New To Joplin... Where To Wade?

[ThunderSkunk03]

Hey everybody,

I just moved to Joplin in January and was wondering where are some good places to wade on Shoal Creek. I got a new 7 weight fly rod last month that I have yet to catch a bass on (just a few perch so far). I would love to land myself a smallie or even some goggle eyes. Any assistance would be much appreciated.

TS

[jtram]

I would say your best bet for wading shoal creek would be above Granby or even above Ritchey. From Granby down the water gets a little bigger and deeper, there are parts you can wade but few and far between. If you want to wade a longer stretch try hitting Elk River, Sugar, or Indian, all clear water (fairly) easy wading and lots and lots of smallmouth, just about as close to Joplin as wadeable portions of Shoal. Just my opinion though.

[KCRIVERRAT]

Hey everybody,

I just moved to Joplin in January and was wondering where are some good places to wade on Shoal Creek. I got a new 7 weight fly rod last month that I have yet to catch a bass on (just a few perch so far). I would love to land myself a smallie or even some goggle eyes. Any assistance would be much appreciated.

TS

Chief Greybear or Buzz can help you out on this also. Just like Jtram did. Try PM'ing either or both.

[Buzz]

Hey everybody,

I just moved to Joplin in January and was wondering where are some good places to wade on Shoal Creek. I got a new 7 weight fly rod last month that I have yet to catch a bass on (just a few perch so far). I would love to land myself a smallie or even some goggle eyes. Any assistance would be much appreciated.

TS

There are a lot of wading opportunities all up and down the creek. Tipton Ford access, both up and down stream, has very good water. The Undercliff Campground is another place, although you may have to pay a fee to park your vehicle. Drive up Old Scenic Route Rd. and you'll see many areas that are fairly close to the road, just avoid the purple paint. Below Grand Falls, where the creek narrows, has some good spots when the water isn't too high. Old Hwy. 71 bridge ( Gateway Drive ) mainly below the bridge. Cherry Corners access has some good wadeable water also.

[CDC]

those are all good suggestions. Personally if I am wade fishing I prefer to make a little bit of a drive and hit sugar or Indian Creek. One of my favorite wade spots is Craig O Lee to Deep Ford public access. I generally park at Deep Ford, walk the road down to Craig O Lee (about 1/4 mile walk) then wade back up to Deep Ford. I prefer to fish Shoal from a boat...but that is just me.

[Chief Grey Bear]

One of my favorite wade spots is Craig O Lee to Deep Ford public access. I generally park at Deep Ford, walk the road down to Craig O Lee (about 1/4 mile walk) then wade back up to Deep Ford. I prefer to fish Shoal from a boat...but that is just me.

I like that one too. It is really a lot of fun.