Springfield Lake

[Jayvee]

Had a chance to hit up Mcdaniel, Fellows or Springfield lake today, but only had to choose 1. Decided to go to Springfield Lake because it was closer for me. I took my spot at the end of the point and casted out towards the dam drop off. Was there for about an hour. I was also JIggin and using crankbaits to test my luck. nothing.

The only reason i came here was i been reading a lot of success stories with other anglers here. Figure i would give it another go, but nothing. Maybe i'm there at the wrong time? IDK. I should of went to Fellows.

Anybody know if Mcdaniel is hot this year? I'm leaving for Fellows tom. Morning around 5 and might do a pit stop at McDaniels if its worth it.

-Joseph

[Crappie G]

I know how you feel. I've fished several times off the peninsula without any luck except bluegill. I have a small boat I fish Springfield with, and still only catch about one fish per outing. I've heard a lot of stories about all these great fish in this lake. Crappie stories especially peak my interest, but I get the feeling this lake gets really overfished. Not sure why they don't put length or number limits on the crappie either. It might help them from getting over harvested. Keep throwing the lure though. I caught a decent bass on Sunday near the railroad bridge off a crank. There's a pretty nice dropoff that runs along that area.

[RSBreth]

If you're trying for Bass from the shore this time of year you will usually be disappointed. You can rent canoes and kayaks at the boat house to fish out of if you don't have any other way to get on the water.

[Kee sims]

Where's the boathouse? And do you know how much it is to rent kayak or canoes?

[Wayne SW/MO]

Where's the boathouse? And do you know how much it is to rent kayak or canoes?

They have a web site. It probably has the info you need.

[jaskea8]

I hit Lake Springfield up today for a "quickie" Threw in a bright colored crankbait and got a hit immediately. It was in the picnic area past the dam. Not a huge bass but probably 16 inches.

[motexan]

If you do rent a canoe or kayak, you are limited to using it in the river system only. They won't let you use it in the lake section.

I also went out this morning, EARLY. I was on the water by 5:30 and had my first bass before 6:00. This time of year it's the only way I can get a consistent bite. Started off by throwing top water (Z. spook jr.) then switched to a red fin. But I caught most of my fish on a 4" swim bait I picked up at Fin & Feather. Chartreuse buzz bait is also a good go to. I caught all my fish today in 3 ft. of water or less, I was off the water by 10:30. For what's its worth, surface temps are 78-80 degrees where I was at.

[usmcgrunt]

I go out to the hot water a lot early in the morning and have yet to not catch bass. My go to baits are a popper right at first light, a white shallow running crankbait, a craw pattern crankbait for the middle section of water, and a football jig with a twin tail plastic. That way I cover every water depth and can pinpoint where the fish are hanging out at. When I go at night and waiting for a cat to bite, I'll use a small shad under a float and catch bass all night long.

[Jack Jones]

First light is way too early for this dog, after working all week. I've usually fished the river system from the boat house on up and had little luck. Is it better in the main lake?

[usmcgrunt]

Jack I've fished the river system and the main lake a LOT from my kayak and I've caught about equal amounts of fish from both areas, but in the river system I have to work a lot harder to find them and get one on a hook so I usually fish the hot water area of the main lake. Since first light is too early, I have pretty good luck still in the evening, only instead of starting with my popper and working my way down the water column, I start at the bottom and work my way up until I can't see anymore. I catch more fish during the day but I hook into some real hogs after dark.