Where can a guy catch them close to St. Louis?

[snagged in outlet 3]

Mr Butts.

I read the post above about how there doesn't seem to be alot of interest. Well I'm very interested in someplace reatively close to St. Louis to catch some.

I was at Norfork Lake a couple years ago in April and they were catching some monster stripers in front of the marina just north of the dam. We were down there for a trout trip and just went to the marina to check things out. There was a bunch of guide boats trolling in front of the marina dragging big shad under ballons. We saw some guys hauling in some beauties and realized that the wind had stacked the shad up in that cove and the stripers were in there feeding. We tried to book a trip for the next day but every guide was full.

I got hooked on the species during a trip to Newport RI. After 7 hours of catching stipers on flyrods I told the guide I was done. Only time I ever quit fishing when it was that good. My partner and I were wore out from reeling them in one after another.

I find the species intriguing but hard to get on them when you have a 4 hour drive and no possibility of a spur of the moment trip. I have tried to hit the white bass run the past couple years around Branson but always got there only to be told "you should have been here last week or maybe next week". If I could find a place close to home I could spend more time trying to pattern them instead of driving.

Do you know anywhere close to St. Louis to catch these rascals? I read somewhere that they are native to the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Is that true? Have you ever heard of anyone catching them on the big rivers? If they are in the rivers would they make a run? If so, could you recomend some likely locations and technigues? I'm not asking for a spot on a map but what kind of strucure or location might they be found? I wouldn't turn down a spot on a map though, so if you have one it would be greatly appreciated.

I live about two miles from the Missouri river and would love to be able to catch some close to home.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Snag.

[riverrat]

I'm not Mr Butts but maybe I can help a little. I know nothing of fishing the Mo or Miss. rivers. Would you consider going after hybrids instead of stripers? They get up to 20lbs and put up a heck of a fight. Lake of the Ozarks is closer to you and is stocked with hybrids. You can catch them in the main lake or below the dam. Below the dam works best when they are running water, but in the spring flow is intermittent because the lake has to be full by Memorial Day so that the Ozark cigar boat has a place to play. All of the major tributaries have a spring white bass run with hybrids mixed in. You could also check on lakes closer to St. Louis to see if they have hybrids. Some of the lakes in Illinois have hybrids one is Rend Lake.

[leo]

Just got back from below the dam at Carlyle (Ill). Only fished about 3 hours in the rain. Caught about a dozen whites (males about a pound) and hooked and lost (hook bent) a lunker walleye. Three gates partially opened. Chartruse was the color today, both tube and twister 1/16 oz tandem rigged. Ill non res. 24.50. Only an hour from Kirkwood.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Hey Leo great report. I forgot about Carlyle. Went there a few years ago and never got a sniff. I went to the Missouri River behind the Lewis and Clark boathouse last week and dragged a rattle trap around the creek that comes in there. Nothing! How long does the bite last at Carlyle? Do you fish it often?

Thanks, Snagged.

[leo]

About 10 years ago I used to fish it hard. Yesterday was my first time back in 10 years. I just had to go with the storms that were blowing through. It used to be that the day-break bite was best and the least crowded. I have never been there on the weekend and do not think I would now, just to crowded. I always stopped at a local tackel shop just to get the hot colors, and try to buy something from them. I heard that the eye and sauger bite is hot during low light and tipping with a minnow. I'll be going again soon, mid-week and cloudy. I have a job that lets be be very flexable and it is close enough to go for just a couple of hours. By the way, it was your post that reminded me about it. Let me know if you go, or if your aware of any other spots close by, especially if it is kid friendly, below the spill-way is not real kid friendly.