Fellows Lake, Springfield Lake, Mcdaniels Lake

[Flysmallie]

Lake Springfield

Lake Springfield is located on the James River next to the James River Power Plant near Highways 60 and 65 and is a source of cooling water for the power plant. Boating is permitted for boats with a maximum of six horsepower motors and within restricted areas. Use the south wood road access for boat launching. Fishing, swimming, bathing, wading and water skiing are also

permitted outside the restricted areas. A special use area on the north side of the lake may be reserved for group functions. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.

Fellows Lake

Fellows Lake is located north of Springfield near Highways 65 and AA and is Springfield's source of drinking water. Boating is permitted for boats with a maximum of forty horsepower motors and within restricted areas. Boats must be launched at the designated boat launch near the marina. A recreational identification permit is required and may be purchased at the marina for $5.00 each year. For more information on services offered by the marina, call 833-2058 March through October. Fishing is permitted within restricted areas. Swimming, bathing, and wading are prohibited. Water skiing and duck hunting are permitted only at designated times and areas on Fellows Lake. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.

McDaniel Lake

McDaniel Lake is located north of Springfield on the Little Sac River from the dam to the low water bridge on Farm Road 68. It is accessible by Grant Street or Summit Street. Water from this lake is another source of our drinking water. Bank fishing only is permitted upstream from the Grant Street Bridge. No boating, swimming, bathing, wading or water skiing are allowed.

Valley Water Mill The 17-acre Valley Water Mill reservoir at the northeast edge of Springfield on Valley Water Mill Road provides source water to Fulbright Spring by a natural underground channel. Only bank fishing is allowed at this reservoir.

General Regulations

Park areas are open from sunrise to sunset. Camping is prohibited in the reservoir and lakes areas except as allowed in the special use area at Lake Springfield for scouting groups. Alcoholic beverages, horseback riding, unleashed pets, fireworks, firearms or dangerous weapons are prohibited.

Firearms and hunting dogs are permitted for waterfowl hunters in special use areas during waterfowl hunting season. Missouri Conservation Department requirements apply to all fishing and hunting activities.

[J-Mar]

I only live a few miles from Fellows and have a 40 horse boat (the max I believe), but I've never had much luck there, so we always go to Stockton. I'd like to hear some tips from folks that have done good there, since it's so close to home.

[Hunter91]

I have had excellent luck at Fellows, mostly in the spring from Feb to May. I always head to the grass beds and fish crappie jigs just above the grass or through some of the lighter grass. It seems to be hit and miss most times for me but I had several excellent trips this year with some crappie to 15 inches and some nice bass up to 3lbs. No walleye this year but I did catch a few last year in same areas as the crappie.

[Michael Palmer]

just a quick question, can you duck hunt on lake Springfield? Like further back up into the Coves?

[slothman]

On 1/3/2020 at 11:39 PM, Michael Palmer said:

just a quick question, can you duck hunt on lake Springfield? Like further back up into the Coves?

I don’t believe so. I researched that about ten years ago and finally decided that I could not. I had heard that at one time, years ago, you could with permission from the city of Springfield, but that it is no longer allowed. If you find out otherwise, or if you learn the secret to gaining permission, please let me know. 

 

Good luck. 

[3DHUSKER]

I believe there is a draw and you get assigned a time and area to hunt,  I don't know that for sure but a google search brings up some info.   You will have to call them for the information. They will line you out.   

https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/springfield-city-util-fellows-lake

[slothman]

At Fellows lake, you you to a shed and get a number for a blind for the day. I’ve hunted there before, but haven’t done any good. I suppose that it is like anywhere else: you must be on the X to kill birds. 
 

We drove down a long muddy road on the way to our blind and got stuck back there. It was a mess and we worked for a long time trying to get out of there.