Walleyes in the upper end?

[kjackson]

We've moved to Clinton, and given the time of the year, I was wondering if there is much of a walleye run in LOZ. I'm thinking that this is about the time of year to start looking for walleyes in the tailrace and just below it.  

Is this something that happens?  

[fishinwrench]

It happens, usually in February.  Road Runners tipped with minnows, 1/8-1/4oz. curl tail jigs, and crankbaits.

[kjackson]

I was wondering...where i used to fish (washington State) walleyes would make a false spawning run in the fall, or at least that is what we thought it was, either that or a staging run. They would head upstream toward the dam and then over-winter in deeper structure.  I may have to do some exploration once I get a bit more settled.

[MOPanfisher]

Check in with Everharts, they usually keep up on what's happening at Warsaw. Sometimes can be good in Jan. But when it's good usually you can tell by the number of people there.  Have had some great days there and many with nothing to show for my efforts.  I believe the COE starts making steady releases around March 15th or so for a few weeks and MDC will come in with a shock boat and gather eggs for their hatchery.

[fishinwrench]

.The walleye fishing here is pretty sketchy.  Plenty are caught by accident but I know of nobody that can go out "walleye fishing" and come home with more than one on purpose with any consistency.

People occasionally stumble onto groups of them near Warsaw in late Winter, or up the Big Niangua arm above Bridal cave around the same time.   If there is anything better than that going on as far as Walleye patterns I've never heard about it.

[MOPanfisher]

If you have a boat in April they will stack up sometimes near the city harbor at Warsaw, just look for the pile of boats trolling the shallow depression just west of the park, catch whires, wallys, hybrids, and occasionally a flathead.  Have to have some.release through truman though too much.is bad too.  Quite a few caught off the bank on either side in Bledsoe Ferry areas when it's good, again need some flow but about dark when they blow the horn to generate more grab your stuff and be moving back or get your feet wet.  1/4 to 1/16 jig heads depending on flow and preference.  Everybody has their special super secret lure, plain old 3 inch curly tail grubs or walleye sliders in a color of your choice, I like bright orange, chartreuse or yellow.  Have seen many of the regulars leave with a limit of 4, I am lucky to catch one or two most times.  Some days a nice hybrid or big buffalo is the best I could manage.  We used to begin trying below Truman in late Feb depending on weather and water release schedules, but it's a 45 minute drive from work for me to get there so I don't go.much anymore, would rather try them in Truman, Stockton or Pomme from a boat a few weeks later. Or from the bank at stockton dam in march to april it's a lot closer to home for me.  But ya never know if you don't try.  Oh if fishing below truman bring plenty of jig heads.