Fishing lures all ages, social groups in Missouri

Francis Skalicky is media specialist with the Missouri Department of Conservation's Southwest Region.

Here in the Ozarks, the thoughts of many people never stray very far from fishing.

The calendar is saying spring, which means good fishing is just around the corner. Of course, if you're an Ozarker, good fishing is always just around the corner. No recreational pastime is woven into the fabric of Ozarks culture as thick as fishing is. Golf has its devoted following in this area.

If you're new to the area or new to fishing and looking for angling opportunities in the near future, here's a run-down of what the Ozarks has to offer.

Bass fishing

Of course, the signature activity of the Ozarks fishing world is bass fishing. And when you're talking about bass fishing, all discussion begins with the pursuit of the largemouth bass. Thanks to the abundance of well-managed reservoirs in this area, there are many opportunities to pursue this popular species. In late winter and early spring, electronic fish-finding equipment takes on added importance because the fish are congregated at deep levels.

As the weather warms up and anglers can resort to warm-weather fishing strategies, a variety of natural and artificial baits become good options, depending on lake conditions. A favorite method for taking lunker-sized bass is to attach a large plastic worm or eel to a weedless hook and fish it slowly over the bottom near submerged trees and other heavy cover.

No discussion of bass fishing would be complete without mentioning smallmouth bass. During the hot days of summer, many anglers can think of nothing better than floating or wading an Ozarks stream in search of this large and popular catch.

There are a host of other fishing activities for Ozarks anglers. Here's a brief look at some of those species:

Trout parks, trout fishing

For thousands of Missourians, fishing each year begins with the annual March 1 trout park opener. Missouri's four trout parks are Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Montauk State Park near Salem and Maramec Spring Park near St. James. These areas are open to trout fishing and are stocked daily from March 1 through Oct. 31. The trout parks are stocked at proportions that try to ensure no one goes away empty-handed.

Anglers need a fishing permit (unless they're exempt because of age or some other reason) and a daily trout tag. The trout tags are $3 for adults and $2 for individuals age 15 and younger. The trout tags are purchased at the park. (Fishing permits can be purchased at the parks, too.) The daily limit at the trout parks is five.

Good trout opportunities can be found at Lake Taneycomo as well as several Ozarks streams that are managed specifically for trout.

White bass

When white bass begin their spawning runs, many anglers start heading for the tributaries of area lakes.

Now, most area streams are probably in the latter stages of this spawning period, but good white bass fishing opportunities can still be had. Minnows are the best live bait for spawning white bass. Small plugs, spoons and fly-and-spinner combinations in a variety of patterns and colors also work.

Walleye

This popular member of the perch family, which many anglers say is the finest eating of freshwater gamefish, begins to spawn in March. This spawning period, which usually runs into April, sends many anglers to local lakes in search of this prized catch.

Walleye that are feeding can be caught by jigging or trolling natural bait-spinner combinations or by casting suspended baits to the shoreline in early morning.

Crappie

Turkey hunting is the outdoors activity that has the focus of many outdoors enthusiasts in April, but another event the crappie spawn is eagerly anticipated. Good crappie fishing is often found during the spring spawning season of late-April through early May.

Spawning crappie can be caught with jigs (1/32nd to 1/8th ounce), minnows or small crankbaits or spinners. Fish brush piles and standing timber where crappie concentrate. During spring, you might find crappie in shallow areas around brushy structure.

More information about fishing in Missouri can be found at the Department of Conservation's Southwest Regional Office or the Springfield Conservation Nature Center. Information on trout fishing in Missouri can also be found on the Department of Conservation's Web site, www.missouriconservation.org.