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Your Mark Twain Lake Vacation Spot!
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Fishing Report, Lake Conditions
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Date: 11/25/04 Lake Level : 609.10 Last Weeks Lake Level: 610.75 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Muddy to Dingy Surface Water Temp: 52 degrees
There have not been very many fishermen out this week. I'm not making many changes to the report this week. We had the first snow fall of the season yesterday, leaving about 3 inches on the ground. I got out yesterday and took a few pictures of the snow and of one duck hunter I ran into at the Hwy 107 boat ramp.
Happy Thanksgiving, have a safe and enjoyable holiday, with family and friends! And make those turkeys proud to taste so good!!
There are no more fishing tournaments scheduled for this year. The above link, to view scheduled tournaments, has been updated for 2005, the list will no doubt be updated a lot more before next year rolls around.
Crappie fishing is still pretty much as it has been, which is a challenge for most people. A limit can be had with perseverance. The reports are varied with crappie being caught at a lot of depths, however some of the best reports are from fishermen catching them near the bottom in 20 - 25 feet of water. Expect to go through a lot of small crappie, keeping bigger ones as you can and hopefully finding a good hole where several keeper size ones may be hiding. The bite is very light, with minnows being the best bait. Look for the clearer water.
Bass fishing continues to be poor.
Haven’t heard of any catfish reports this week, defaulting to last weeks report. The rivers and creeks are flowing from recent rains.
Reports of White Bass have been good.
Black Jack Marina will be open year round, with varying hours, but basically from 9 - 3. Indian Creek marina is closed for the season.
Campers – The water has been turned off at the State Park.
Boaters – In preparation for the coming freezing weather, the Corp has pulled both walkways at the South Fork Ramp, and probably the rest of them as well. The State Park walkways are still in place, as of today.
Bald Eagles are becoming a common site on the lake. I noticed a new nest in the North Fork recently. At some point in the future, Mark Twain will probably become a good spot for Eagle Watching.
The November portion of the deer firearms season ended Tuesday (11/23/04) Check out the pictures on the Hunting Photos page. The next firearms hunt will be the Antlerless Only Portion, from December 11th - 19th. We (South Fork Resort) will stay open till the end of the December hunt, the 19th will be our last day open for the season.
Deer Hunters - Help feed the needy through the Share the Harvest Program.
Duck season is open, fishermen please be respectful if you see decoys and blinds set up, by giving them a wide berth. The waterfowl refuge (Middle Fork and Elk Fork area) is closed to boaters and waterfowl hunters from October 30 until December 31. Buoys are setup to indicate the closed off area. Land based activities are still permitted, such as bank fishing, hiking and other in-season hunting.
Ducks, so far this year, have been low in numbers on Twain as well as statewide. However according to the Ducks Unlimited Waterfowl Migration Map, the activity should start picking up soon. A couple of other links, are to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Waterfowl and Habitat, and the Waterfowl Harvest Report.
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Date: 11/11/04 Lake Level : 614.00 Last Weeks Lake Level: 615.31 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Muddy to Dingy Surface Water Temp: 58 degrees
Today is Veterans Day. Thank you to all our veterans for defending our freedoms.
After lots of rain the lake rose to 615.5 and is now dropping.
There are no more fishing tournaments scheduled for this year. The above link, to view scheduled tournaments, has been updated for 2005, the list will no doubt be updated a lot more before next year rolls around.
Crappie fishing continues to be a challenge for most people. The reports are varied with crappie being caught at a lot of depths, however some of the best reports are from fishermen catching them near the bottom in 20 - 25 feet of water. Expect to go through a lot of small crappie, keeping bigger ones as you can and hopefully finding a good hole where several keeper size ones may be hiding. The bite is very light, with minnows being the best bait. Look for the clearer water.
Bass fishing has been poor, as reported by the few bass fishermen out.
Catfishing continues to be good. The rivers and creeks still have water flowing from the recent rains, and the catfish have been active.
Reports of White Bass have been good.
Black Jack Marina will be open year round, with varying hours, but basically from 9 - 3. Indian Creek marina is closed for the season.
Deer firearms season opens this Saturday November 13th and ends November 22nd. I would suggest anybody out in the woods or fishing to wear orange, this will help hunters to identify their backdrop.
Deer Hunters - Help feed the needy through the Share the Harvest Program.
Duck season is open, fishermen please be respectful if you see decoys and blinds set up, by giving them a wide berth. The waterfowl refuge (Middle Fork and Elk Fork area) is closed to boaters and waterfowl hunters from October 30 until December 31. Buoys are setup to indicate the closed off area. Land based activities are still permitted, such as bank fishing, hiking and other in-season hunting.
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Date: 10/28/04 Lake Level : 607.00 Last Weeks Lake Level: 606.90 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Muddy to Dingy Surface Water Temp: 62 degrees
Crappie fishing continues to be a challenge for most people. Some of the best reports are still from fishermen catching crappie near the bottom in 20 - 25 feet of water. The bite continues to be very light, with minnows being the best bait.
Bass fishing has been fair, with mostly small ones being caught in shallow water 5 feet or less using white spinnerbaits.
Catfishing is fair. Trotliners have been having a tough go of it this week. Rod and Reel fishermen had been doing good catching small to medium size channels using nightcrawlers.
Indian Creek marina is closed for the season.
The waterfowl refuge (Middle Fork and Elk Fork area) will be closed to boaters and waterfowl hunters starting this Saturday, October 30 until December 31. Buoys are setup to indicate the closed off area. Land based activities are still permitted, such as bank fishing, hiking and other in-season hunting. Duck season opens this Saturday, fishermen please be respectful if you see decoys and blinds set up by giving them a wide berth.
Deer Hunters - Help feed the needy through the Share the Harvest Program.
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Date: 10/21/04 Lake Level : 606.90 Last Weeks Lake Level: 607.62 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Muddy to Dingy to Clear. Surface Water Temp: 62 degrees
Crappie fishing has been tough lately. Some of the best reports have been from fishermen catching crappie near the bottom in 20 - 25 feet of water. The bite continues to be very light, with minnows being the best bait.
Bass fishing has been fair, with mostly small ones being caught.
Catfishing is fair. Trotliners have been having a tough go of it this week. Rod and Reel fishermen had been doing good catching small to medium size channels using nightcrawlers.
This will probably be the best weekend to enjoy the fall colors this year, the reds, yellows and bronzes are very nice.
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Date: 10/14/04 Lake Level : 607.62 Last Weeks Lake Level: 607.60 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Dingy to Clear. Surface Water Temp: 64 degrees
Crappie fishing has been varied, with some fishermen catching crappie near the bottom in 20 - 25 feet of water and others going up the rivers and catching them near the bank. With some of the fish being caught near the bank, this could indicate the beginning of a fall pattern, more reports will tell. The bite continues to be very light, requiring a sensitive touch, and every once in a while gently pulling up the rod tip to see if there is any resistance. The bridge piers continue to be worked pretty hard, expect mostly small crappie near the piers with a few keeper size thrown in. The lower main lake is still probably your best bet, keep on the move. Minnows or minnow tipped jigs.
Bass fishing continues to be slow.
Catfishing is good. Trotliners have been doing the best, pulling in flatheads using goldfish, or channel and blue cats using cut shad. Rod and reel fishermen haven't done as good, but some are catching channels using nightcrawlers or cut shad.
The colors of fall are here, if the weather cooperates this will be a very good weekend to get out and enjoy the colorful scenery around the lake.
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Date: 10/07/04 Lake Level : 607.60 Last Weeks Lake Level: 608.29 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Muddy to Dingy to Clear. Surface Water Temp: 72 degrees
Sporadic continues to be the best word to describe crappie fishing this week. While still tough we continue to get some good reports. The successful fishermen seem to be doing best near steep dropoffs or shelves, using jig tipped minnows and working them at about 15 – 20 feet near cover. Other fishermen said they caught crappie in 20 – 25 feet of water by going to the bottom first and then bringing their bait up about a foot. The bite has been very light, requiring a sensitive touch and every once in a while gently pulling up the rod tip to see if there is any resistance. The bridge piers have been getting worked pretty hard, expect mostly small crappie near the piers with a few keeper size crappie thrown in. Most fishermen can catch small crappie till they’re tired of it. There is a fair amount of luck involved, some fishermen are getting lucky and stumbling onto a good hole and pulling several keepers out. There’s been several locals out working their favorite holes, not always with good results. The lower main lake is probably the best bet, and don’t settle in one place too long, keep on the move.
The few bass reports have not been very good.
Catfishing continues to be very good. Trotliners have been pulling in flatheads using goldfish, or channel and blue cats using cut shad. Rod and reel fishermen continue to catch channels using nightcrawlers or cut shad.
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Date: 9/30/04 Lake Level : 608.29 Last Weeks Lake Level: 610.35 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Muddy to Dingy to Clear. Surface Water Temp: 72 degrees
The lake is clearing as fresh water comes into the lake, however it is still slightly muddy in the mid branches to dingy and clearing in the lower lake.
The best word to describe crappie fishing during the past week is sporadic. Last week we started getting reports of better size crappie being caught, in addition to that more fishermen are getting their limits. With that said most fishermen are still struggling to get their limits. This is a case of finding the honey hole(s). The most consistent reports lately are to fish along the main lake bluffs and points, working the bigger trees, with the crappie being suspended at 8 - 20 deep over deep water. Minnows are still the bait of choice. Follow this link to read Conservation Agent Lyons explanation of why there is not a length limit on crappie at Twain.
There have not been very many bass fishermen out this week. For this weeks report I refer to the Mid America Outdoors report from the Buddy Bass tournament.
Catfishing continues to be very good. Flathead reports are good, with trotliners using goldfish. Trotliners are also catching channel and blue cats using cut shad. Rod and reel fishermen continue to catch channels using nightcrawlers or cut shad.
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Date: 9/22/04 Lake Level : 610.35 Last Weeks Lake Level: 612.70 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Muddy to Dingy to Clear. Surface Water Temp: 73 degrees
Fall is officially here!! The mid to upper sections of the South, Middle and Elk Forks are muddy, it's dingy to clearing the further downlake you go.
Crappie fishing has been challenging this week. The better fishing has been in the lower sections of the South, Middle and Elk Forks, and the main lake. Your best bet is probably to head to the lower lake and fish the clearer water. The most reported depth continues to be between 12 - 18 feet deep, with minnows working the best.
Bass fishing could be better, the Buddy Bass tournament last weekend will attest to that. The winning weight for the two day tournament was 18.23 lbs. The best report for bass this week is to direct you to the Mid America Outdoors site to read about their coverage of the tournament.
Catfishing continues to be very good. Rod and reel fishermen have been catching channels using nightcrawlers or cut shad. Troltliners have been catching channels using shad, or goldfish for flatheads. The rivers and creeks have a slight flow from last week rain.
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Date: 9/17/04 Lake Level : 612.70 Last Weeks Lake Level: 615.17 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Muddy to Dingy to Clear. Surface Water Temp: 73 degrees
With 3 inches of rain last Wednesday, the lake went up some and is currently on a slight drop as electricity is generated. The upper South, Middle and Elk Forks are very muddy, it's dingy to clearing the further downlake you go.
Early in the week most fishermen were reporting slow fishing for crappie. Even the smaller ones developed lock jaw. Since then we've gotten better reports, the small crappie are still being caught, however crappie in the 9 - 10 inch size are being caught as well, which is better than it has been for a while. The most reported depths are between 12 - 18 feet deep, with minnows working the best.
Tournament fishermen last weekend enjoyed very good fishing. The big concern has been with the lake dropping so much it may change the pattern before this weekends Mark Twain Lake Chamber of Commerce Bud-Light tournament. That is no longer a concern, with the lake on the rise it will make the bass fishermen happy and fishing should continue to be very good. Grass and shad have been the key to finding and catching bass. All areas of the lake should be good, concentrating on grassy flat points in shallow water. Spinnerbaits or buzzbaits.
This year both Mark Twain Lake and the Buddy Bass tournament celebrate their 20th year together, the tournament is sponsored by the Mark Twain Lake Chamber of Commerce and Golden Eagle Distributing Company. This is shaping up to be an excellent weekend, not only has the bass fishing been good but the weather forecast is excellent, with it being sunny and the high in the low to mid 80's. It's not too late to enter, late entries will be accepted at Black Jack Marina, between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., September 18, 2004. Food will be available for purchase. If this isn't enough to get you pumped up, then read about the fun and excitement from last years tournament. Special thanks to Jerry Rapp and Brad Strauser of the Mid America Outdoors web site for tournament coverage.
Catfishing has been very good. It's still mostly channels and blues, however flatheads are starting to pick up as well. Trotliners have reported the best fishing using shad, or turkey and cheese hot dogs for channels or goldfish for flatheads. Rod and reel fishermen are doing better lately also, catching a lot of channels using nightcrawlers, crawdads, or shad pieces. The rivers and creeks are flowing from yesterdays rain, and the catfishing should only get better.
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Date: 9/09/04 Lake Level : 615.17 Last Weeks Lake Level: 618.88 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Very Dingy to Clear. Surface Water Temp: 73 degrees
The upper reaches are clearing with fresh water coming into the lake, the mid sections of the South and Middle Forks are very dingy, the main lake is clear. The debris has thinned out, however there is still some drifting around.
Crappie fishing is average at best. You can expect to catch mostly small ones with the occasional keeper. Several hours of fishing can put a couple of meals in the live well. The better reports are still coming off the main lake, along tree lined bluffs. The depth has varied greatly this week, with some fishermen catching crappie no deeper than 8 feet and other catching them as deep as 20 feet. Minnows or minnow tipped jigs have been the best bait.
The few bass fishermen out have not done very good. The one I talked to said he had his best hits off of main lake points using spinner baits. Most bass fishermen have been complaining about the lake being drawn down, and the bass haven't been active.
Catfishing has slowed down on the main lake, the river below the dam is still good. Rod and reel fishermen haven't had much luck this past week. Trotliners have caught some cats, but it's still slow. It's been mostly channel cats, being caught on cut shad. Nightcrawlers, crawdads, or shad pieces.
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Date: 9/02/04 Lake Level : 618.88 Last Weeks Lake Level: 607.55 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Muddy to Clear. Surface Water Temp: 73 degrees
Lots of rain last week brought the lake up more than 12 feet since last week. The very upper reaches of South Fork, Middle Fork and North Fork are muddy, the mid to lower sections are dingy, and becoming increasing clearer near Florida, then clear from there to the dam. Lick Creek is pretty much the same way. There is some floating debris, including the occasional tree drifting. While underway exercise caution, especially if pulling skiers or water tubers.
Late last week crappie fishing took a nose dive after the fronts came and went, and the lake rising with mud. Over the weekend, before the flood hit the main lake, there were several reports of some nice crappie being caught, with the best reports coming from the main lake bluffs and points. So far this week, there have not been very many fishermen out, the few reports have them catching a fair number of small crappie in the main lake, with keepers being slow. The few keepers are once again deeper at about 15 - 20 feet, using minnows or minnow tipped jigs. The clearer the water, the better your chances.
There's been even fewer bass fishermen out this week. Last weekend bass fishing took an upswing with several being taken from the water flooded grass and brushy slopes, using carolina rigs, crank baits or spinner baits. Follow the shad.
The gushing rivers and creeks had the catfish rummaging for food. A lot of channel cats were very active especially in the head waters of the lake. Water runoffs also provided good fishing. Nightcrawlers, crawdads, or shad pieces. With the lake rising so fast it was a bad weekend for trot liners. With lots of water being released from the lake, the river below the dam has been very productive for catfish.
Unfortunately the last major holiday of the summer season is this weekend. It's hard to believe that school is back in session and summer is fast winding down. Get the family out to enjoy it, have a safe and happy Labor Day.
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Date: 8/29/04 Lake Level : 617.25 Last Weeks Lake Level: 607.55 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Muddy to Clear. Surface Water Temp: 73 degrees
Lots of rain has brought the lake up more than 10 feet since last week, with it expecting to crest at level 620 - 621 by September 1st. The North, Middle, Elk, and South Forks and Lick Creek are muddy. Be cautious of floating debris. The main lake is still clear, especially the lower end. Last week I was crossing over the South Fork while it was muddying up, and the mud slick heading out toward the main lake was impressive. The lake above the bridge was already very muddy, while the water below the bridge was still clear except for the mud slick that really stood out. Of course I had to get some pictures. Click here to check them out.
Late last week crappie fishing took an even steeper nose dive after the fronts came and went, and the lake rising with mud. However there were several reports of some nice crappie being caught over the weekend, with them mostly coming from the main lake bluffs and points. A lot of the reports had them at 8 - 10 feet deep, using minnows or minnow tipped jigs. The clearer the water, the better your chances.
Bass fishing took an upswing with several being taken from the water flooded grass and brushy slopes, using carolina rigs, crank baits or spinner baits.
The gushing rivers and creeks had the catfish rummaging for food. A lot of channel cats were very active especially in the head waters of the branches. Water runoffs provided good fishing also. Nightcrawlers, crawdads, or shad pieces. Haven't heard much from trot liners this weekend. The rivers are still flowing and the cat fishing should continue to be good.
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Date: 8/26/04 Lake Level : 608.44 Last Weeks Lake Level: 607.79 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Upper reaches muddy, then dingy to mostly clear. Surface Water Temp: 76 degrees
More rain has the lake on the rise again, and will make the upper reaches of the lake muddy. Look for the western end of the lake to rise the most, as usual.
Crappie fishing could be better, it’s been kinda hit and miss during the past week, mostly miss. However I did talk to a few guy’s over the weekend that got limits of decent size crappie, 9 to 13 inchers. They were the exception, most fishermen struggled while catching nothing but small crappie in the 5 to 8 inch range. The better crappie continued to be deep, about 18 – 20 feet near the bottom. The clearer the water, the better your chances. Minnows were the preferred bait, whether alone or tipped on a jig. Bridge piers, or tree lined bluffs were productive areas. The trees do not need to be visible.
Bass fishing continues to be tough. The best fishing has been shallow, about 3 – 5 feet deep, using carolina rigs, jigs or spinner baits.
While still not as good as this past spring, catfishing has gotten better. Channel cats continue to make themselves available for rod and reel fishermen, using nightcrawlers, crawdads, or shad pieces. A few flatheads have been reported lately, being caught on trotlines using goldfish or perch. With the rivers flowing from the recent rains, the cats should be on a feeding frenzy. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 8/05/04 Lake Level : 608.88 Last Weeks Lake Level: 608.43 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Clear Surface Water Temp: 75 degrees
Lots of rain yesterday will get the water moving and make it stained in the very upper reaches of the South Fork, Elk and Middle Fork areas of the lake. Unseasonably cool weather will keep the water temperature down. Guide Bruce Carpenter’s report for this week. Fished Saturday and Sunday mornings total of about 4 hours and caught limits both days. Caught 10-13 inch crappie, 10-15 feet down in 15-30 feet of water. Most fish hit on the fall but most hit in the 10-15 foot window. Jig and minnow was the preferred bait but caught them on jig or just minnows. A couple of areas that had been producing were barren, so I quickly left those areas. Fished only one tree line Sunday in a little over an hour and was done. One or two keepers on a stump if there was one keeper there. If you are only catching small fish move one, if you don't catch anything after a few trees move to another area. Some fishermen sat tied up to a tree for hours catching 4 inch fish, I asked them why they didn't move and suggested they try my technique of tight lining and moving and they did just the opposite. Bruce Bass fishing is better than it has been the last few weeks. Some of the best fishing has been in 2 feet of water using a variety of baits, white/chartreuse spinners, crankbaits or Carolina rigged plastics. Bass have been caught near lay downs along the shore line, whether it’s in coves or off of main lake points.
Catfishing continues to improve. Channel cats
continue to be the best bite.
The shad population this year is very healthy and plentiful. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 7/29/04 Lake Level : 608.43 Last Weeks Lake Level: 609.74 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Clear Surface Water Temp: 80 degrees
Guide Bruce Carpenter reports crappie fishing was consistent with summer pattern over the weekend. "We fished about two hours Saturday and about three hours Sunday and caught limits of 10 and 11 inch fish both days. However it didn’t come without making adjustments and keeping on the move. The stout easterly wind Saturday and Sunday required you to be out of the wind as it made detecting hits difficult. We had to keep on the move and spent almost as much time getting to the hot spots as we did fishing, but it was worth the boat ride to go to the fish. The better size crappie were found about 12-15 feet deep in 20-30 feet of water. They were stacked up out of the wind in brush piles, in the mouths of coves and points, and outer tree rows along channels. Any color of jig tipped with minnows. Go when you can!" Bruce
Bass fishing continues to be tough. Carolina rigged plastics have been the best, worked near heavy cover or dropoffs near the channel, anywhere from 2 to 8 feet deep. Catfishing has been fair. Channel cats continue to bite, with the best action still taking place up the rivers and creeks. Rod and reel fishermen are reporting catching them using nightcrawlers, shad guts or crawfish. Flathead activity seems to be picking up somewhat, with a few being caught on trotlines using goldfish. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 7/22/04 Lake Level : 609.74 Last Weeks Lake Level: 611.33 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Clear Surface Water Temp: 85 degrees
Guide Bruce Carpenter reports fishing summer pattern last Saturday for just over two hours and had limits of keeper fish 9-11 inches. Bruce and fishing partner reported catching 75-100 each, minnows were the preferred food and the fish were suspended 12-15 feet down. Worked interior and outside tree rows along channels and both held fish. “Go when you can and have fun!” Bruce
Bass fishing continues to be tough. Shad activity can be a good indicator for locating them. Carolina rigged plastics have been doing good.
Catfishing has been fair. Channel cats have been biting good, especially up the rivers and creeks. Rod and reel fishermen are still catching them using nightcrawlers, shad guts or crawfish. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 7/14/04 Lake Level : 611.33 Last Weeks Lake Level: 611.92 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Clear Surface Water Temp: 84 degrees
Guide Bruce Carpenter reports receiving several favorable fishing reports, and from his own first hand experience has determined the summer pattern for crappie has settled in and several quality fish are being caught. Bruce and several other fishermen have been catching 2-7 slabs since Thursday of last week, enroute to limits of 9 1/2 inch fish. Those slabs fall into the 12 inch are larger category. “I caught 5 of those Sunday, and one fisherman caught 7 on Friday. Fishing summer patterns with jigs and or minnows or niblets. Tightlining is the key, and now is the time to go fishing. But in every case moving and a lot of it, is required for success. A big crappie here and there was the pattern. I caught two slabs on South Fork and 3 on North Fork, and each in a separate location. Plan on fishing 3-6 hours for a limit as you have to weed through the small ones for a limit.” Bruce
Bass fishing continues to be slow this week.
While still slow, catfishing has gotten better. The predominate bite continues to be channel cats for rod and reel fishermen. Nightcrawlers or shad guts have been the best bait. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 7/09/04 Lake Level : 611.92 Last Weeks Lake Level: 611.89 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Upper reaches are slightly dingy, while most of the lake is clear. Surface Water Temp: 75 degrees
The weather in the past week has been unseasonably cool with a lot of patches of showers and thunderstorms.
Guide Bruce Carpenter reports crappie fishing is pretty much the same as last week. Most of the keepers are taking the bait on the fall while tight lining. Points have been the better locations around hardwoods.
Early in the week fishermen caught some very nice size crappie, with several in the 12 – 13 inch range. Since then it’s been mostly smaller ones on average, with the occasional keeper. Keep on the move and the keepers can add up pretty fast. Minnow tipped jigs have been the best bait and the bite has been very light. You pretty much need to keep your index finger on the line and watch your rod tip to detect the bites. If tightlining, another indicator is to watch your line on the surface as your bait sinks. If your line stops uncoiling while the bait sinks, it’s either on a branch or a crappie has intercepted it. Slip bobbers may be a good way to extend your reach to other trees, but it also is a lot more difficult to detect bites. The bite has been about 4 – 10 feet deep, with the better size fish being on the deeper end.
Bass fishing has been slow so far this week. You’ll probably have to go deep near main lake points to find them, anywhere from 6 – 15 feet deep, using deep diving crank baits or jigs.
Catfishing continues to be slow, although that’s not to say they can’t be caught. Channel cats have been biting, trotliners and rod and reel fishermen have caught some ranging from 3 lbs. up to about 10 lbs. A few small flatheads have been caught. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 7/02/04 Lake Level : 611.72 Last Weeks Lake Level: 612.2 Normal Lake Level : 606 5 Water Condition: Dingy - Clear Surface Water Temp: 78 degrees
Guide Bruce Carpenter reports a great day fishing last Saturday morning. He and his fishing buddy caught probably 200 crappie while keeping 30 ranging from 9 1/2 inches to 12 inches. Lots of small crappie and several bass in the 15-17 inch slot, using jigs tipped with minnows 4-15 feet down in 15-25 feet of water. Most of the keepers hit as the bait was falling while tight lining. Bruce fished South fork, Middle Fork, North Fork, Otter creek and Shell Branch and caught fish in all locations. Points were the better locations around hardwoods. The bigger crappie, 11 and 12 inchers, were found around a few cedars. He is also a diehard believer in the early morning fishing, preferring to be on the water before day break. “We fished hard, quick and long from 6 till noon and threw back 20 or more that were just 9 inches. Most action on keepers in three weeks. If your not catching them you need to adjust what you are doing or where. Go when you can, Bruce.”
Other fishermen this week have been catching limits of crappie. Fishermen will have to weed out a lot of small crappie while accumulating keepers as they go. Trolling along bluffs with good cover brought at least one fisherman a limit of crappie. He used minnow tipped jigs under a slip bobber set anywhere from 10 – 15 feet. The bite has been so light that using a slip bobber may not work while tight lining, however while trolling the crappie will usually hook itself when it takes the bait. If tight lining, it is best to “watch the line”, which takes practice and concentration. When crappie are biting on the drop, let out about 8 - 9 feet of line all at once, watch the "coil" of line on the surface as it drops, let out about 8 - 9 feet more all at once, again watching it as it drops, if the line stops dropping then it's either on a tree or a fish has taken it. Also crappie nibbles are a good enticer for tight lining but are not good when trolling because they come off too easily.
Guide DuWayne Azotea reports the bass fishing has been tough this week. The bass have moved back out to the main lake bodies following the shad, and are suspended in deeper water. Crank baits worked around bluffs close to points would be a good bet, as several crappie fishermen will attest to the bass being in those areas. Hopefully it will pick back up soon.
Catfishing has been slow. One trot liner said he had a few crappie and a bass on his line, and not much of anything else. Some catfish have been caught on rod and reel using nightcrawlers or stink bait.
Have a fun and safe 4th of July this weekend, whether you’re on the road or on the water. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 6/24/04 Lake Level : 612.25 Last Weeks Lake Level: 612.42 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Dingy - Stained Surface Water Temp: 80 degrees
Guide Bruce Carpenter reports that he fished for crappie for about three hours and had a limit of 9-14 inch fish. Most were very light hits as a jig tipped with minnow was falling near structure. Partner had a tougher time catching fish on the fall, kept missing hits, coming up each time with no bait. But that technique takes practice. He finished with 10 as we quit at noon. Fish were in 16-25 feet of water with visibility 2-3 feet. We caught probably 100 little ones as you had to keep moving to weed through the small fish. I try to find the best clarity in water to fish this time of year, found visibility at 3 feet and that was where to find the most aggressive crappie. It is tough catching crappie with only 6 inch visibility. Also caught drum, black and white bass and a few bluegill. Study the maps and the previous weeks weather and it helps to predict where to go on any lake, especially MTL. Go when you can, Bruce.
Bass fishing has been good. Some nice size bass and limits have been caught using 10 inch worms and lizards, with Carolina rigging being the most popular. Main lake points have been most productive, in water anywhere from 4 – 10 feet deep.
Catfishing has been slower this past week, with a lot of trotliners coming up empty or with small cats. Some catfish have been caught by crappie fishermen using minnows.
White bass fishing continues to be fun, they just can’t resist the schools of shad with a lot of surface feeding taking place. Silver rattle traps near main lake humps or points. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 6/17/04 Lake Level : 612.42 Last Weeks Lake Level: 611.53 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Dingy - Clearing Surface Water Temp: 82 degrees
Guide Bruce Carpenter reports fishing for crappie is picking up and the fish are moving into the summer pattern. Caught 3-4 slabs last two times out, enroute to catching 30-45 crappie each trip. Catching catfish, white and black bass, bluegill, drum and of course crappie tightlining fishing in 20-25 feet of water down 4-20 feet. Fish like a white jig tipped with a minnow. Water clarity is 2-3 feet in some areas and that is the better fishing locations. Lots of bait fish schooling up near the surface and whites boiling the water early in the mornings. Great time to be out on the lake but bring plenty of drinking water and suntan lotion! It is getting muggy lately. Good luck and good fishing, Bruce
Guide DuWayne Azotea reports the bass fishing has gotten tough this week. With the water level on the drop and the flooded vegetation dying off, the bass have moved out of the coves. The few bass caught were about 6 – 8 feet deep and were taken with jigs and brush hogs.
Catfishing last weekend was good with several nice size cats in the 30 lb. range and some in the 40 lb. range have been caught on trotlines. Goldfish and perch were the bait of choice. We haven’t heard from many catfishermen since the weekend. We haven’t heard much from rod and reel fishermen.
White bass fishing has been very good. When the shad are schooling near the surface, look for a lot of activity and start throwing a silver rattle trap or spoon into the middle of it and get ready to have a lot of fun. Main lake humps or points. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 6/10/04 Lake Level : 611.53 Last Weeks Lake Level: 611.44 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Dingy - Muddy Surface Water Temp: 73 degrees
Crappie fishing is still in the transition stage where the crappie have finished their courtship and they’re now headed out to their summer patterns. For the most part crappie fishing has been slow. They’re scattered about with some being caught fairly shallow just inside coves, while others have been caught 6 – 10 feet deep near bridge piers, and yet some being caught about 18 – 20 feet deep near trees. Some fishermen have been nickel and dimeing their way along tree rows near the river channels. Minnows or jigs with minnows or crappie nibbles. Minnows continue to be the bait of choice, if you’re using jigs they’ve been best tipped with minnows or crappie nibbles. Where deep water fishing and patience are concerned, crappie nibbles have been best.
While still good the bass fishing has been a little slower than last week. Guide DuWayne Azotea reports the bass moving out of the coves, with the best fishing coming off of the primary and secondary points. Carolina rigged french fries or plastic worms, worked fairly deep have been good. The lower lake areas have been the best.
Catfishing has been good. Trotliners have enjoyed a fairly good week, although we haven’t had any reports of huge cats being caught. There have been several flatheads and blues in the 20 - 30 lb. range, and even more in the teens. Goldfish and perch have been the preferred bait. We haven’t heard much from rod and reel fishermen.
White bass deserves a mention this week, with a couple of fishermen having a blast catching them near a wind blown main lake point. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 6/03/04 Lake Level : 611.44 Last Weeks Lake Level: 608.85 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Dingy - Muddy Surface Water Temp: 75 degrees
Crappie fishing is still in that ‘in between stage’, in between the spawn and summer pattern. It shouldn’t be too long before crappie start showing up in their summer holes, including the bridge piers. A lot of small crappie are still being caught on the banks, the larger ones have been tougher to come by. Minnows are still the best bait, jigs tipped with minnows or crappie nibbles are worth trying also. Where deep water fishing and patience are concerned, crappie nibbles have been the best enhancement.
The bass fishing has been very good. Guide DuWayne Azotea reported having a lot of fun Tuesday night catching a lot of bass, including several keeper size. He was using buzzbaits and spinners in very shallow water. Other fishermen did just as well using plastic worms in deeper water off of main lake points.
Catfishing has been good. Neither trotliners or rod and reel fishermen are doing as well as they have been the last few weeks. Not as many large cats have been caught. Rod and reel fishermen have been doing fairly decent using shad pieces, nightcrawlers and dead minnows. The dead minnows were used by a crappie fisherman in 6 feet of water on the bottom when he started catching the heck out of the cats including several keeper size. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 5/27/04 Lake Level : 608.85 Last Weeks Lake Level: 607.10 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Dingy - Muddy Surface Water Temp: 75 degrees
We’ve had a lot of rain and the lake is on the rise! One feature that I’m adding to the trip planning info above, is a link to the USGS Real Time Gauges, that measures surface water flowing in the streams and creeks that feed Mark Twain Lake. More on this later.
The crappie spawn is winding down. As of today a LOT of small crappie continue to be caught on the banks. Several of them with eggs that look like they’re ready to spawn. The larger crappie are done doing their thing as they move out to deeper water and are harder to catch at this point. Minnows continue to be key, whether by themselves or tipped from a jig. For the larger crappie try cedars and other areas of good cover and work the area patiently. Don’t settle in one place for too long, move on and look for the bigger fish. The Middle Fork and South Fork have been good areas, we’ve also gotten good reports out of the Indian Creeks.
Last week, guide Bruce Carpenter reported on what crappie fishermen can expect as the crappie enter their post spawn era. It’s still pertinent and worth repeating. The post spawn era is that period of time when crappie move from the nesting areas back into their summer pattern areas. Fishermen should start fishing the transition locations in 10-20 feet of water around structure 7-10 feet down. Bruce prefers cedar trees, but most structure will hold crappie that are on the move, and foraging their way to their summer locations. Minnows and or chartreuse jigs tipped with crappie niblets will be effective. Fishing will probably be spotty, one here and one there during this time, so keep moving. This transition should be 3-4 weeks long for the movement to complete itself. "Be patient and keep moving. Good luck, Bruce"
The bass fishing continues to be good. Main lake and secondary points, halfway back into the coves, has been the best areas to fish. The bass have been caught along rocky banks with good laydown cover, in shallow water anywhere from 1 – 4 feet deep. A variety of baits have been successful, spinner baits, crankbaits, tube jigs, plastic worms, and buzzbaits. White or chartreuse have been the best colors. Several areas of the lake have provided good fishing, especially the Spaulding area, Lick Creek, North, and South Forks.
Catfishing has been very good, a slight downgrade from last week. Several nice size cats have been caught, not as many large flatheads and blues as the week before. Still some respectable size flatheads in the 30 lb. range have been caught. Lots of pan size channels, with some around 10 lbs. have been caught on trotlines and rod and reel. Perch and gold fish have been the best trotline baits. Rod and reel fishermen have had the best luck using shad chunks and nightcrawlers. With the creeks and rivers flowing from the recent rains, catfishing should continue to be very good.
White bass are still providing good action. One fisherman reported finding a school and having a blast. The action took place “near an underwater hump in a main body of water”. As the week before, the best color was silver, spoons or rattle traps were the lures.
Good luck and good fishing, and more importantly have a safe Memorial Day weekend. Both on the road and on the water. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 5/20/04 Lake Level : 607.10 Last Weeks Lake Level: 606.74 Normal Lake Level : 606 Water Condition: Dingy - Muddy Surface Water Temp: 75 degrees
The crappie spawn is winding down. Several nice limits have been caught this week. They won’t come to you, you have to keep on the move and find the banks where they’re still spawning. Like last week there are a LOT of small crappie being caught, if you keep on the move and throw a lot of minnows at them you’re going to catch a lot of crappie. Most will be small, but with persistence you will be rewarded with some good size crappie. You can throw straight minnows at them or they can be dangling from the end of a jig, but minnows are key for most fishermen. When you start catching the larger crappie, settle in for a while and work the area patiently. Don’t settle in one place for too long though, slowly move on and look for the bigger fish. The Middle Fork and South Fork have been productive. The upper branches have been good, with crappie hanging out around log jams and lay downs. If you find the right good cove you can catch a limit of good size crappie. This week, guide Bruce Carpenter reports that Sunday and Wednesday he fished for about three hours each day and caught limits of 10-14 inch fish, fishing the North Fork from Otter Creek on up. He was using a minnow and jig (black and chartreuse) under a bobber. The bite was often light with subtle movements of the bobber. He caught lots of 9 inch fish and a couple of slabs. 90% females were in the limits as females are in the nest 2-5 feet from the bank and 2-5 feet down. Not as many big ones as he would have liked but a good stringer of fish nonetheless. Also with the crappie spawn on the downhill side for this season, Bruce reports on what crappie fishermen can expect as the crappie enter their post spawn era. The post spawn era is that period of time when crappie move from the nesting areas back into their summer pattern areas. Fishermen should start fishing the transition locations in 10-20 feet of water around structure 7-10 feet down. Bruce prefers cedars, but most structure will hold crappie that are on the move and foraging their way to their summer locations. Minnows and or chartreuse jigs tipped with crappie niblets will be effective. Fishing will probably be spotty, one here and one there during this time, so keep moving. This transition should be 3-4 weeks long for the movement to complete itself. "Be patient but keep moving. Good luck, Bruce" The bass fishing has been average. The best fishing has been off secondary points back into the coves, in shallow water from 2 – 6 feet deep. A variety of baits have been successful, spinner baits, crankbaits, tube jigs or plastic worms, take your pick. This pattern has held throughout the lake, from the Spaulding area to North, Middle and South Forks.
Catfishing has been excellent, with several large flatheads and blues caught on trotlines. Check out the fishing photos from the past week. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then I probably saved myself at least 6,000 words, so there’s nothing more to say….. However, I will add that large perch or goldfish continue to be the best bait. Trotlines set fairly far up the branches have caught good size fish. Rod and reel fishermen have been enjoying themselv |
