Tips on Truman

[G3Boater]

Any "year around" tips for bass fishing on Truman? any info is much appreciated!

[fishinwrench]

Truman's level fluctuates so much that bass are hard to pattern.   The most consistent pattern I know of is targeting the fish that are suspended in the trees.

Swim jigs, Ribbon tail worms, Spinnerbaits.  Or use your imagination.  The bass even spawn in the trees.

Which trees?   Ya never know.   Sometimes fishing only cedars or only mature hardwoods will pay off, but not always.   Tickling baits through the branches never works for me, just cast it out, let it sink, and crank it in steady.  Experiment with speed but otherwise don't try to get fancy.

Usually either 7-8ft. or 10-12ft. down. 

That's all I've got.  Truman was a wicked good bass lake in the 70's early 80's but then it turned into a Catfish, Crappie and Hybrid lake.

[MoCarp]

3 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

  Truman was a wicked good bass lake in the 70's early 80's but then it turned into a Catfish, Crappie and Hybrid lake.

I remember when it opened, it was impressive, then fell of a cliff...I seem to remember a 13 pound bass taken there just under the state record

[G3Boater]

thanks a ton! 

[Smithvillesteve]

I dont fish for bass there much anymore. I will say this: know where you are going! Lots of timber!! With all this rain that lake can muddy up big time also. If it was me i would look for the clearest water. That would probably be up the Big Pomme arm. I guy told me one time that with all the timber in Truman it gets better bass fishing when the weather gets hot. I think the same holds true up here at Smithville Lake. If i was going to bass fish Truman right now i would go to the Big Pomme and concentrate on bluff ends. Jerkbaits, jigs, Ned rigs, maybe try a Wiggle wart. The crappie guys have been doing well recently off the bluffs. Lots of shad there. Bass might be in the neighborhood too.