White Bass On The Spring River

[Ranger Dave]

Has anyone been white bass fishing on the Spring River recently? I was wondering if it was still too early or if I should make the drive.

[Bird Watcher]

They've been in the river all winter. Water came up and was muddy earlier this week, but I still saw a picture from a buddy on Monday who was crappie fishing and caught quite a few of them.

[Bill Butts]

You're referring to the river channel between Twin Bridges and Hwy 10 but not up in the flowing river current, right BW?

Definitely a zillion of them in that stretch.

Mostly one and two yr old Whites, but lots of fun on light tackle with small baits fished deep and not fast.

Earliest I've personally recorded a good day fishing for Whites up above Hwy 10 is February 22, a few years ago.

That fishery does seem to develop earlier than most in the late-winter/early-spring, and is usually low and clear during that time.

Unfortunately, after the beginnning of April there are quite a few years where it seems to stay quite high and muddy.

Hope we get some more rain throughout the area in the coming days!!!!

[Bird Watcher]

You're referring to the river channel between Twin Bridges and Hwy 10 but not up in the flowing river current, right BW?

Definitely a zillion of them in that stretch.

Mostly one and two yr old Whites, but lots of fun on light tackle with small baits fished deep and not fast.

Earliest I've personally recorded a good day fishing for Whites up above Hwy 10 is February 22, a few years ago.

That fishery does seem to develop earlier than most in the late-winter/early-spring, and is usually low and clear during that time.

Unfortunately, after the beginnning of April there are quite a few years where it seems to stay quite high and muddy.

Hope we get some more rain throughout the area in the coming days!!!!

Yep. I haven't heard anything that far up yet, but the river did put on a decent rise earlier this week and the temps were 45-49. That should start a little movement. I am hoping very much for a high and muddy Spring River during April and will never complain about rain again after last year:)

[Wayne SW/MO]

Are there any opportunities to fly fish the white run without a boat?

[Bird Watcher]

Are there any opportunities to fly fish the white run without a boat?

Yes. The area where BIll is talking about. Above 10 hwy bridge there is an old abandoned state park called Moccassin Bend. You can pull off at the bridge and walk up river to some gravel bars and fly fish. Once they get way up the river you could walk and fly fish for them at Peoria (forget the name of the access) or Bicentennial park south of Baxter Springs, KS. Of course they will make it to the dam at Baxter Springs, KS and you can fish for them there too. KS has a cheap option for NR. You can buy a one day 5$ permit.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Thanks BW. I've considered camping at Twin Bridges a few times during the run, but there is a lot of water there, too much to fly fish. If the run in my backyard is as unpredictable as it was last spring I might have to head west.

[ollie]

Hit me up Wayne if you make it over this way. I know where they are talking about.

[Bill Butts]

Hey Wayne,

Do you have a boat (if so, with jet?), canoe, yak or other watercraft?

I would have some additional suggestions, depending on what equipment you have.

BB

[Wayne SW/MO]

I have a yak and a couple of canoes. I have boats, but motors that run right are another thing. One of them has so many problems even Wrench won't touch it.

Hit me up Wayne if you make it over this way. I know where they are talking about.

I'll do that Ollie, maybe we can camp a couple of days over there. Is your phone still **53 and **35?