Bushwacker Lake

[ollie]

Hi all, just wondering if anyone on here has been over to Bushwacker as of late. I haven't fished it in years and was thinking of going over there this weekend since the creeks around here are blown out. I also see there is primative camping listed on the MDC website. Anyone camp there? Will the water be so far up that we can't get to the lake? Any help would be useful.

ollie

[Fishmeister]

Ollie,

I see people camping inside the loop at the main boat ramp. I assume that is the only place where they allow camping.

Of course the water will be up, but I wouldn't think it will restrict access. The water color will be extremely muddy, might make fishing tough. The gills and redears should be going soon!

If you don't mind a hike the small lake to the west of the large one might be a better option.

Dave

[ollie]

Thanks Dave,

A couple of buddies and I were suppose to do a float this weekend, but that looks all blown out. I was thinking of lake fishing and Bushwacker came to mind. I knew you could camp there, but wasn't sure where and if the lake itself would be too high to get into. Thanks.

[fishinSWMO]

Last year my son and I went to the south end and paddled around in the flooded timber. Did well on spinnerbaits for bass.

Fishmeister is correct on the camping.

checked the dates, this was May 09, 2009

[ollie]

Thanks guys, I'll try and give a report this weekend and let everyone know how we do.

[ollie]

Reporting back from the weekend. Not bad since we finally found it! Had good directions, but wasn't aware they had shut off Route V from 71. Had to take detour and then we took a wrong turn on the dirt roads. Ended up getting there around 8:00 and had to wait on others how where launching boats. Didn't realize there would be sooo many people fishing that lake! Must have seen 15 boats on the water easy. We put in and headed for the far side hoping to get out of the wind if that was possible. Found a little protection from the wind and started to fish. I struck first with a small bass followed up with a couple of nice bluegills and then a crappie all from a jig. Then I switched over to a tube and caught a couple more largies. Finally ended up throwing a crank and caught a couple of more largies but nothing big. My buddy ended up catching a few on a brush hog with the biggest of the day around 15". We decided to head back to the truck around 11:00 and got a bite to eat before we headed back out. Once we got back out we decieded to call it quits. The stinking wind was soooo strong it was blowing us about like toys in a tub. We tried to paddle against it and we were getting nowhere! We headed back in and called it good for the day. I will go again, but not when the wind is gusting so strong.

[denjac]

Reporting back from the weekend. Not bad since we finally found it! Had good directions, but wasn't aware they had shut off Route V from 71. Had to take detour and then we took a wrong turn on the dirt roads. Ended up getting there around 8:00 and had to wait on others how where launching boats. Didn't realize there would be sooo many people fishing that lake! Must have seen 15 boats on the water easy. We put in and headed for the far side hoping to get out of the wind if that was possible. Found a little protection from the wind and started to fish. I struck first with a small bass followed up with a couple of nice bluegills and then a crappie all from a jig. Then I switched over to a tube and caught a couple more largies. Finally ended up throwing a crank and caught a couple of more largies but nothing big. My buddy ended up catching a few on a brush hog with the biggest of the day around 15". We decided to head back to the truck around 11:00 and got a bite to eat before we headed back out. Once we got back out we decieded to call it quits. The stinking wind was soooo strong it was blowing us about like toys in a tub. We tried to paddle against it and we were getting nowhere! We headed back in and called it good for the day. I will go again, but not when the wind is gusting so strong.

Ollie, I have not been up there when the wind didnt blow. It can be dead still in Joplin and blowing 30 mph up there. Guess since its a prarie lake??

[ollie]

I'm sure that is why since it sets on flat land so to speak. You are probably right when you said that it (wind) is always blowing up there! Lots of potential and I'm sure it has already given up some nice treasures as far as fish goes.