West county MO fisherman

[Bweeks]

Hi all,

im very new to the West county area of Missouri. I live in the ballwin area near chesterfield, ellisville, and Manchester. I used to live in a 6 acre lake towards mid missouri and recently moved out here. The lake was purely largemouth and an amazing fishing lake. Routinely could bring in a 3 lber on most days. PB on the lake was a 5.3lber caught on a black and blue chaterbait. I wanted to join this site to see if there was any fisherman around the are that could possibly give me some direction on where a couple good places I could go to fish when I have the time. Is there any half way decent lakes, other than Simpson,  that I could have some decent luck from the shore? Any golf course ponds, small hidden ponds, stream or creek, part of the meramec near me that is very promising? Have no access to a boat and with my job not much time to travel an hour to a spot. Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated. I am in desperate need of some angling. 

[jpb2187]

Queeny Park, Lake by the Chesterfield Ampitheater, Busch Wildlife is probably only 20-30 minutes away. 

[Bweeks]

What would be the size of fish I would be targeting? Hence, what size lure would be suitable?

[Mitch f]

46 minutes ago, Bweeks said:

What would be the size of fish I would be targeting? Hence, what size lure would be suitable?

Go big or go home!!?

[snagged in outlet 3]

2 hours ago, Bweeks said:

Any golf course ponds, small hidden ponds

I've been kicked out of most

[jpb2187]

1 hour ago, Bweeks said:

What would be the size of fish I would be targeting? Hence, what size lure would be suitable?

Busch - Most diverse, lots of lake to choose from. Bass will typically be around 12 in, but I've caught a few 3, 4, and 5 lbers before. Lots of crappie. Even Musky in lake 35. Can rent boats once the weather warms up for like 5 bucks. You can bring your own trolling motor and battery if you have one. 

Queeny - Probably smaller bass, but I've caught a few big ones on a Jig. Recommend a ned or a jig. 

Chesterfield - Typical bass fishing probably looking at 12-18 inchers. Cranks, Worms, anything really. 

 

If you want to go after some big cats, you can try fishing at Howell Island. Won't get the monsters that are in the main river, but still have some good sized ones there. Also can target gar if you're into that sort of thing. 

 

 

[moturkey]

I was going to PM the OP with this info, but it looks like word is getting out about the Chesterfield amphitheater lake. It's a regular week-day stop for me on my way to work. Chesterfield had been stocking it for a few years and just opened it to fishing about 2-3 years ago.  Weightless flukes and shaky-head senkos are my go-to baits in that lake.  Spring fishing is great, and it slows post-spawn when temps climb and pressure builds. Shallow weeds / grasses make it more difficult for bank fishing starting late spring / early summer. C&R only (please abide by the rule ... I've seen more than one member of the bucket brigade harvesting fish that I wouldn't eat if my life depended on it). 2-3 pound LMB are common. Although I've never fished for bluegill, there seems to be a pretty healthy population of them.  I have seen one channel cat, but never caught any. 

This is typical of the LMB population from that lake (bonus: double hook-up, and my son got the bigger of the two!).

[ColdWaterFshr]

Chesterfield amphitheater lake.  Will have to check that out.

Another lake in our area, the pond in front of the Target and Whole Foods at 141 and Clayton Rd.  I think I saw some pictures of someone catching some good sized bass out of there.  Never fished it myself, not sure its legal to fish, or if I'd even want to fish in front of traffic.

 

[snagged in outlet 3]

"Chesterfield - Typical bass fishing probably looking at 12-18 inchers. Cranks, Worms, anything really."

It would have been nice for you to NOT post this.