Bucket List Bass

[Charley Hart]

Been a while since I posted, won't happen again. I live in KC and have it on my bucket list to catch a smally, it has been there for longer than I can admit.

I did attempt to get it off last year, but no luck. If you had one spot for someone with zero knowledge to try.

Where would it be?

I need water I can wade fish in also some place that if I drive 3 hours I at least know I have a chance to see or catch 1 fish.

Please help and thanks!

Charley

[Fishslayer88]

I personally like to fish the lower James anything below Hooten Town access, The places i like to go are Wheeler Branch, H.L Kerr access and even the Y bridge in galena is pretty good Smallie water.

Some lures I have with me 100% of the time I fish the James.

Zara Spook Jr. frog color.

Yamamoto hula grubs in dark colors and earth tones.

and 3 inch Salt craws in pumpkin and green pumpkin.

[fishinwrench]

Charley, if you find yourself in the Lake Ozark neighborhood gimme a shout, there are plenty of easily wadable streams in the area that hold some decent smallies.

A med-lt. Spinning rod and some smaller sized plastics will practically guarantee success.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Another destination would be Bennett Springs. The Niangua has a decent population of smallies, especially above the spring and there are many places you can wade.

[Charley Hart]

Thanks to all! I am going to try that. I was told of an access near bennett.

Lake the Ozarks would be ideal.....I live in KC. I assume you don't want to divulge. I just need a place with preferrably a lot of tiny fish. I just need one!

:-)

I have a great story about me driving around With Chuk Tryon's book and trying to find the spots he talked about. very hard to drive and look at a non-accurate map. I did fish, but no luck...

I tried Hooten, but it was too deep for me right there.

:-)

I am going to give it another try

Thanks!

[RSBreth]

I tried Hooten, but it was too deep for me right there.

To drive down all the way from the K.C. area and then get stumped like that makes me sad. Rent a canoe right there at Hootentown and all will be good.

[mzrealfish]

I am from KC as well. If you really need to cross it off in a hurry... Cole Camp Creek just north of the lake or Little Niangua Fiery Fork access south of the lake. 2 hours ish from KC. Pretty easy access if you have the gazeteer map and very easy wading. Hula grub or fat Ika on 1/8 oz. jig or texas rig. Black back silver crankbait.

MZ

[Charley Hart]

Guys once again thanks for the advice. I am going to do it, just have to decide when.

Thanks!

[GloryDaze]

Charley- you have a few options from KC.... as mentioned, the Little Niangua is an easy drive and you should be able to land a few there. If not there, just another 15- 20 minutes further drive from KC but in a totally different direction gets you to a few streams- Elk River, Bug Sugar Creek and Indian Creek.

Go in and listen to Russ's river report in the "Elk River" forum , he's telling you exactly what the fishing is like and even helping with lures. If all else fails, look up Hog Heaven and contact Russ. I can darn near guarantee he will get you on the fish.

You could conceivably do any of these with a day trip... I have, and make the trip from KC as well. However, if you can make the commitment, might I suggest a mulitple day trip. That way you increase your chances of catching one. Not to mention, a crappy day on any river in the Ozarks sure as hell beats most good days in the city, HA!