Muskie Bob

I noticed the waves and not many clouds in your pictures. I wonder if the shad like those conditions. Interesting comment about bass fishing after a cold front and snow flakes. I'm not sure if I understand why those days would be best for bass. Very interesting though. I'm not sure when the bass start feeding on shad in the back of coves, but I remember one mid March fishing a Rogue in the back of a cove where bass were feeding on shad. Always best to be safe, especially fishing in the winter. Thanks for you sharing your experiences about weather conditions fishing in the winter. Will post my luck if I get the opportunity to go before March. Good luck. Bob

Never thought much about muskie fishing in December through February. However, I've been told some winters bass fishing is fairly good using stick baits like Smithwick Rogue, which I enjoy fishing with.... even caught a few muskies and lost a few lures while fishing the Rogue. I'm going to try a few Spro McStick. Anyway, you have my interest to where I will be looking at weather forecast to see if there is any time soon for me to come down and fish a few days fairly soon. I like to make a trip where I stay a few days rather than fish one day. I'm getting a little older for the one day drive/fish trips over 2 1/2 hours one way. I use to do a few of those trips many years ago. Based on the weather forecast, I probably won't be fishing until toward the end of February or the first of March. However, that may change as my fishing fever grows. Hope you have many good winter days fishing. Enjoy while being able to go.

Thanks for the information. I will be getting a couple of #9 Shad Rap lures to try out this spring. Of course, I will keep January in mind for next year. Now, I'm looking for a few days where the weather stays close to 40 at night. I haven't ever fished on Pomme de Terre in February. So, this may be a first for me. Thanks again. And, those pictures, etc. get my fishing fever up.

Nice bass and muskies. I've never fished muskies this early in the year. I know several are caught using bass lures. Just wondering what lures you caught the muskies. Thanks, Bob

You may want to look at other boats being launched. The following might be helpful in seeing how crowded a particular launch or ramp might be when you are going. I try to avoid the times around large number of boats taking off. http://www.mshp.dps.mo.gov/WP04Web/app/searchRegattaWeb?action=Search+Again

Date: 30 April 2015 Normal Pool Elevation: 839.00 Lake Elevation: 841.32 http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/DistrictLakes/PommedeTerreLake/DailyLakeInformation.aspx

perhaps it is time to start a new topic "Fellows April 11 Bass Tournament" with details. This topic has been rather confusing to me. Most tournaments will have specific rules and regulations to follow. It is interesting that the fishing time starts at 7 am when sunrise is just a few minutes before 7. Did I look at the sunrise correctly? Sunrise around 6:45 on the 11th. If so, how does one get registered and boat in water, etc. to begin fishing at 7 am? Sounds confusing to me..... Oh well, good luck to anyone fishing the tournament.

Thanks for the information. Hope the treatment works.

Once the water warms to the mid 40s will they raise the water level to normal 839? If so, will they drop the lake again for the second treatment 10 to 14 days later? How long after the second treatment will the lake remain low? Will the State Park Marina ramp be closed during all this time? Is it closed because of the low water level? Thanks, Bob

Springfield News-Leader of 51" muskie being caugh in May of 2012, which ended up dying. http://archive.news-leader.com/article/20120607/LIFE06/306060105/Muskie-community-buzzing-over-near-record-catch-near-Springfield Those interested in muskie fishing should join the Show-Me muskie project.. http://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/protect-missouris-fishing/show-me-muskie-project Hope I can make a trip to Fellows sometime soon. Keep muskie reports coming. Thanks.

Anyone seeing a gun (with the exception of hunters and law enforcements) on the Fellows Lake property should report it to authorities immediately. "open carry" does not give a person the right to carry a gun on Fellows Lake property. These persons should be reported.

I only hope you are rare.

Muskies die more often to poor handling rather than heat. Many muskie fishermen stop fishing for them when water temperature reaches 80 degrees. I'm not sure who decided the 80 degree was the time to stop fishing for muskies. I've caught muskies in July and August when water temperatures are greater than 80 degrees and felt the muskies survived for another day. However, I normally don't fish for them when the weather gets fairly hot. On the other hand, I used to see a guy who trolled in the summer time and caught his fair share of muskies only to see many of his catches floating not far from where he released his catch. The guy must not have had any idea how to properly handle and release muskies, as others would catch muskies and release them without any difficulties. I feel poor handling and releasing causes more muskies to die rather than the heat. Anyway, this time of the year it is best to catch and release. The water temperature is far from being what others consider too hot (80). I hope others will agree it is best to catch and release all of the year. Please read tips on releasing... http://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/fishing-how-tos/muskie-fishing Of course, each person has the right to decide what to do with a fish as long as it is within the regulations. However, I personally believe any fish with a 1 day limit wasn't set for consumption, but rather for trophy or mounting. I find it difficult to believe others would promote keeping any fish with such a low daily limit. There are too many other fish than are easier to catch to eat. Besides, the smaller fish are usually better to eat anyway. I know I would rather eat smaller northern pike rather than one that is 36" and up. Let's promote catch and release for muskies all of the time. And, emphasize the importance of proper handling and releasing. Afterall, didn't you enjoy catching one of the most exciting fish to catch? Why not look forward to catching that muskie again?

" I would have tried it and if it was nasty, the rest would gone to a fish fry at work!"............lol, you must think a lot about those you work with. What nasty fish do you normally share with them? Actually, I heard gar is suppose to be good to eat. I think I read an article in the Conversation magazine about it. I kept the first muskie I caught in the early 70's. I've never kept another one. I never wanted to eat another one. However, my ex-wife fried it. So, I don't know if it was just her cooking. Ha. Of course, back in those days I probably kept most of the fish I caught. It is very disappointing to see someone is interested in catching a muskie just to eat. The Missouri Conservation Department has reasons for "catch and release", as well as, tips on releasing muskies. http://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/fishing-how-tos/muskie-fishing I'm sure you can find a nasty fish to contribute to your fish fry at work.

cool, only wish that was on Pomme.

I'm more than pleased with the response I received from Dave Woods, as follows: "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to clarify some of the misconceptions about the “marina cove” at Fellows Lake. City Utilities (CU) and MDC have agreed to keep this cove closed to boat fishing, allowing bank fishing only. Further, this cove is open to catch-and-release fishing only. This cove is frequently used for kids fishing events, senior groups and handicapped groups, and we are in the process of further developing the habitat in that cove as way to increase fishing success for these special groups. We have decided to allow the general public to also fish this cove, as long as they are fishing from the bank and are practicing catch-and-release. We have discussed this course of management with marina staff, however I will personally follow up with the folks at the marina to make sure they are aware that the public CAN fish in the that cove from the bank. I will also make sure proper signage is in place to inform anglers of the rules of fishing in the cove. So, to be clear, anglers may not fish from a boat in the marina cove, but they may fish from the bank as long as they release all fish caught. As for other issues anglers may have had with marina staff, I would encourage them to contact City Utilities. CU maintains the lease agreement with the marina operators and all issues regarding the marina, marina staff, etc… should be communicated to CU. If issues arise involving the management of the lake’s fishery and regulations, MDC would be the main point of contact. You can contact Sherry Raney at City Utilities at the following address: Sherry.Raney@cityutilities.net. I have also copied Sherry on this email. I hope this helps clarify some of the confusion. I have already followed up with CU staff about your concerns and I will extend that follow up by visiting with marina staff and placing some signs in that cove." ---- Dave also said "We will work to change our next round of publications to reflect the restrictions". --- It is really nice to see our Conservation Department more than willing to help out in these situations. Hopes that answers a lot of questions.

At least this discuss should help make the handicap aware of the cove and how it can be accessed for their own private fishing. I wonder how easy it is for handicap to access the area. Of course, the Conservation Department will need to update their maps, as I guess they didn't know anything about the area and its restricted usage. Makes me wonder how many other private handicap only coves there are in Missouri lakes where there is one buoy to identify the area as handicap only. It is a little frustrating just trying to understand what makes this a handicap cove when it isn't marked on a map and listed as such. Oh, I know....there is one old buoy that is hard to read that says something about handicap....duh....

I've emailed someone in the Conservation Department. Hopefully, the issue with the cove and late opening can be resolved. If not, I will contact someone higher up in the Conservation Department and /or contact the city of Springfield. Sounds like the marina owner/operator needs to be talked to.... or signs, maps, etc. are needed to inform fishermen of the handicapped cove, as well as, making the ramps, docks, or whatever is needed to get handicapped fishermen to the cove.

The Lake isn't much different than any other lake. There are conservation signs to help locate brush piles or structure to fish. And, the Missouri conservation has maps, etc. to help locate other structures. A lot depends on what you are fishing for and how you like to fish, as well as, the types of lures or baits you enjoy fishing. continue to watch this site and others for tips on how others are doing. Like Brad said, give more info to what you are looking for.

Were you seeing shad? I've seen shad go into shallow bays or coves in mid March where a stick bait will work really well. I love to fish a rogue in the spring especially when I can locate good schools of shad. Thanks for your report.

Of course, it is hard to forecast what the weather may bring, but what do you think the muskie fishing will be like the last of March? Should I except to see any weed growth by then? What lures are most productive that time of the year? The marina told me several muskies are caught using Smithwick Rogue lures. I've always considered them to be great for bass. However, I have caught several muskies on Pomme de Terre while fishing a rogue for bass. Although I did fish Fellows a few times last year, I was rather disappointed in the weeds and muskies. It may have been more me than the muskies, but I thought I would at least see more follows than what I encountered. However, I do feel like Fellows Lake offers the chance of catching a trophy muskie....perhaps a new state record. I'm not sure if my age is working for me or against me, but soon to be 72 in April, I still have the desire to muskie fish. Anyway, I would appreciate any suggestions on lures, location, etc. for the fishing muskies the late part of March. Here's hoping others appreciate what Missouri is doing to support muskie fishing. You can help too by joining Show-me Muskie Project. see... http://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/protect-missouris-fishing/show-me-muskie-project

Glad to hear you take advantage of the milder weather. I'll have to keep in mind to search channel edges whenever the weather turns nice enough for me to go fishing. Thanks for the report.

Check your rod eyelets and your reel for any roughness. Sounds like the bass like what you had. thanks for the report.

I seriously doubt muskies eat any thing they can run down. Other than grass carp, I doubt if there isn't any fish that won't eat another fish from time to time. If not, why would lures be made to look similar to other fish? And, why would anyone ever want to use live bait? Even action increases the chance for a fish to attack another fish. Work a lure like it is wounded and see if it doesn't attract fish. I mostly fish Pomme de Terre where muskies were stocked in Missouri. Even when crappie fishing is really good, there are those who blame muskies for their poor luck or ability to catch crappie on one given day. Funny, but I talked to a couple of guys running spring muskie nets one year and was told there were lots of crappie in the nets with the muskies. No signs of the crappie being injured from a muskie. Many, many years ago when the crappie limit was 30 per day, there were locals who were saying muskies were eating all the crappie. Of course, some of them were taking 2 or 3 limits out each day as many days they could fish. Then, they were saying the crappie is down. Well, obviously the places they fish were more than likely a little low on crappie. Actually, I've read muskies prefer shad over any game fish. And, when they chase them, it can cause a splash here or there. Oh yeah, I like to muskie fish and I release the ones I'm lucky enough to catch. Each one is a thrill to me. If I didn't fish for muskies, I'd fish for bass and crappie, as they probably are popular game fish in Missouri. Oh, I do fish some for them. But, if I fished for them all the time, I would keep my fair share. Hum, I wonder if I would keep more fish than what a muskie ever takes on occasions? As to Missouri's muskie program, Fellows Lake is one of the best. Locals should be glad the Conservation Department chose the lake to stock muskies.

You should contact the Missouri conservation department with your concerns about how the muskie program is being managed. Just because another state has more muskie lakes doesn't make all their fishermen more knowledgeable about muskies.......what a statement????