What Baits Work Best

[booger90]

im headed up there on sunday unless it rains real bad agian i was wondering what kind of baits to use and does anyone know the water level or where i could find out

[Bman]

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=07013000

or call the park 573-265-7387

[ozark trout fisher]

im headed up there on sunday unless it rains real bad agian i was wondering what kind of baits to use and does anyone know the water level or where i could find out

You should be able to fish, provided you don't mind, high very silty water. At the gauge levels its running at now, there are really only three techniques to use. Powerbait, powerbait, and powerbait. Use a size 16 treble, and ball up enough to make the hook float off the bottom. Put as many split shot as you need to get down 15 inches above the bait, and cast out to any area where the current is least, especially in these semi-flooded condition. You should be able to catch a few that way. Use a bright color bait as well, rainbow would be my first choice, but orange or chartreuse would also be fine.

[booger90]

what aobut using rooster tails crankbaits and other lures i have never been so im not for sure what its looks like but i heard its real nice and i heard that you had to pay to park

[Bman]

Yes you have to pay to park. Questions, the park 573-265-7387

[ozark trout fisher]

what aobut using rooster tails crankbaits and other lures i have never been so im not for sure what its looks like but i heard its real nice and i heard that you had to pay to park

2 bucks to park, 3 bucks to fish I believe..... Don't take my word on that though..

Rooster tails work very well when the water levels are down, but with the water level like it is now, I think you'll be pretty much limiting to bait fishing, especially considering the rain coming in this evening. But if you get decent water levels, by all means try rooster tails crankbaits, and 1/64 ounce jigs.

Also bring nightcrawlers. Not many people think they work that well for freshly stocked trout, but trust me they do. They actually might be my favorite trout park bait for when the water is very high. A size 8 single hook is perfect for trout fishing. Just remember to weight it down to the bottom, don't mess with bobbers when the water is this high, and I would suggest using whole worms to help get the trouts' attention. No matter what bait you're using, target the slackest, slowest moving water, preferably with some cover and depth. That's where the fish will be hiding, and they will be on the bottom. At least that's been my experience.

The park is very nice. The spring is usually beautiful, and crystal clear, but I'm afraid based on recent conditions you may not get to see it at its best. There are many rock dams and boulders, and the areas around those will be crowded, but will almost always hold a lot of fish.