Big Boys

[Kyle]

I have fished the tailwater a few times so I know a little about it, but when should expect the whites and especially the hybrids to start running. I am assuming in the spring and I know that the fishing is usually better when they are running water. Is much of the run based on the flow of water, therefore the spring rains? Also, I have decided that I am going to try to catch some on a fly rod, does anyone know if there is some good spots to try a fly and is a 7 weight rod strong enough?

Kyle

[drew03cmc]

As long as the fish are not 10+# wipers, you could get by with a 5/6wt rod. A lot of the guys here locally in KS fish 5wt rods for wipers all spring long.

[brownieman]

Generally mid April to mid May for the whites and hybrids...keep an eye on the water temp, they start hitting good when the water temp is around 60 to 65.

bm

[sportshop]

My little black book shows we caught 3 limits onMarch 15 last year water temp was 48 they seem to come in pretty early there, water running or not, didnt make much difference.

[Fishhand]

Hey Kyle,

I started going up to the tailrace last year with a friend from Sedalia. I took the flypole on the intent of trying it. Found out a couple of things. When I was there, the good spots were usually the most crowded and I couldn't get a good swing because I didn't want to foul the people's line fishing downstream from us. Even when a fish was hooked (at least with the water running) you'ld have to follow the fish and when it's shoulder to shoulder, it ain't fun dancing under, around and behind people. I also found it tough to cast because of the chunk rock banks not allowing a substantial backcast. There is the sand point between the dead channel and the main channel that always looked good to possibly wade out on and throw a fly, but, we never tried it.

[brownieman]

Sportshop is right...a guy can catch whites and hybrids even in the winter months.

Just seems they are feeding on a more regular basis as the water temps warm. When they really start getting on the crowds are terrible, especially on the week-ends. As goes with most fishing it's a crapshoot. I think what affects the fish more than anything there is when they are fluctuating the water flow. Running water or not I've had my best trips when they leave the flow alone for awhile. I assure you if they are running much water and you hang a 15 lb. hybrid on fly tackle even with heavy gear you will have one heck of a fight on your hands.

Me and one of my buddies joke with each other...have labeled ourselves as the president and v. president of the FCA (Fish Coolers Assn.) when it comes to Truman tailwaters...seems like our presence can glue the fishes mouths shut, lol...just like fishin anywhwere, the only gaurantee is if you're not there you aint gonna catch em.

bm

[Seth]

I started fishing the tailrace last year also, but the only thing I managed to catch was a mess of crappie and a few whites on the last trip of the summer. The first time I fished it was during snagging season and I went up there with my bait caster to try for whites/hybrids. They never bit on my bait, but the guys besides me were using those slab hunters and caught several hybrids and a whole bunch of whites.

I'm going to try my dangdest to get some slab hunters and catch my first hybrid up there this year. They really put a strain on the tackle from the looks of it. I can't wait.

[sportshop]

I started fishing the tailrace last year also, but the only thing I managed to catch was a mess of crappie and a few whites on the last trip of the summer. The first time I fished it was during snagging season and I went up there with my bait caster to try for whites/hybrids. They never bit on my bait, but the guys besides me were using those slab hunters and caught several hybrids and a whole bunch of whites.

I'm going to try my dangdest to get some slab hunters and catch my first hybrid up there this year. They really put a strain on the tackle from the looks of it. I can't wait.

[sportshop]

try 3 inch jerk bait, or swimming minnows along the mouth of that slough on the banks all the way back to the warsaw ramp. the jerks caught walleyes, hybrids, whites, even decent crappie at times. then your occational freakin gar.

[drew03cmc]

If you have fly tackle, I would throw some 3" Clousers in either chartreuse over white, or blue over white. Toss them, and let them sink for about three seconds, then strip it pretty quick and hang on.