Welcome To Walleye World Your gear is packed, and the boat is ready for the walleye opener. Here's a list of lakes that won't leave you disappointed. (April 2008) ... [+] Full Article
OCTOBER
Lake Taneycomo Brown Trout
Lake Taneycomo supports Missouri’s largest brown trout population. MDC fisheries biologists sampling the lake have handled brown trout larger than the current 40-pound, 4-ounce world-record brown caught in Arkansas. In October, mature browns migrate to the upper end to spawn, creating one of the largest concentrations of big browns in the Midwest. They are accessible for wading anglers in the upper end near Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery and for boated anglers in the five-mile special management zone. Anglers catch the largest browns at night fishing large streamers, spinners or crankbaits with rattles.
Other Options: Brown trout also spawn in the upper Current River from Montauk State Park downstream to the Cedar Grove Access; Meramec River from Maramec Spring downstream to the Scotts Ford Access; and the North Fork of the White River from Rainbow or Double Springs downstream to Dawt Mill.
NOVEMBER
Catch-And-Release Trout Fishing
Missouri’s four trout parks reopen for catch-and-release trout fishing in November. The MDC stocks the parks heavily with respectable rainbows and a few lunker browns and rainbows. Catch rates commonly exceed 10 trout per hour, and some anglers report 100-trout days. Newly stocked trout are extremely easy to catch, as they adjust to natural food found in the spring branches. Small flies and spinners are very effective.
Other Options: Try crappie fishing in Stockton Lake around bridge pilings; bass fishing in Lake of the Ozarks over sunken cedar trees and under shad schools; and smallmouth bass angling in Ozark stream pools influenced by springs.
DECEMBER
Southern Lakes’ Slab Crappie
As the water hardens in north Missouri, crappie fishing in Stockton, Pomme de Terre, Table Rock, and Lake of the Ozarks picks up for hardy anglers who are willing to brave the cold. Fish around hard cover such as cedar trees or bridge pilings using live minnows or small jigs tipped with minnows.
Other Options: Ice-fishing for bluegills, bass, and crappie in north Missouri ponds and small lakes is a good option during this time of year. Sauger fishing in the Mississippi River Lock and Dam tailwaters is also a well-placed bet.
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Enjoy Missouri’s great fishing in 2008. MDC biologists predict great angling this year in all of Missouri’s lakes, streams, and ponds. Let us know where you’ve had success.
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