Planning A Trip

[Fly_Guy]

Hey y'all

I have some friends from KC coming down sometime this spring. We're going to hit Taney one day, and I was thinking lil sac the other. So question is, (so I can get planning and they can get time off) when would be the best time to hit the little sac for walleye and whites this spring. I know the spawn is usually early March to late April, but are some times better than other? If you had to choose one day, what part of which month would you pick? Also, I've seen people last year start at 215 bridge and walk up round the edge of the field to get upstream. I reckon this is private property, so do you know if the land owner minds people walking upriver w/out a boat? I saw many people doing it, so I think it's alright, but better to check. Is this a good plan? or would it be better to walk up from the big iron bridge? Lastly, what is the limit on whites and walleye?

Thanks

Brian

[Bill Butts]

Hello Brian~

Lots of questions, good ones, but tough to answer with certainty in a particular year.

Your questions about timing the Walleye and White Bass spawning runs are really two different subjects in any fishery.

Why?

Walleye are the first specie to spawn each year, and can begin spawning in water temps in the high 40's.

White Bass, on the other hand, can and sometimes do spawn in water temps in the high 50's, but the peak of the spawn in about any fishery in this region will be when water temps reach the low to mid 60's.

Most fishermen familiar with the Little and Big Sac River fisheries know that in "normal" years the peak of the White Bass run will occur about mid to late April. Yes, there will be fish in and out of the river much earlier than that, but the most consistent fishing is when the water temps are consistently 60-65* with nights that are not below about 50* air temp. When the nights begin staying that warm, I believe the best and most enjoyable fishing is in the early morning hours. Great fishing due to consistent water temp, and very few fishermen in the early mornings.

You also asked about the section of river above and below the 215 bridge. In an average year, there are not many Whites or Walleye up that far. On the other hand, in years with above average rainfall and lake and river water levels, the fish will venture up that far and farther. A great way to access the river in above average water years is by floating from the 215 bridge down to the next public road bridge everyone calls Taylor Bridge, above the Iron Bridge you mentioned.

Overall, in addition to understanding what I just explained (hopefully it makes sense) it is important to try to have some flexibility during the White Bass season. I would highly suggest that you keep in contact with the fly shop in Springfield, Backcountry Outfitters (889-6548) for regular updates. They and quite a number of their customers fish it regularly starting early in the season and that would be your best bet for good info on water and fishing conditions.

In most years, there is quite a bit of discussion about that fishery on this board, but even if it appears to be very current take the time to call Backcountry. You cannot have too much info.

Good luck this spring!

Bill

[Fly_Guy]

Thanks for the advise!