Goggle-Eyed

Now that is something I will have to try. I am not much into jug fishing or bait fishing but could probably get into this type of Cat Fishing. Good info. Joe

I agree 100%. I fish Linn Creek Cove like it's own "lake" and have learned much... That was such good advice, I just need to remember it!!! Oh, and also remember they are fish and rarely do 'what I want"!!!!

81MM..... Well, other than the Old Oar House, I am not much help for the fishing! I have trolled the Old Oar House and picked up a few, but that was years ago!!! Oh, and most of what I trolled up on the 81mm were above average weight for what you find on the rest of the lake!.

I have seen several come out of the 31MM Across the lake from the Old Pier 31. They really are everywhere. is the area near Truman easier for you to get to or just curious about that area?

Ya, you're right Wrench, Dead Horse about the Lake Level and how it is managed. You would think after debating that for the past 15 years I would just let it go. I just hate hearing people feed the conspiracy theorist on the level. I have heard people say "they do it to Screw up the spawn" (how could this make sense), I have heard they did it because some rich guy (used to be a Bush or a Politician names involved) needed to work on his private ramp/sea wall. When I was selling and working on Marina Layout's for the lake it was a very important matter for us, however now that I am in back in the boating and powersports stuff you would think I could let it go! Anyway, I will be out of town three days this week so will get that rain dance in right before I leave. I raindanced last night since I am going to the STL Supercross race today but I guess I didn't dance fast or long enough since it just kinda misty. I will try and do better this week!!!! Sorry, old plug for beating my dead horse at your expense. Rant's on lake level are over!

12' is pretty short. I would suggest at least a 14' boat. I love my 17 Lowe Paddle Jon. I have seen a couple of local companies make them but there is usually "something wrong" with them... the Blazer is cool but they only make it in a really heavy gauge material.... It is brutally tough but floats way deep. If you can find a 17' lowe, I know you will be happy, well, until you stand up to Gig, then it might a little narrow~

I spoke to Ameren buddy again today, he said the 'bridge had nothing tho do with lake levels". "we" followed the guide curve He also mentioned that based on forecasted weather it might come up "quicker" than normal... There was an article in the local paper saying that they are following the normal guide curve, no mention of bridge demolition. Not sure why or who started the demolition rumor but from everyone I have talked to, there was no plans to change the normal curves. Yes they gave the demolition guys a spec on how far below they needed to clear the pillars, but it appears they never agreed to hold the levels at al certain level, other than the FERC guide curve. Joe

Old Plug, have you ever looked at Ameren's Guide Curve? Pleased tell me what the lake is doing different than what they are predicting based on the Guide Curve. Yes there are weather and annual events that impact it, BUT it is no lower this year than most "normal" years.... I don't believe the bridge has anything to do with it.... Unless you have talked to Ameren, I would think you are trusting a construction workers opinion! Ameren told me they are following the curve as closely as possible, same as every year. No mention of the bridge demolition. Joe

I have a buddy that buys factory left overs and has several styles. Tell him Joe from Dowco sent ya. He is a good guy and most of the trailers are new just factory left overs. http://www.budsmotorsports.com Joe

LOL, I am guessing with normal rainfall it will come up around 4/1. Just like the guide curve states. it has not been drawn down because of the old 5 bridge. They have followed the posted guide curve, just like they always do. Yes sometimes the rain or lack of rain causes it to be a little above or below the guide curve but it is always pretty close. guide curve says 654 until 4/1. Last time I was looking it had gotten down to 653.9 so they missed it by a tenth but then we got this rain/snow so it came up. Now they will pull it back down to close to 654 unless weather prevents. Happens every year, and every year people act like it "lower than they ever seen it".... I just laugh.... It get's down to between 653.7 and 653.9 about every 3-4 years! Joe

it is Ft. Wood Rec. over by Mcubbin's Point.

I know Old Plug talked about the "milk run"... Please forget his advise.... there are plenty of Rogue fish to be caught right now. You can also catch them many other ways. Just follow the patterns.... You don't need a thick wallet for gas. Look at your TOPO maps and the water temps... You can find fish on ANY part of the lake right now. Yes it is slow and yes it is tough but this "milk run" is a joke.... I have caught 5lb fish in the Niangua arm, Mid Lake (Linn Creek area) and also by the dam this time of year... No "Milk Run" just smart fishing...... My biggest Lake of the Ozarks fish is a little under 8lbs so I am far from an expert.... Just pointing out not to get locked into a "milk run" that I have never heard of.... And I have heard of several Milk Runs... Just not the one that Old Plug is referring... I am only 42 and have only fished this lake on my own for 30 years..... Yes, the first few years probably cost my Dad a lot of tackle but it wasn't uncommon for him to drop me an my buddies off in a 17' paddle jon for a day of fishing when I was 12 YO. Forget the "milk run", shut up and fish.... Unless YOU have a "milk run".... Never trust someone else's!!!! Joe

Old Plug, do you realize this post is specifically directed at SmallMouth Bass? I am confused based on your normal posts and where you fish. I am surprised you catch any Smallies there.

go check out the Texas Fishing Forum. Lots of good info there. I have fished Fork three times in the past two months and it was SLOW. a friend of mine has been on them pretty good the past couple of weeks. WAY back up in the creeks. If you have never ran Fork before be CAREFUL. Don't run unless you are in the Marked Boat Lanes. Don't follow a different boat out of the boat lanes, I have seen plenty of people tear off lower units thinking they are "okay" to run since they saw a guide boat or someone else run it. Joe

That is why I laugh every year.... It is still more controlled than ever before...

thanks for the info... I am trying to get the group to lock in to some dates... I have checked the VRBO house and it looks awesome for the money... Anyway, thanks for your help and suggestions... Joe

Danger, I finally made it back home and when I checked the mail found my package! The jigs look great and I am really excited to try them out. Thanks again!!! Joe

Old Plug, I have been using those small 3" stick's for about 8 years. Usually with a pegged sinker or on a jig head... Granted it was long before it was cool enough to be called a "ned rig"... They work great for picking up Kentucky's on the lake and smallies and goggle eye on the river....

I am thinking of putting together a fishing trip for my Dads Birthday. Probably around the End of April or first of May. I have never fished the White so I am at a bit of loss. Dad fished it a couple of years ago around Cotter and had a really good time. They rented boats and pretty much just ran up and the drifted down, from what I understand. I am hoping to put get a few of his buddies together to meet us down there. So, what I am looking for is any suggestions on reasonable cabins/lodging with boat rentals right on the river. Doesn't have to be in Cotter that just happens to be the area he enjoyed last time. I am familiar with Gastons but I think this group might want something a little "cheaper"... Not sure what that might be.... Let me know your thoughts on areas/lodging as well as timing. Thanks, Joe

I also found data that shows 3/9/09 it was 653'. 654 is common almost every year for the past 15 years. I still think it is funny that when it hits 655 people start saying "I've never seen it this low, I wonder what "Ameren" is doing"... LOL, unless there are extreme weather events it typically follows the guide curve! Joe

sorry, it was the west 54 bridge on the Niangua Arm... Most if not all of Lake Park's docks were on dry ground.

Anybody know what the low was in 1978? I talked to my dad and he said it had to be 78' when it got so low... I remember going across the west 54 bridge and seeing "dry" ground in the middle of the lake. I was only about 7 years old so have no clue what the depth was... I did find some pictures online dated 78 that showed what looks like 10-12' low, so that is how I figured out that was the lowest I "could remember". I just can't find anything that says how low it actually was.

hopefully, audio will be available. I have been out of town and just got home a little bit ago. So with I could have attended this one.

All good stuff. Only thing I saw missing is a collapsible toilet with a toilet seat... This usually get's packed in the bottom of the boat out of sight, apparently, at least according to my float buddies this is not a "necessity" and it shouldn't be strapped on the top for everyone to see...

I agree with Old Plug and Mitch on their descriptions of pitching and flipping. Both of which I personally need to be standing to execute properly, well even then I am not that great at it, I can't imagine trying it sitting down. I even struggle to pitch when standing in the "bottom" of my boat not up on a seat or deck.