Other Side Of The Springfield Dam

[Jack Jones]

I have fished Lake Springfield before with varying success and have always been curious about the other side of the dam where the James River continues it's flow. How do you access it? Where is a good place to park? There seems to be a parking lot, but it is behind the gates of the power company.

I've seen people fishing down there. Do you just walk the banks? Is it private property at some point? Also, what bites there, and what to use?

Hopefully someone with some experience on that side of the dam wants to share their experiences.

[Daveinozark]

there's a small turn in road that looks like you're going to check into work at the power plant, but it goes past it. You can do well getting there early or late. It's a popular little spot that gets fished hard so you have to beat the crowds. As far as fish variety goes, all types can be caught there. People are even after spoonbills coming all the way up from Table Rock. I'd suggest waiting a week though, till water goes down. they probably aren't biting

[The Tactician]

I have fished Lake Springfield before with varying success and have always been curious about the other side of the dam where the James River continues it's flow. How do you access it? Where is a good place to park? There seems to be a parking lot, but it is behind the gates of the power company.

I've seen people fishing down there. Do you just walk the banks? Is it private property at some point? Also, what bites there, and what to use?

Hopefully someone with some experience on that side of the dam wants to share their experiences.

There is a parking lot right below the dam. Just take your first right after the bridge and it takes you back there (no gates). It is a public fishing spot. You can walk the banks on the trails a ways on down. Keep an eye out for snakes in brush, I've seen plenty. It is a surprisingly good place to catch some decent LM bass. There are a good amount of root piles on the other side of the banks that hold some nice bass. I've caught a crappie or two there as well. Ask anybody about Springfield lake and you will hear spinnerbait mentioned. White or chartreuse (of course). The water holds a good amount of vegetation and rocks so use something weedless or close to it. Bring something kind of shallow running if you plan of fishing very far down from the dam. It's a fun little spot and loaded with bass. Good luck! You might even see a bald eagle or two.

Tactician

[Jack Jones]

Sadly, my spinnerbait proficiency is nil. I'm used to either my fly rod (which I know there won't be room), or plastics. Occasionally a crankbait or two. So.....white and/or chartreuse. Any particular recommendations on size, blades (single/tandem, willow, round, etc...)?

[OzarkFishman]

If you take your waders, then there is plenty of room to fly fish.