Mccormick Lake Rec. Area

[Mark]

We are heading down to the Eleven Point River on Wed. for a couple days of fishing. The weather forecast doesn't look good, as heavy rains and high river levels are called for and would dampen our trip. As an alternative, what is the fishing like at McCormick Lake? Could we catch some crappie, bluegill, or catfish? Thanks for any help.

Mark

[Gavin]

Fished it a few times...mostly chain pickeral with a few bass, and some really nervous sunfishl. I usually toss a canoe in at the CG and fish the edges and the potholes in the weed mats for bass and pickeral. I've had success with spinner baits, bluegill crankbaits, zoom flukes, popping bugs, and streamers. Worth a couple hours if you plan to camp there, but the river is the main attraction. Good luck.

[Brian Sloss]

There are smallmouth and largemouth bass as well as a healthy pop. of pickerel. Don't know if there are any cats, but would not be surprised. A nice spot to camp with rarely anyone else there. That the trail leaving the lake area heading toward greer, (almost 5 miles long)about a mile into it, there is an awesome over look of the river at long hollow. Sorry I have not given you a fishing report, but I really have not been out as the water is just now getting to decent levels. I will be taking a guide trip out Friday, but I would think you could start catching fish now. Fish on the bottom though. Smallmouth on the upper river might be a good option as well. Thomasville looks great right now, though I can't garantee there won't be any portages from this winter's downed trees. You never know up there.

[Mark]

Thanks guys, I don't know what the weathermen are saying in Springfield, but St. Louis and Cape weathermen are saying 3"-6" of rain for most of N. Ark. and S. Mo on Tues into Wed. I would think that would render the river virtually unfishable for several days. A wed. morning update would be greatly appreciated.

[Brian Sloss]

Looks like McCormick Lake it is. Lot's of rain has fallen. The upper river at thomasville will become fishable first and you might get a chance to fish up there. Forsche lake east of riverton might be another option, but the river is rising quickly as of now.

[Mark]

GOSH DARN IT!! Thanks Brian. Hopefully we will make the most of our trip. Pouring buckets here 60 miles south of St. Louis too.

[Brian Sloss]

They have closed Greer for fear of flooding. I have canceled my guide trip for Friday. This river is going to get a good flushing, might be a week or so before you can think about getting on the river again. Will let you know.

[jdmidwest]

I agree with Brian, if you have to go that direction, Fourche lake or McCormack would be your best choice. Looks like all Ozark rivers are going to be a wash out for the next few days. Fourche Lake is a nice place, primitave camping and good fishing. McCormack has been good for pickeral and bass with some big gills too. Some kind of small boat would make things better at either place.

Check with MODOT website, lots of flooded roads down in the Ozarks..