Missouri Lakes Fishing Report

Lake - Table Rock 08/21/05:

Kimberling City Area: Still catching most of the fish in deep trees, humps and bluff ends. Look for schools of shad suspended from the surface down to about 50’, when they come close to a tree, hump or bluff end the fish will feed. Work a Chompers drop shot worm, grub or white spoon in and around the shad and the limbs of the trees. Most of your bites will come as the bait is falling so pay close attention.

James River: There are several fish being caught on DD-22’s and DT-16’s but the dominate pattern is switching to a Jewel 5/8 oz. football jig in brown / purple flash with a Chomper 5” jig trailer. Look for pea gravel points and flats that roll off into the deep water of a main creek or river channel, keep you boat in the deeper water and make long cast up “on top” of the flat and drag the bait back to the boat. This bite can turn on and off through out the day as bait or other factors move the fish up.

White River: The recent rains in Arkansas have dirtied the water of the Kings River and added a little more current than the White. I’m still catching most of my fish on a PB&J Eakins’ jig with a green pumpkin Chomper jig trailer on main lake channel swings and chunk rock points. I have talked to a couple of guys that have been catching a few on buzz baits early in the backs of some of the smaller pockets, a white blade / white skirt combination is best.

Dam Area: Deep, is about the only way you can get bit in the dam area; either a Chomper drop shot worm or white spoon in and around suspended shad or a dragging a ¾ oz. Jewel football jig 25’ – 40’ on main lake flats are your best options. The spoon and drop shot seem to be working best in main lake and major creek arm trees and around the saddles between islands, while the football jig is working well on drops off of big main lake flats.