Missouri Lakes Fishing Report

Lake - Table Rock 05/01/06:

Kimberling City Area: There are still a couple of spawners on the beds in the Kimberling City area, but for the most part you’ll have a better day if you target post spawn fish. On sunny days several fish can be caught suspended around boat docks, pitch Eakins’ jig and craw combos in PB&J with a green pumpkin craw close to the floats and inside the dock stalls. Most of the strikes will come as the jig is falling so pay close attention to your line as the bait falls. On windy days you will catch a mixed bag of crappie, bass and goggle eye on 3” salt and pepper single tail grubs on ¼ oz. heads. Concentrate on windy pea gravel points, pockets and flats and maintain bottom contact throughout the retrieve.

James River: I haven’t seen any fish on beds up the James in a little while so I’m convinced the spawn is pretty much over and have been concentrating on post spawn fish. Better fish have been coming on Carolina rigged French fries and finesse worms on main lake and secondary points near spawning areas have been very productive from 6’ - 25’ deep. If it is windy a Jewel Lavender Shad spinnerbait has been very effective in low light hours on mixed rock points and flats near deep water.

White River: The weekend rains have swept allot of debris into the Kings so be careful while running above Viola there are several deadheads floating in the main channel. Fishing has been good with several fish being caught on green pumpkin or watermelon candy Carolina rigged lizards and brush hogs on both main lake and secondary points near spawning pockets or try a Jewel football or spider jig in brown / purple flash with a green pumpkin Chomper jig trailer in these same areas. Early and late you can catch several fish on spooks, red fins and sammys around boat docks and standing timber.

Dam Area: The grub bite has gotten stronger everyday this week, look for windy points, pockets and flats and throw 3” salt and pepper grubs on ¼ oz. heads toward the bank and maintain bottom contact through out your retrieve. On calm days change over to shaky head worms in green pumpkin or watermelon seed and key into main lake and secondary points near deep water, most of the fish will be less than 10’ deep in the morning but will move out to 20’+ in the heat of the day.