Bass Fishing In Kc Area

[vanven]

With the second kiddo on the way it is time for me to consider fishing closer to home more frequently and take a few less weekend trips to trout water. The good news is that this means I got to buy a new spinning reel (US Reel 240SX) and a new rod (taking suggestions).

I need some suggestions for spots here in KC where I can get my float tube or my little pontoon boat wet. I love about 10 minutes from Smithville but access is limited without a real boat. The Missouri lakes around Lees Summit are options but again access is a bit limited. Shawnee Mission Park gets pounded with fishing pressure.

Any other suggestions of places I may have overlooked within an hour drive of Liberty?

-Jerod

[GloryDaze]

I'm not sure of what you have up north other than Smithville, but I fish Hillsdale Lake frequently. Of course, it's only 10 minutes from my house. It does get really busy in the summer time, my little bro' lives in Liberty and takes me right at an hour to get to his place from where I live south. I take my kayak out in the coves and paddle up in the tributaries to avoid all the boat traffic. As a matter of fact, me and a buddy are headed there to fish out of the yaks Saturday evening.

I've never fished Shawnee Mission, but have seen that place packed when I'm at the dog park.

[ness]

Tobacco Hills up near Platte City might be a possibility. I've never fished it -- it's on the 'sometime I gotta try that' list. Smallish lake, managed for bluegill by MDC. There's always golf course night fishing too.

[TroutRinger]

I've heard Lake Jacamo (Jacomo?) is supposed to be pretty good this time of the year. It think it gets hit pretty hard in the summer though with boaters and fisherman.

[T-RockJaws]

It is in Kansas so you would need a KS liscense, but there is a real nice little lake in Topeka. I believe it is Lake Shawnee. It is fairly easy to get to being on the East side of Topeka.

[vanven]

I used to head up to Plattsburg and fish the Hartell Conservation area occasionally. The have six 2-6 acre lakes and ponds that are catch and release only. Each body of water is managed as a trophy fishery; one for bass, a couple for bluegill, etc. It is a fun place to catch bluegill on a light fly rod but there are some serious vegetation issues in the summer when the water gets warm.

I may have to do some research on Tobacco Hills.

I have visited Jacomo but to be honest it was very ...hmm.....ghetto and I was concerned about the safety of my vehicle.

-Jerod

[KCRIVERRAT]

Check out the MDC website and use the conservation atlas they have available. There are lots of areas within an hour or so and they are all mapped out.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Right on KC.

J. A. Reed kept me busy many a weekend.

Spent a lot of time fishing Jacomo too. That is a great lake for a small one or two man craft. You can really get back into the wood.

[Paola Cat]

Miami County State Fishing Lake near Paola has been producing for me. Boat, tube, kayak, or toon. No special license required .... just KS. You could also hit Hillsdale, Lake Miola, or Louisburg Middle Creek .... all are fairly close by. PC

[BolivarBasser]

Pony Express in St. Joe, and if you can drive an hour or so, Maple Leaf Lake in Higginsville. Both are jam full of fish and are relatively unfished.