass. For early morning top water bite use a Cordell Red Fin or Zara spook on pole timbered points, back in the creeks and on main lake points. Throw a 1/2 oz. Jewell football head jigs in 16-22 feet deep on main lake points near spawning pockets in the afternoon on sunny days. Mid Lake-Kimberling City Area Most of the bass have spawned and starting to go somewhat deeper, but the fishing is good. Use a 4" smoke with black flake or pumpkin colored grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass. For early morning top water bite use a Cordell Red Fin or Zara spook on pole timbered points, back in the creeks and on main lake. Also try throwing a 1/2 oz. Jewell football head jigs in 16-22 feet deep on main lake points near spawning pockets in the afternoon on sunny days. Lower End-Dam Area Small mouth fishing is good. Most of the bass have spawned are feeding on a 4" smoke with black flake or pumpkin colored grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass. For early morning top water bite use a Cordell Red Fin or Zara spook on pole timbered points, back in the creeks and on main lake. Throw a 1/2 oz. Jewell football head jigs in 16-22 feet deep on main lake points near spawning pockets in the afternoon on sunny days. Upper End-James River Try a 4" smoke with black flake or pumpkin colored grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass. Early morning top water, Cordell Red Fin or Zara spook on pole timbered points, back in the creeks and on main lake. In the afternoons on sunny days, go to Carolina rigged brush hog or lizard, 10-20 feet deep in watermelon red with chartreuse tail. Crappie Crappie fishing is excellent in the Kings River, James River on channel banks around pole timber and in creeks around standing timber 5-10 feet deep chartreuse and white crappie jigs, 1/16 and 1/8 oz jigs and on minnows.

Lake Taneycomo Trout I'm catching some nice rainbows and a few browns on a small Rapala in the morning and also swimming a white 1/16 ounce jig. The trout in the trophy area will also take pink or green micro jigs under a float and a zebra midge has also been very good. Below the trophy are from Fall Creek down, the trout are biting very good on night crawlers or power baits. In the early morning you can catch them swimming a 1/16 ounce jig or little Cleo spoon, in line spinners are also good in the mornings.

Bill Beck

May 3, 2006 - Truman - Submitted by Sterett Creek - Lake Level: 708.17
Water Temp: 64 deg. / Water Clarity: Upper ends dirty, Lower lake light stain.Very fishable.

Last week we had about 3 1/2" of rain and the lake was on a slow rise. The COE. has been running water all week and caught up with the rise this morning. The good thing is that with the running water the fishing has been real good. The crappie have slowed a little but the whites and hybrids have stared in. The water in our area looks great so I'm looking for a good week of fishing.

BASS: Last night the hawg fights produced another good winning stringer of fish. You have to remember that this is only 3 hours of fishing. Howard Love and John Pollitt were the winners weighing in 10.29 lbs. Right behind them was Randy and Jim Lutjan with
10.28 lbs. 3 rd. was Doug and Ozzie Wallace with 7.85 lbs. Howard and John had big bass also which weighed 2.82 lbs. Most of the fish came back in the pockets off secondary points. With running water this is a good pattern on Truman. Lizards jig and frog, and tubes were the top baits. Watermelon red, and black and blue were the top colors. Fish came from 4' to 8' of water. You have to remember the lake is up 2' so the original bank line is deeper and so are the fish.

CRAPPIE: We are seeing crappie come in on the summer pattern. The outside tree rows on the ends of the flats seem to be working the best. Fish from 12' to 17' of water about 6' deep. Minnows and jigs are both working. Larry Wright and Ron Tadegin brought in some real nice stringers from the Berry Bend area.

WHITES & HYBRIDS: The whites and hybrids have started in early this year. Mike and Pat Friend have brought in several nice stringers along with some hybrids in the 6 lb. range. Fish are holding off the humps in 15' to 20' of water and jigging spoons are the top bait. From KK Island to the dam is producing some good fish and good numbers.

CATFISH: Jugs are still the best of the best. Scotty Weaver just weighed a 11 1/2 lbs caught off cut shad. 12' seems to be the best depth. Earlier this week we had a 27 lb. and a 29 lb. weighed in. Trot lines should be starting in our area real soon.

That's it for this week from Sterett Creek Marina
660-438-2280
critter@dam.net

Till next week.
Tommy

May 3, 2006 - Mark Twain - Submitted by South Fork Resort -

Lake Level : 602.8 / Normal Lake Level : 606 / Water Condition: Dingy - Clear

Surface Water Temp: 66 - 72 - depending on time of day and depth of water.

The water condition is dingy to lightly stained in the upper reaches to clear near the dam. Turkey season is underway, caution should be used if out in the woods looking for mushrooms or whatever.

South Fork Resort

April 26, 2006 - Truman - Submitted by Sterett Creek - Lake Level: 707.0
Water Temp: 64 deg. / Water Clarity: Light Stain

With the cold front sitting on top of us this morning I would say the fishing is going to slow a little the next day of so. The lake is on a slow rise from the 2" of rain we had this week. Even with the rain the lake is in real good shape. We have the Concord Village Lions Club Tourn. out this weekend so we are looking for a good turnout and with the passing of the front a bunch of fish being caught.

BASS: The bass fishing here on Truman remains good. We had the Hawg Fights last night and Mike and Pat Friend had the winning stringer of 10.98 lbs. 2nd. was Doug and Ozzie Wallace with8.22 lbs. 3rd. was Ernie Cox and Russell Beck with 7.33 lbs. Big bass was brought in by Kenny Mason and Randy James weighing 3.63lbs. Most of the fish brought in were caught on bottom bumpers. Lizards and brush hogs are leading the list along with the sweet beaver. Watermelon red seems to be the top color. The jig is still doing good in MO. craw. Did hear there was a worm bite starting, red shad. Fish are liking the 45 deg banks and are in 4'to 8' of water. Some of the smaller males are on the banks but the better fish are running a little deeper.

CRAPPIE: In our area the crappie have moved to the summer pattern. They seem to be holding on the outside tree rows in 15' to 20' of water down about 8' to 10' deep. Minnows have started to top jig fishing. There have been a few spawn fish coming out of 6' to 8' of water but most of those have been smaller males. When ever the temp warms back up we should see some more really good fish come in.

WHITES & HYBRIDS: Haven't seen any whites to speak of but had a good hybrid report on Monday. The hybrids were surfacing on the humps in the KK Island area. These were 7lb. to 8lb. fish. It's still just a little early for them but but this year everything seems to be early.

CATFISH: The jug fishing in our area remains good. Jugs fished on the flats set about 12' baited with cut shad or little smokies has been doing well. We had a 27lb. blue weighed in yesterday by Dick Cayton.

That's it for this week from Sterett Creek Marina
660-438-2280
critter@dam.net
So till next week.
Tommy

April 27, 2006 - Mark Twain - Submitted by South Fork Resort -

Lake Level : 602.6 / Normal Lake Level : 606 / Water Condition: Dingy - Clear

Surface Water Temp: 56 - 63 depending on time of day and depth of water.

The water condition is dingy to lightly stained in the upper reaches to clear near the dam. Morel mushrooms are slowly popping up and the turkeys are gobbling up a storm. Turkey season is underway, caution should be used if out in the woods looking for mushrooms or whatever.

Crappie - Crappie continue to bite good, although Tuesday we were getting more reports of smaller crappie with the cold front that came through. Wednesday the reports were not as good, although they were still biting good and the size seemed to pick back up. Most reports are of males, with some females here and there. Most areas of the lake have been productive. Coves off of channels have been the best areas to fish. Most of the reports have the crappie still near spawning coves, although they've backed off the banks in have gone slightly deeper. Most colors of jigs (Road Runners in particular), tipping with crappie nibbles or minnows is helpful. Minnows have been good as well. Some coves with lots of cover can be very productive by beaching your boat and walking the shore line. Keep on the move and work the coves and cutouts that provide good cover.

Bass fishing continues to be good. A lot of bass are being caught, several keeper size and better have been caught in shallow water. Spinner baits and jigs have been the best lures. Last weeks Bass World Sports tournament last sunday had a winning weight of 19.44 lbs. You can read all about the tournament at the MAO web site.

Catfish - Catfishing is still very good, with reports of good size flatheads and blues on set lines, and channel cats on rod and reel. Perch, gold fish, nightcrawlers.

April 19, 2006 - Truman - Submitted by Sterett Creek -
LAKE LEVEL: 706.66 / WATER TEMP: 62 deg. / WATER CLARITY: Light Stain to Clear

The fishing here on Truman remains good. The crappie are still spawning and the bass are moving into the shallows. The wind has finally settled down so it looks like this week is going to be great.

BASS: We had our first Hawg Fight last night and the wind didn't do us any favors. Man did it blow. Kenny Mason and his son Ken took 1st. place with 6.80 lbs. Larry Wright and Ron Taddeken took 2nd with 6.56 lbs. Big bass went to Mike and Pat Friend at 4.37 lbs. Tom and Ozzie broke off to many fish and Emil and Jim ran out of gas. Emil said something about doing a battery check. The bass have started hitting soft plastics along with jig and frog. The fish are in the 2' to 4' range in the nitches in the coves. Look for 45 deg. banks with chunk rock. The sweet beaver is working well in watermelon red and the MO. craw jig is also working. The mad cow is happening. We are starting to see some bedding fish.

CRAPPIE: With these little cold fronts the crappie have backed off into a little deeper water. Look in 4' to 6' of water still in the steeper banks. Fish the little nitches in the pockets and on main lake. Our end of the lake should get going real good this week. I'm still seeing good fish out of the Clear Creek area along with the Hogles Creek area.

WHITES: Had a few whites come in last night off windy points on Rat L Traps. I think it will be another week or two before we see a big bunch of whites move in.

CATFISH: Jugs on the flats set 10' to 12' deep using cut shad has been working the best in our area. Have seen some nice sized blues come in this week.

That's it for this week from Sterett Creek Marina
660-438-2280
critter@dam.net

Looks like a good week for fishing hope to see you soon.
Tommy

April 16, 2006 - Mark Twain - Submitted by South Fork Resort - The fishing has turned on at Twain, it's time for a new report.
Lake Level : 603 / Normal Lake Level : 606
Water Condition: Dingy - Clear / Surface Water Temp: 58 - 65 depending on time of day and depth of water.

The water is warming up very nicely and the fishes natural instinct to spawn is kicking in. We're getting good reports on just about everything, crappie, bass, catfish, white bass. The water condition is dingy to lightly stained in the upper reaches to clear near the dam. Morel mushrooms are popping up and the turkeys are gobbling up a storm. It's prime time folks and it's just beginning.

Crappie - Pre-spawn pattern, males are on the banks making a nest for the larger females which are in deeper water just off spawning banks. Most fishermen are reporting good catches anywhere from 6 inches to 3 feet next to the banks. Some reports have them at 5 feet out and five feet down. Almost any color jig, or minnows. Keep on the move and work the coves and cutouts with good cover. Most areas of the lake are producing.

Bass fishing is very good. A lot of bass are being caught, several next to the bank and keeper size and better.

Catfish - Very good on set lines and rod and reels. Gold fish, perch or nightcrawlers.

South Fork Resort

April 12, 2006 - Mark Twain - Submitted by South Fork Resort - Lake Level : 603 / Normal Lake Level : 606

Water Condition: Muddy - Clear / Surface Water Temp: 55 - 60

The water is warming up to where the fish should start getting more active. A couple of fishermen reported water temps in the low 60's last weekend, and with the weather reports in the 80's this week the water temperature will get considerably warmer. Most boat ramps have at least one walkway in place and by this weekend they should all be in place. The water condition is dingy in the upper reaches to clear near the dam.

Crappie - Most reports have been slow for crappie. A few fishermen have had good outings fishing flats near mouths of coves, in some cases near secondary coves. Fishermen should concentrate near spawning branches. Minnows or jigs tipped with minnows or crappie nibbles are best. Red/white or Red/Chartreuse tube jigs have been the best color combo.

Bass - Very slow. The preliminary list for this years Bud-Lite tournament <http://maout.com/marktwaincocboatnumbers06.htm> is now available on the MAO web site.

Catfish - Fair, a few reports of good catches have been reported. Warm sunny days, along with the warm winds and rain will rapidly heat shallow areas of the lake. Look for wind blown shallow banks, the warmer water and food gathers there. Catfish love these conditions, moving out of the deeper, colder areas of the lake to feed themselves. Shad sides are an excellent choice under these conditions.

April 12, 2006 - Truman - Submitted by Sterett Creek - WATER TEMP: 58 deg. / WATER CLARITY: Light Stain

Doing fishing reports gets to be a tough job at certain times especially when the fishing is slow or the weather is bad. Well this week it is exactly the opposite. The weather is great and the fish are biting and are going to do nothing but get better. The crappie are going to the banks, right now. Last weekend we had a Super Bass tourn. out and it took 22 lbs. to win with a big bass of 8 1/2 lbs. now that is some pretty good fishing. Oh you say they got lucky on Sunday, well there was another tourn. out on Sat. that was won by a different team that also had 22 lbs. The fish are biting!

BASS: Rogues, spinnerbaits and jigs are all working. Fish are holding 1/2 way back in the coves around the nitches. 2' to 5' seems to be the best depth. Laydowns are working the best. Guide Steve Blake said he saw some bedding females yesterday. There have been some spinnerbait fish on the flats in 3' to 4' of water. All the fish seem very aggressive.

CRAPPIE: Like I said earlier the crappie are going to the banks to spawn. The upper arms are producing a little better but we are starting to see some bedders in this area. Clear creek and Brush Creek are good. Little Tebo has also started. 1 1/2' to 2' of water fished with a jig and bobber will net you some nice big females. This years fish are really nice sized. Marty Zych said he had some of the best fish he's seen in a long time Monday. The Osage has not really got going yet but the Tebo's and the Grand are ready.

WHITES & HYBRIDS: I have heard a few reports that some whites are being caught but I think its just stumbling in to them, the good white bass fishing is still a couple of weeks away. Will let you know when it happens.

CATFISH: The blues are still hitting jugs. Cut bait and little smokies fished on the flats in 12' of water has done the best so far this week.

That's it for this week from Sterett Creek Marina
660-438-2280
critter@dam.net
We will be doing the Tuesday Night Hawg Fights next week. We are fully open here at Sterett Creek now, so looking forward to seeing you all.
Tommy

April 9, 2006 - Lake of the Ozarks - 61F at the back of Big Indian Creek The Spawn is on!! Large females were adjacent to large flat bays in the back of creek arms with the boat in 10 ft and could be caught on rat-l-trap type baits in shad pattern. Big ones spawn first, so with this weather the males should be prepping nests right now or very soon. Found smaller males and spots on windy chunk rock banks with a natural colored X-rap. Gradually slopeing banks were better targets with X-rap then steep banks. I only spent time on points or transitions from chunk rock to pea gravel or sand. Females should also be cruising adjacent to bays as well. Boated two 4s two 3s and a dozen short spots and males. I fish from dam to PB2 a dozen times each year and this is one of the better days I have had in recent years. The bass have no "disease". weather is beautiful and the offshore 1200 hp gas guzzlers will be here before we know it run wide open on the main channel on the weekend during the day while you still can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! good luck

April 6, 2006 - Mark Twain - Submitted by South Fork Resort - Date: 4/6/06 / Lake Level : 603 / Normal Lake Level : 606
Water Condition: Muddy - Clear / Surface Water Temp: 50 - 55

The lake has risen 1.2 feet since our last report. The water temps have been around 50 degrees, with reports of 55 degrees in the upper reaches. Most boat ramps have at least one walkway in place and they may have both walkways in place by this weekend. The water condition is dingy in the upper reaches to clear near the dam. Before making your first excursion of the year, be sure to give your boat a thorough check to make sure it is in good shape. A dead battery or gummed up fuel lines are a couple of the most common problems.

Crappie - Most reports have been very slow for crappie. Early spring crappie fishing usually favors the northern branches and mid to lower creeks. Sandy, Shell and Lick Creeks and Pigeon Roost are a few early season hot spots. Look for south facing banks that get good day long sunshine, with good heat gathering objects, such as large trees and rocky banks. Bridge piers gather warmth and could be worth trying. As for bait, minnows or jigs tipped with minnows or crappie nibbles are best. Black/Chartreuse tube jigs are usually the most popular color combo. As always, be patient and don't give up too soon, however don't spend all day in one spot, keep on the move if the crappie are not cooperating.

Bass - Very slow. The preliminary list for this year's Bud-Lite tournament <http://maout.com/marktwaincocboatnumbers06.htm> is now available on the MAO web site.

Catfish - Very slow. Warm sunny days, along with the warm winds and rain will rapidly heat shallow areas of the lake. Look for wind blown shallow banks, the warmer water and food gathers there. Catfish love these conditions, moving out of the deeper, colder areas of the lake to feed themselves. If you don't have any bites for about 30 minutes, try a different area. Shad sides are an excellent choice under these conditions, the smellier the better.

April 5, 2006 - Truman - Submitted by Sterett Creek - LAKE LEVEL: 706.75 / WATER TEMP: 53 deg. / WATER CLARITY: Light Stain

It looks like spring has sprung. The turkeys are gobbling, there are some reds being found, and the fish are starting to bite. The weather has stabilized or at least it has warmed up and the water temp is getting real close to where we want it. The fish cleaning station stayed pretty busy last weekend even with the wind so things are starting to pick up. The weather this week is supposed to be nice and warm so this weekend should be a great time for fishing.

BASS: The flats seem to be holding the better fish right now. Spinnerbaits in the stickups has produced some real nice fish this week. Fish are holding in 3' to 5' of water. Seems the mud flats are producing the best. The jig bite is working on the 45 deg. banks in 4' to 8' of water. Laydowns are a must on the steeper banks.

CRAPPIE: Marty Zych just left and said the crappie bite is starting. He said the bite is on in the late afternoon when the water warms up. They have found up to 63 deg. in the back of some of the creeks. Jigs fished in 1' to 3' of water are working. You don't even need a boat, fish are about 5' off the bank. They are just starting so this weekend ought to be great.

WHITES: No report.

CATFISH: The blues are doing good now on jugs. Cut bait seems to be working the best. Flats in about 12' of water seems to be the most productive.

That's it for this week from Sterett Creek Marina / 660-438-2280 / critter@dam.net

Tommy

April 3, 2006 - Table Rock - Submitted by Table Rock Guide Service -
Lake Level: 904.8
Water Temp: 58-62

Table Rock Lake White River Area Bass are being caught on wiggle wart crank baits and 5" milky white grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. On windy days some fish are also being caught on spinner baits in wind blown pockets. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass. Look for bass in spawning pockets toward the backs of creeks. Split shot and Carolina rigged lizards work best in these areas. Mid Lake-Kimberling City Area Bass are being caught on wiggle wart crank baits and 5" milky white grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. On windy days some fish are also being caught on spinner baits in wind blown pockets. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass. Look for bass in spawning pockets toward the backs of creeks. Split shot and Carolina rigged lizards work best in these areas. Lower End-Dam Area Bass are being caught on wiggle wart crank baits and 5" milky white grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. On windy days some fish are also being caught on spinner baits in wind blown pockets. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass. Look for bass in spawning pockets toward the backs of creeks. Split shot and Carolina rigged lizards work best in these areas. Upper End-James River Bass are being caught on wiggle wart crank baits on rocky points on the main river and some secondary areas. Bass are also biting spinner baits in the backs of creeks and pockets. Some fish can also be caught on Carolina rig, centipedes 5-15 feet deep. Look for bass in spawning pockets toward the backs of creeks. Split shot and Carolina rigged lizards work best in these areas. Crappie Crappie fishing is excellent in the Kings River, James River on channel banks around pole timber and in creeks around standing timber 5-10 feet deep chartreuse and white crappie jigs, 1/16 and 1/8 oz jigs and on minnows.

Lake Taneycomo Trout Trout fishing is very good in the trophy area and also below Fall Creek dock. In the trophy area from Fall Creek to the damn, the trout size seems to be improving with the cooler weather. I'm catching some nice rainbows and a few browns on a small Rapala in the morning and also swimming a white 1/16 ounce jig. The trout in the trophy area will also take pink or green micro jigs under a float and a zebra midge has also been very good. Below the trophy are from Fall Creek down, the trout are biting very good on night crawlers or power baits. In the early morning you can catch them swimming a 1/16 ounce jig or little Cleo spoon.

Bill Beck

March 30, 2006 - Mark Twain - Submitted by South Fork Resort - Lake Level : 601.8 / Normal Lake Level : 606

Water Condition: Muddy - Clear / Surface Water Temp: 45 - 49

Our store will open for the season Friday March 31.

Lots of rain last night will get the water flowing and the lake on the rise. The warm days and warm rain and will also help to jump start the water temps. The water condition is muddy in the upper reaches to clear near the dam. Before making that first excursion of the year, be sure to give your boat a thorough check to make sure it is in good shape. A dead battery or gummed up fuel lines are a couple of the most common problems. You definitely do not want to have boat problems with a spring storm front bearing down on you.

Crappie - Early spring crappie fishing usually favors the northern branches and mid to lower creeks. Sandy, Shell and Lick Creeks and Pigeon Roost are a few early season hot spots. Look for south facing banks that get good day long sunshine, with good heat gathering objects, such as large trees and rocky banks. Bridge piers gather warmth and could be worth trying. As for bait, minnows or jigs tipped with minnows or crappie nibbles are best. Black/Chartreuse tube jigs are usually the most popular color combo. As always, be patient and don't give up too soon, however don't spend all day in one spot, keep on the move if the crappie are not cooperating.

Catfish - Warm sunny days, along with the warm winds and rain will rapidly heat shallow areas of the lake. Look for wind blown shallow banks, the warmer water and food gathers there. Catfish love these conditions, moving out of the deeper, colder areas of the lake to feed themselves. If you don't have any bites for about 30 minutes, try a different area. Shad sides are an excellent choice under these conditions, the smellier the better.

The Corp of Engineers has redesigned their water charts, and the following link is particularly helpful because it includes all the charts for the Mark Twain Lake project. It includes all the tributaries of the Salt River Basin that feed Mark Twain lake, the Inflow link is a graph that displays all the streams overlayed together, and graphically shows which ones have the most waterflow.

March 22, 2006 - Truman - Submitted by Sterett Creek - LAKE LEVEL: 706.39
WATER TEMP: 46 deg. / WATER CLARITY: Lightly stained, upper arms dirty.

We are looking at some warmer temps. coming in this week so I think the fishing is going to start up again. The crappie had slowed a little this week but the bass fishing remained pretty good. This weekend we are supposed to be in the 60's and the lows are in the mid 40's so water temps should rise. I have heard or a few red mushrooms being found and some of the wild plums are starting. The turkeys have been gobbling for two weeks so with all this going on I think we can say spring is finally here.

BASS: The bass fishing remains good here on Truman even though last weekends weather was a little cool and windy. The rogue bite is still there but has slowed but the jig and spinner bait bite have picked up. Fish are still in the small main lake pockets close to deep water. There are fish holding in 4' to 6' of water close to the points, cedars are a plus. Deeper laydown are holding some jig and spinner bait fish. Black and blue jigs and popcorn spinner baits are the better colors.

CRAPPIE: The crappie have been slow this week but we really haven't had a lot of people out fishing for them with the cool weather. Last report I had was fish the tree rows on the edge of the flats in 20' 0f water. Fish were holding in the 14' range. Jigs were working the best. With the warm up this week I look for these fish to start pulling up.

WHITES: No report.

CATFISH: There has been a few blues caught on jugs this week on the flats next to the river channels. Little smokies have been the best bait.

Tommy

March 22, 2006 - Truman - Submitted by Sterett Creek - LAKE LEVEL: 706.13
WATER TEMP: 45 deg. / WATER CLARITY: Light Stain

Welcome to 2006. And a good start to the season it was. We had Team Supreme out last weekend and it took 17 1/2 lbs. of bass to win. There was another tourn. out on Saturday which took 22 lbs. to win so I guess we could say that the bass fishing on Truman has started for the year. If we could get the weather to do as good as the fishing we would be in real good shape. This week it has been cold and the water temp is not moving up the way we would like to see it. The water clarity is good so its just a matter of time before everything breaks loose.

BASS: The best bite is main lake nitches with either a rogue or jig. Bass seem to be holding in 4' to 8' of water with deep water being close by. Work your baits slow.

CRAPPIE: Until this cold front the crappie fishing here on Truman had been real good. The fish had been holding in about 8' of water and caught up as high as 2'. Jigs were the top bait. Main lake flats seem to be the best areas. Look for shad, no shad no fish.

WHITES: No Report.

CATFISH: No Report.

We are open for the 2006 season so stop by and say hi the coffee pot is on. I will be doing my weekly report on Wednesdays to keep you updated. If you have any questions you can contact us at,
Sterett Creek Marina
660-438-2280
critter@dam.net

Tommy

March 20, 2006 - Answer to Florida Bass question - I've fished for Florida strain bass in Texas lakes most of my life, and have found that when the big girls are on the nests, down sizing to a small 4in lizard with an 1/8 oz. weight is hard to beat. Watermelon seed or watermelon with red flake is dynamite on east Texas lakes, especially Fork (cotton candy if the water is unusually clear). Pitch the lizard in there and just leave it. This takes an extreme amount of patience, but the subtle movements created by the water look most natural and will eventually drive them nuts. And remember, if you can see them they'll likely see you first. So if the fish are leaving the nest when you make your presentation, mark the spot, leave, and come back. Sneak up with a push pole and stay off the trolling motor. Stay far enough away not to spook the fish (tie up if necessary but don't use the trolling motor); then, make your presentation. If the water is stained to murky, and your casting for spawning bass instead of site fishing, a 6in lizard with gold flake in it can be good. Zoom's mossy pumpkin color will get you tore up on Fork. If you're not having any luck getting the bedding bass to bite, leave 'em alone. Move out to 8ft deep in the mouths of spawning coves or secondary points up the creeks. Tie on a Gene Larew Hawg Craw (the big one) in black w/ blue claws, fish the trees, and hold on to your rod. Shorter trees with some broken-off limbs (laydowns) or horizontal limbs just beneath the surface in 8ft of water are best. This pattern put a 13.86 in the boat for my partner one early spring. One last comment- please do not use shiners or other live bait for bass, especially for trophy bass in the spring, as fish mortality is higher with live bait rigs. Best of luck.

March 16, 2006 - Table Rock - Submitted by Table Rock Guide Service - Lake Level: 904.0

Normal Pool: 915.00'

Water Temp: 50-54 degrees

Table Rock Lake
White River Area You can tell Spring is on the way. The bass fishing has been great and with the mild winter temperatures we have had, they have been biting great. Bass are being caught on stick baits, wiggle wart crank baits and 5" milky white grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. On windy days some fish are also being caught on spinner baits in wind blown pockets. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass.

Mid Lake-Kimberling City Area Bass are being caught on stick baits, wiggle wart crank baits and 5" milky white grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. On windy days some fish are also being caught on spinner baits in wind blown pockets. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass.

Lower End-Dam Area Bass are being caught on stick baits, wiggle wart crank baits and 5" milky white grubs on main lake and secondary flat gravel points. On windy days some fish are also being caught on spinner baits in wind blown pockets. Split shot rigs with green pumpkin fish doctor or centipedes in 5-15 feet deep on gravel points, main lake and secondary are also working very good for bass.

Upper End-James River Bass are being caught on jerk baits and wiggle wart crank baits on rocky points on the main river and some secondary areas. Bass are also biting spinner baits in the backs of creeks and pockets. Some fish can also be caught on Carolina rig, centipedes 5-15 feet deep.

Lake Taneycomo
Trout Trout fishing is very good in the trophy area and also below Fall Creek dock. In the trophy area from Fall Creek to the damn, the trout size seems to be improving with the cooler weather. I'm catching some nice rainbows and a few browns on a small Rapala in the morning and also swimming a white 1/16 ounce jig. The trout in the trophy area will also take pink or green micro jigs under a float and a zebra midge has also been very good. Below the trophy are from Fall Creek down, the trout are biting very good on night crawlers or power baits. In the early morning you can catch them swimming a 1/16 ounce jig or little Cleo spoon.

Bill Beck
Table Rock Guide Service
19 Schooner Creek Rd.
Kimberling City, MO 65686
www.tablerockguideservice.com
417-739-3066

March 16, 2006 - Answer to Florida Bass question - My answer will stay simple since each body of water is different as well as each day and down to each hour fishing can be different, but there is one method of fishing that can offer up excellent bass fishing

The secret is to simply fish at night. You only need to try a few lures to make night fishing a success. One is the buzzbait, the next will be a single big cupped bladed spinnerbait, and then you can stick with a big black juicy worm. And night fishing can be done at the shore. Only thing is it will be dark, but fishing can be very successful. Bass move to the shallows to eat, there are very few if any other fisherman out on the water as well.

Just scope out a good spot that has plenty of weeds or other cover and fish there. If you don't get a fish in ten minutes then move on. But once you get a good spot you can catch fish after fish.

Good luck.

March 14, 2006 - Answer to Florida Bass question - If you are primarily sight fishing in clear water you need to be able to make repeated 100% accurate casts. When I sight fish i like to be able to cast to where the bass can't see the lure comming until it comes in front of the fishes face getting a reaction strike. you will have to experiment to know what to use whether it be crankbait, worm, jig. From my experience, i can usually find a jig that will work in any condition. you just have to modify weight and trailer size for balance and drop speed.

March 10, 2006 - Mark Twain - Submitted by South Fork Resort - Lake Level : 599.5 / Normal Lake Level : 606

Water Condition: Surface Water Temp: 40

Most fishermen plan their first trip of the year around the crappie spawn. However the past couple of years have seen good runs of white bass as they head upstream to spawn, and perhaps this could be a good reason to get out of the house earlier than normal. White bass are usually the first to kick off the spring fishing season when they get the spawning urge from about mid-March to mid-April. White bass inhabit Mark Twain Lake and have spring spawning runs up its tributary streams. The South Fork, Elk Fork and Middle Fork branches have seen particularly good runs. Male white bass migrate upstream in large schools to shallower water with rocky or sandy bottoms, followed shortly by schools of females. Spawning occurs in moving water over gravel shoals or a hard bottom. Look for shallow water (riffles) with rock shelves or rocky banks to help find likely spawn areas. Large females may lay as many as half a million eggs that stick to rocks and gravel. After spawning, they abandon their eggs and provide no care. Fry hatch in only two to three days and may grow eight or nine inches during the first year. The usual white bass lures can be used throughout the year, for the spawn or post spawn. Good lures include spinners (including beetle spins), rattle traps, and spoons, including the hammered metal spoons. White bass mainly eat shad so your baits should imitate them in color (white, silver or silver and black). The lake is ice free, all ramps are open. The courtesy walkways have been pulled from the ramps.

Monroe County Conservation Agent Bob Lyons has written a new article for the Conservation Corner. It deals mostly with some of the fishing regulation changes that went into affect this year. Click here to view it.

The 2006 fishing prospects report for Mark Twain Lake is now available, click here to view it. This report is put together by the lake's Fisheries Management Biologist, Ross Dames of the Missouri Department of Conservation, and is based on actual lake surveys conducted during 2005.

The water level of Mark Twain Lake has been at a very low level for a while, this is an excellent opportunity to locate good structure, drop offs and river channels. For example, tree tops that are just above the surface now will be hidden spots holding crappie when the water is at or above normal pool. This is the time to find those hidden spots that help make a successful fishing trip. Another advantage, as anybody that has boated Mark Twain knows, is that the river channels are much easier to find and follow than when the lake is higher. The upper reaches of any of the branches can be very challenging to navigate through the trees. A GPS unit, map or even a video camera are good methods to mark these locations and routes for later reference.

South Fork Resort / 36765 Hwy 154 / Stoutsville, MO 65283 / 573-565-3500 / 866-382-0033 / www.SouthForkResort.net

March 10, 2006 - Answer to Florida Bass question - try to use a big shiner on lite line and a bobber if you are in thick vegitation use fire line 15-25 lbs test also try plastics with a lot of salt jiging for them if they are agressive and not much vegitation try a rattlie trap

March 8, 2006 - Answer to Florida Bass question - what about water clarity? If it is very clear maybe they are getting to good of a look at your bait. if this is the case i would probably use a mostly clear bait and fish a little faster possibly getting more reaction strikes.

March 2, 2006 - Answer to heated docks question - Not that you need them now, but Pomme has at least one.

February 26, 2006 - Question from Florida on catching bass - Can you help my brothers and I catch bass? Heres the problem, we see a lot of bass here in central Florida, but they just wont bite our bait! They just sniff it and swim away, and our hands dont have anything like oil or anything that will repel the bass! Can you please help us by giving us some tips and telling us what tackle to use on bass? Thank You so much. Send us and answer and we will post it.

February 24, 2006 - Table Rock - Submitted by Table Rock Guide Service - Lake Level: 903.0

Normal Pool: 915.00' / Water Temp: 42-46 degrees

Table Rock Lake White River Area With the mild weather we have been having, the fishing hasn't changed much in the past few weeks and will probably be the same until in to March when the fish should start to move. Kentucky bass and smallmouth bass are on main lake gravel points from 10 to 20 feet deep. They can be caught swimming gray grubs and on stick baits, especially on windy day. Also try throwing a 1/4 oz. Jig. Largemouth bass are on bluff ends and cedar cuts off the main lake and will take stick baits. Some big largemouths are being caught in the creek arms around cedar trees.

Crappie are going good in the Kings River and Lower White in creeks around pole timber anywhere from 6 to 15 feet deep on minnows and crappie jigs. Mid Lake-Kimberling City Area A lot of the bass are moving back into the creeks following the shad schools. They can be caught on gray grubs, tube baits in white or shad patterns and jigging spoons in 35-45 feet deep. Some fish are still on the main lake flats and points 35-55 feet deep and can be caught vertical fishing gray grubs, tube baits and spoons. On windy days, bass can be caught on crawfish pattern wiggle warts on gravel and ledgy banks. Some fish are also being caught on 5/16 Eakins jigs in brown and purple or peanut butter and jelly on the bluff ends and under boat docks 10 -30 feet deep. I'm starting to catch some fish on bluff ends and pole timber points on stick baits. On windy day or early in the morning, alot of fish are on gravel points 10 to 20 feet deep and can be caught swimming a grub and on stickbaits.

Crappie are being caught under docks and on pole timber 15-25 feet deep with small grubs or 16th and 18th oz. crappie jigs and roadrunners in white or gray colors. Lower End-Dam Area Bass are moving back into the creeks. They can be caught around 35-45 feet deep vertical fishing a gray grub, tube baits in white or shad patterns and jigging spoons. There are still some fish on the main lake flats and points about 35-55 feet deep and can be caught with the gray grubs, tube baits and spoons. Try throwing a crawfish pattern wiggle wart on gravel or ledgy banks on windy days. You can also try the 5/16 Eakins brown and purple or peanut butter and jelly jigs on the bluff ends and under docks 10-30 feet deep. I'm also starting to catch fish on stick baits on bluff ends and pole timber points. On windy days or early in the morning, alot of fish are on main lake gravel points in 10 to 20 feet of water and can be caught swimming a grub and on stickbaits. Smallmouth bass seem to be on the long, flat points. Keep your boat in about 25-28 feet of water, cast toward shore with a chartreuse and purple or chartreuse shad jerk baits.

Crappie are biting consistently in the Long Creek area on small grubs or 16th and 18th oz. crappie jigs and roadrunners in white or gray colors on bluffs with pole timber and are suspended 10-20 feet deep. Around Cricket Creek the crappie are shallower in 6-10 feet on bluffs and pole timber pockets. Upper End-James River Bass are being caught 30-40 feet deep on flats near the mouths of creeks using white jigging spoons, white tube baits or gray grubs. On windy days, some fish can be caught paralleling bluffs with wiggle warts in crawfish patterns. I'm starting to catch some fish on bluff ends and pole timber points on stick baits.

Crappie fishing is real good with minnows and crappie tubes or jigs from Virgin Bluff on up into the James River in the creeks around pole timber about 8-15 feet deep.

January 26, 2006 - Table Rock - Submitted by Table Rock Guide Service - White River Area With the mild weather we have been having, the fishing has changed much in the past few weeks. The bass are shallow for this time of year. Kentucky bass and smallmouth bass are on main lake gravel points from 10 to 20 feet deep. They can be caught swimming gray grubs and on stick baits, especially on windy day. Also try throwing a 1/4 oz. Jig. Largemouth bass are on bluff ends and cedar cuts off the main lake and will take stick baits. Some big largemouths are being caught in the creek arms around cedar trees.

Crappie are going good in the Kings River and Lower White in creeks around pole timber anywhere from 6 to 15 feet deep on minnows and crappie jigs.

Mid Lake-Kimberling City Area A lot of the bass are moving back into the creeks following the shad schools. They can be caught on gray grubs, tube baits in white or shad patterns and jigging spoons in 35-45 feet deep. Some fish are still on the main lake flats and points 35-55 feet deep and can be caught vertical fishing gray grubs, tube baits and spoons. On windy days, bass can be caught on crawfish pattern wiggle warts on gravel and ledgy banks. Some fish are also being caught on 5/16 Eakins jigs in brown and purple or peanut butter and jelly on the bluff ends and under boat docks 10 -30 feet deep. I'm starting to catch some fish on bluff ends and pole timber points on stick baits. On windy day or early in the morning, alot of fish are on gravel points 10 to 20 feet deep and can be caught swimming a grub and on stickbaits.

Crappie are being caught under docks and on pole timber 15-25 feet deep with small grubs or 16th and 18th oz. crappie jigs and roadrunners in white or gray colors.

Lower End-Dam Area Bass are moving back into the creeks. They can be caught around 35-45 feet deep vertical fishing a gray grub, tube baits in white or shad patterns and jigging spoons. There are still some fish on the main lake flats and points about 35-55 feet deep and can be caught with the gray grubs, tube baits and spoons. Try throwing a crawfish pattern wiggle wart on gravel or ledgy banks on windy days. You can also try the 5/16 Eakins brown and purple or peanut butter and jelly jigs on the bluff ends and under docks 10-30 feet deep. I'm also starting to catch fish on stick baits on bluff ends and pole timber points. On windy days or early in the morning, alot of fish are on main lake gravel points in 10 to 20 feet of water and can be caught swimming a grub and on stickbaits.

Upper End-James River Bass are being caught 30-40 feet deep on flats near the mouths of creeks using white jigging spoons, white tube baits or gray grubs. On windy days, some fish can be caught paralleling bluffs with wiggle warts in crawfish patterns. I'm starting to catch some fish on bluff ends and pole timber points on stick baits.

Crappie fishing is real good with minnows and crappie tubes or jigs from Virgin Bluff on up into the James River in the creeks around pole timber about 8-15 feet deep.
Lake Taneycomo

Trout Trout fishing is very good in the trophy area and also below Fall Creek dock. In the trophy area from Fall Creek to the damn, the trout size seems to be improving with the cooler weather. I'm catching some nice rainbows and a few browns on a small Rapala in the morning and also swimming a white 1/16 ounce jig. The trout in the trophy area will also take pink or green micro jigs under a float and a zebra midge has also been very good. Below the trophy are from Fall Creek down, the trout are biting very good on night crawlers or power baits. In the early morning you can catch them swimming a 1/16 ounce jig or little Cleo spoon.

January 26, 2006 - Table Rock - Submitted by Table Rock Guide Service - Lake Level: 903.2 / Normal Pool: 915.00' / Water Temp: 43-46 degrees

White River Area The bass are shallow for this time of year. Kentucky bass and smallmouth bass are on main lake gravel points from 10 to 20 feet deep. They can be caught swimming gray grubs and on stick baits, especially on windy day. Also try throwing a 1/4 oz. Jig. Largemouth bass are on bluff ends and cedar cuts off the main lake and will take stick baits. some big largemouths are being caught in the creek arms around cedar trees.

Crappie are being caught under docks and on pole timber 15-25 feet deep with small grubs or 16th and 18th oz. crappie jigs and roadrunners in white or gray colors. Lower End-Damn Area Bass are moving back into the creeks. They can be caught around 35-45 feet deep vertical fishing a gray grub, tube baits in white or shad patterns and jigging spoons. There are still some fish on the main lake flats and points about 35-55 feet deep and can be caught with the gray grubs, tube baits and spoons. Try throwing a crawfish pattern wiggle wart on gravel or ledgy banks on windy days. You can also try the 5/16 Eakins brown and purple or peanut butter and jelly jigs on the bluff ends and under docks 10-30 feet deep. I'm also starting to catch fish on stick baits on bluff ends and pole timber points. On windy days or early in the morning, alot of fish are on main lake gravel points in 10 to 20 feet of water and can be caught swimming a grub and on stickbaits.

Crappie fishing is real good with minnows and crappie tubes or jigs from Virgin Bluff on up into the James River in the creeks around pole timber about 8-15 feet deep.

Bill Beck
Table Rock Guide Service

January 3, 2006 - Table Rock - Submitted by Table Rock Guide Service - Lake Level: 903.5

Normal Pool: 915.00'

Water Temp: 42-45 degrees

Mid Lake-Kimberling City Area A lot of the bass are moving back into the creeks following the shad schools. They can be caught on gray grubs, tube baits in white or shad patterns and jigging spoons in 35-45 feet deep. Some fish are still on the main lake flats and points 35-55 feet deep and can be caught vertical fishing gray grubs, tube baits and spoons. On windy days, bass can be caught on crawfish pattern wiggle warts on gravel and ledgy banks. Some fish are also being caught on 5/16 Eakins jigs in brown and purple or peanut butter and jelly on the bluff ends and under boat docks 10 -30 feet deep. I'm starting to catch some fish on bluff ends and pole timber points on stick baits.

Crappie are being caught under docks and on pole timber 15-25 feet deep with small grubs or 16th and 18th oz. crappie jigs and roadrunners in white or gray colors.

Lower End-Damn Area Bass are moving back into the creeks. They can be caught around 35-45 feet deep vertical fishing a gray grub, tube baits in white or shad patterns and jigging spoons. There are still some fish on the main lake flats and points about 35-55 feet deep and can be caught with the gray grubs, tube baits and spoons. Try throwing a crawfish pattern wiggle wart on gravel or ledgy banks on windy days. You can also try the 5/16 Eakins brown and purple or peanut butter and jelly jigs on the bluff ends and under docks 10-30 feet deep. I'm also starting to catch fish on stick baits on bluff ends and pole timber points.

Crappie fishing is real good with minnows and crappie tubes or jigs from Virgin Bluff on up into the James River in the creeks around pole timber about 8-15 feet deep.

Lake Taneycomo Trout Trout fishing is very good in the trophy area and also below Fall Creek dock. In the trophy area from Fall Creek to the damn, the trout size seems to be improving with the cooler weather. I'm catching some nice rainbows and a few browns on a small Rapala in the morning and also swimming a white 1/16 ounce jig. The trout in the trophy area will also take pink or green micro jigs under a float and a zebra midge has also been very good. Below the trophy are from Fall Creek down, the trout are biting very good on night crawlers or power baits. In the early morning you can catch them swimming a 1/16 ounce jig or little Cleo spoon.

Bill Beck
Table Rock Guide Service
19 Schooner Creek Rd.
Kimberling City, MO 65686
www.tablerockguideservice.com
417-739-3066

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