FISHING REPORT
Read Lake and Fishing Reports from the Missouri Department of Conservation and South Fork Resort.
From the
Missouri Department of Conservation
(Reported on 7/10/18)
Information: 660-785-2420
Water Surface Temp: 80°
Water Level (Range): normal
Water Type: clear
Fish Reported:
Crappie: Good
Catfish: Good
Largemouth Bass: Fair
White Bass: Good
Walleye: Good
Lake level is at 604.091ft.; surface temps are between 79-84 depending on what time of day and where you are on the lake; white bass are good on the points and mounds of the lake; walleye are good while trolling; crappie are good on jigs and minnows around standing timber; catfish are good on cut bait and shad fish; flathead catfish are starting to come off the nests and are being caught more frequent; largemouth bass are fair, best on soft plastics and crankbaits; all other species are slow.
From the
South Fork Resort Blog
Lake level is 603.8. Water clarity is as clear as I can recall ever seeing it. Secchi disc readings are: 107- 46″, Route U- 45″, Southfork- 46″. Water temp is mid 80’s.
CRAPPIE: Most people are struggling to catch decent fish right now. There seem to be a lot of 6-7″ fish getting caught. Naturally there are some fishermen (women also) that are catching good fish. The most consistent bite seems to be a trolling bite. Either spider rigging or pulling crankbaits. White seems to be the color of choice for cranks. Even with a minnows and jigs it seems like you need to keep the bait moving. This is where you leave your bait in the water as you slowly move from tree to tree, or cast a jig and let it pendulum down. I find it works best for me to get a feel for a 12 to 14 foot flip and then just let it drop until it is right below you, then lift it and do it again.
BASS: Seems largemouth fishing is pretty tough right now. There are some whites being caught on humps and islands.
CATFISH: With the hot weather we have been enjoying the past few weeks you might want to consider setting your hooks deeper than normal. We have heard of quite a few dying on the lines. There are some blues and flatheads being caught so it is safe to say they are off the nests.
NOTES: We have insulated the bar/BBQ area here at the resort so we should be able to have it a lot cooler than it has been. Yup, it was quite hot some nights and I am sure that kept some people away. Come check it out. Also, On July 21 the annual Jack and Jill Tournament will be held at the Paris Fairgrounds. It is a fundraiser for cancer. They have an auction, food, the weigh-in, all at the fairgrounds. Check it out if you get a chance
Photo from the Mark Twain Lake US Army Corps of Engineers Facebook page
Photo from the Mark Twain Lake US Army Corps of Engineers Facebook page