Hartell Conservation Area

[am4mu]

Was just wondering if anyone has fished the Hartell conservation area just outside of Plattsburg, Mo. I was thinking since it is catch and release and since it is a little ways out from Kansas City that maybe it does not get pounded like the other conservation areas around KC do. Very interested in any thoughts or comments. Thanks,

Doug Kiefer

[vanven]

I have fished it quite a bit. A couple of the ponds are perfect for a float tube or small plastic pontoon boat. The ponds are generally pretty shallow and prone to lots of water plant/weed growth. The bigger pond was an old quarry and deep enough that weeds arent as big of an issue. The area is very clean and well maintained. You can fish most of the shoreline and it is mowed to the waterline.

The C&R piece is a give and take here. I love the fact that it is C&R but it seems to limit the number of really quality fish. It also limits the number of people that fish it. I think the ponds are overpopulated and growth is a bit stunted. I have caught a couple of decent 3lb bass, but nothing sizeable. I have also caught some nice bluegill. This place is a lot of fun with a light weight fly rod or an ultralight spin rod. I watched a guy catch probably 200 bluegill in a couple hours one after another one afternoon and he never moved from the spot he was fishing.

I wish they would introduce some carp or something to keep some of the plant growth in check. 3 or 4 of the ponds are almost unfishable after spring.

I am in Liberty and it is about 30 minutes from my house. I wish it was closer but it would get pounded if it was.

-Jerod

[am4mu]

Thanks Jerod,

That was exactly the kind of info I was looking for. I actually got up there yesterday afternoon. Did not stay long due to the 35mph winds. Can't wait to get back up there on a calmer day. Redear and Picnic lakes still look very fishable. Would love to play with the gill's in Redear. Maybe I'll see you up there sometime.

Thanks again,

Doug Kiefer

[vanven]

The northeast lake is my favorite. It holds a ton of nice bluegill. I have also caught my largest bass out of it. The pond just to the west of it is also a good bass pond, but is very difficult to access without a boat or float tube. I havent had much luck in the big lake in the middle.

-Jerod

[am4mu]

Thanks again. I'm going to be on it big time.

Doug