Missouri Lakes Fishing Report

Lake - Table Rock 05/08/05:

Kimberling City Area: It looks like the last of the spawning fish have started to move off the beds and are staged on secondary pea gravel points. You will find a few stragglers on beds but for the most part the spawn appears to be over. Fish can be caught on pea gravel with a variety of methods right now; I have been catching a lot of fish on a Jewel 3/16 oz spider jig in either PB&J or brown / purple flash with a Chompers 4" jig trailer in either green pumpkin or PB&J, drag the bait from 8' to 30' deep and pay close attention to any rock pile or wood you come across. If the wind is blowing switch up to Jewel 5/16 oz spider or even a 5/8 oz football jig in the same colors to maintain bottom contact.

James River: The spawn really seems to be over up the James as well, look or fish to be grouped on points and channel swings in major creek arms and on the main lake. Allot of fish are suspended right now and can be difficult to catch, try a Jewel 5/16 oz. spider jig as described above or a Carolina rigged Chompers needle worm or lizard in green pumpkin or watermelon red. Key on pea gravel points that are close to deep water to be successful.

White River: Most of the fish I am catching up the White and Kings are post spawn, just like the rest of the lake the bulk of the fish seem to be schooled up on secondary and main lake points. Early and late in several fish can be caught on top waters, Redfins, sammy's and spooks are all taking fish. As the day progresses move out on the points and throw Jewel 3/16oz. spider jigs in PB&J with a 4" Chompers jig trailer in PB&J for a trailer.

Dam Area: There a re allot of quality smallmouth being caught in the dam area right now, they are post spawn and have gotten really aggressive over the past week or so. Look for the fish to be on pea gravel points and flats adjacent to deep water cruising in less than 10' if the wind is blowing and as deep as 30' if it is calm. When it is windy I have been using a single tail 4" smoke grub on a 1/4 oz. head swimming it from 5' - 20' deep, when it is calm I back of and throw a 3/16oz Jewel spider jig in brown / purple flash with a green pumpkin Chomper jig trailer and drag it as deep as 30'