Bushbeater

We fished Niangua arm about 4 hours from Ha Ha Tonka to Windamere, with mostly jerkbaits. 1 short bass and 2 whites. The whites seem to be getting very active. Water temp in upper arm was 54 with 46 at Windamere.

I heard some rumors and my son saw a photo of a striper about 40 lbs. said to have come out of Niangua Branch last week. Anyone else know of this fish?

I caught a nice one in Ha Ha Tonka some years back but there not even common in the spring branch. You usually have to find clear water in a feeder creek to get SM.

I guess no one ever told me I was supposed to measure my SMB. Been stream fishing 50+ years and never measure fish. You just say nice fish and release. Caught one once we weighted at 5.5 lbs and took photo but of course lost the picture. The photo, measure and release is a new deal. In the day having a camera on the water was a luxury few could afford. I'm proud of our Ozark Anglers that can document 20"* fish. Good fishing to all.

Wanted to catch some big fish without fighting the crazy lake boat traffic. We decided to try to catch some of the numerous large carp hanging around the shallows. We needed dough balls. After an inspection of the kitchen we found 4 year old graham crackers. For a binder we chose pancake syrup. After crushing and mixing to the shallows I went armed with a light spinning rig. Tossed it out, wedged it in a tree fork and went to rig another rod. I returned in about 5 minutes to find my rod gone. Wasn't able to drag it up so proceeded with another rig. Within minutes a bite and landed a nice 18" Channel cat, what I consider perfect size. Ended up with 6 channel cats all about 18". Finally my last fish on that batch of bait was the big carp. What a blast. Anyone have any dough bait recipes or other strange baits that produce?

I've had the same experience with the Walleye size, although my son found a hole last summer where he claims he was catching consistant numbers of 15 to 18" Eyes. These were all released as we thought the required size was 18", I think it is actually 15"? I can't make it back down till 3-28, I'll be ready for fishing and hopefully the conditions will have settled into spring. Good luck to the fortunate ones able to fish whenever they want.

Rippling Waters Resort has a pay ramp about a mile up from the bridge, it can be used in low water conditions, I would think you would need to call ahead because of the limited parking.

Who were the dedicated anglers I watched fishing Ha Ha Tonka Sunday thru the sleet and snow. It takes fortitude to fish all day in those conditions.

I think this photo is a LOZ Striper caught Dec. 2011. It is labeled as a hybrid but sure looks to be a Striper. Caught on a 2" Swimmin Minnow.

Heading down this weekend, Camdenton area. What is the snow cover. If I can't fish maybe some Golf would be possible?

Called my son when I saw your post, he's directly across from Ha Ha Tonka. He said it is all frozen except the spring branch cove. He also mentioned they have dropped the lake to winter pool.

Instead of Elec. tape or BPS Rod Handle tape try bicycle handlebar tape. I like the adhesive backed fabric tape.

Pulled my boat off the lift the day of the snow storm. Preparing for the dropping lake level. I can't use the lift at winter pool. Had to blast the ice out of the way with the big motor. I'm at 15 MM on Big Niangua, hope to meet you guys on the water sometime.

Glad to be a new member. Hope to learn something and meet some new fishing and or golfing partners. Been fishing Ozark waters 50+ years now, used to mostly canoe for Smallies but have gotten lazy and now predominently fish at Lake of the Ozarks for Bass, Hybrids and Crappie. We also go for the Walleye and Catfish when conditions warrant. My 2 sons are skilled anglers and are also based at LOZ. We stay in the Ha Ha Tonka area, MM 15 and usually fish Niangua and Little Niangua. Happy Fishing to all.