Where Would You Go? 2024
Bluebasser86 reply :
Alright my fellow KC area members I'm looking for some suggestions. My wife just got a new job, part of that new job is 3 months out of state training starting the last weekend of August and won't be back until the end of November. This has left me with the chance to do some serious fishing right smack in some of the best fishing months of the year. No kids and no other other responsibilities so that's all I really plan to do with maybe some hunting mixed in. Right now I'm planning on just camping at different lakes and fishing my weekends away. As of now I have planned to hit; strip pits in southeastern Kansas for big largemouth, Milford for smallies and walleye, Hazel Creek for big largemouth and muskie, Pomme De Terre for muskie, and Lake of the Ozarks for all that wonderful dock fishing for bass. That's 5 weekends, I have 12. I really have no extra time off left because I used most of it for our honeymoon in May so I have to keep it within about 3 maybe 4 hours drive time. I've also considered; Table Rock for a bass mixed bag, Grand Lake because I've never fished it and would like to, and Stockton just because I love fishing that lake despite the lack of larger fish. I like fishing for about anything and probably will fish for a little bit of everything so any suggestions will be considered. So, where would you go?
P.S. I have Monday morning to Wednesday night off and will probably be flying solo most of these trips but would be willing to let someone tag along if anyone has time off they want to use or if they're just going to have time off.
Gavin reply :
Go rent a canoe and float the Ozarks for smallmouth...Big Piney, Gasconade & Niangua would be the closest to KC. Have fun.
BassLaw13 reply :
I love the Rock but if you've never fished Grand, you need to.
Just my 2 cents!
skunked_again reply :
im such a sucker for Melvern. id learn every curve and channel in the place.
Bluebasser86 reply :
@Gavin-is floating one of those rivers tough if you do a solo float? I've never floated any of those rivers, which would be best for quality smallmouth and any thoughts on what outfitter to go through for the canoe and transport?
@Basslaw-I agree, I enjoy fishing the rock about as much as any lake, when they're biting. I've heard Grand is similar to Table Rock with a little dirtier water, does that sound about right?
@Skunked-I've thought about Melvern and I'll probably end up fishing it one weekend. The only hard part about Melvern is my small boat and there really is no where to get out of the wind on that lake. Not really any good back up options close by either. Still, when the smallies and whites get their feed on during the fall out there and they're both slamming cranks it's tough to beat! It would be nice to have the time to play around out there a little more and try to learn the lake a little better. I usually just fish the same spots because of the limited amount of time I normally have to fish.
SDoolittle reply :
Dude, I wish I was going to be home on leave during that time period. I could get you into some great fishing in NE Oklahoma. I grew up fishing Grand, Hudson, and Oolagah lakes, but some of the best fishing can be found in the coal pits and farm ponds in the area. If you go to Grand, I suggest you spend a day on Hudson as well. It's a much smaller lake, but I've always seemed to catch better quality fish out of Hudson.
skunked_again reply :
On 8/18/2011 at 2:36 PM, Bluebasser86 said:@Gavin-is floating one of those rivers tough if you do a solo float? I've never floated any of those rivers, which would be best for quality smallmouth and any thoughts on what outfitter to go through for the canoe and transport?
@Basslaw-I agree, I enjoy fishing the rock about as much as any lake, when they're biting. I've heard Grand is similar to Table Rock with a little dirtier water, does that sound about right?
@Skunked-I've thought about Melvern and I'll probably end up fishing it one weekend. The only hard part about Melvern is my small boat and there really is no where to get out of the wind on that lake. Not really any good back up options close by either. Still, when the smallies and whites get their feed on during the fall out there and they're both slamming cranks it's tough to beat! It would be nice to have the time to play around out there a little more and try to learn the lake a little better. I usually just fish the same spots because of the limited amount of time I normally have to fish.
i never thought about boat size and Melvern. my fathers 16' V is about as small as id go on the lake. my boat does ok on the lake.
Bluebasser86 reply :
@Bird dog- are the coal mines you're talking about the ones in southeastern Kansas? I'll be down there fishing those things a couple times at least. I was down there in April and saw at least 2 fish over 10 pounds. One was cruising along a spawning bed in super clear water, thought it was a carp until she rolled sideways on the nest and I saw teh lateral line 
The other one tried to eat about a 12" bass I was reeling in. She was so close to getting the free swinging front hook on my bait it made me a little weak at the knees. I might have to check out Hudson, big fish always get my attention.
@Skunked-I've never been worried on Melvern in my boat but I know my limits so I'm never out there when it's supposed to be bad. It's only a 16ft Lowe aluminum bassboat so if they're calling for 20mph I don't even think about it. If I lived on that lake I think I'd have to get a deep V so the wind wasn't as much of an issue. If there was a smaller lake close by that was a good backup option it would be nice in case the wind did blow.
SDoolittle reply :
I was talking about the coal pits in NE Oklahoma, but I'm sure the ones in SE Kansas are just as good. My exwife's family is from Pittsburg, KS, and every time we would go that way, we would pass a lot of great looking pits. Have you ever fished Cedar Bluff Reservoir out in western Kansas? It would be a long drive for you, but it was my favorite bass fishing lake when I lived in Kansas. I haven't been out there in ten years, so no telling how much it's changed, but it used to be awesome.
retsgm reply :
I have been wanting to also fish Hazel creek lake but cannot find anyone who has fished it Having just visited the lake for the first time I was impressed by the lake but was unable to fish it for it sure is hidden. I am planning on fishing it thoroughly next month. any suggestions on what is or might work to give me a hint on putting me on some fish. thanks for any info
Bluebasser86 reply :
@Bird dog-I'd guess that the coal pits in OK are pretty similar to the ones in KS. The nice thing about the ones in KS is that my brother-in-law goes to Pitt St so I have a free place to stay when I go down there.
I've fished Cedar Bluff a couple times but the lack of water out there has really hurt that lake from what I've heard. It used to take 20+ pounds to win out there, last time I fished it took 13. We ran to a spot to fish a brushpile on top of a rockpile that I'd done well C-rigging in the past. We looked and looked and I looked on the shore for anything familiar. I found something familiar, my brushpile was 10 feet from the edge of the water! I don't know if it's still that far down but I know most clubs around here stopped going out there because of the low water. I looked at Hudson lake, looks pretty good from what I can tell. It might get my intrest up enough to make the drive down there.
@retsgm-sent you a PM about Hazel Creek. I'll probably be out there in September sometime so if you're interested in meeting me out there I might be able to share my limited knowledge of the lake.
senile1 reply :
I would add Mozingo and Bilby Ranch lakes near Maryville, MO. These lakes have good big bass populations.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I was kind of thinking about trying Mozingo, haven't fished there in a few years at least. For some reason the drive up there doesn't bother me, it's paying the day use fee that gets me.
This weekend will be the first weekend of my fishing marathon. Going to be starting out at the strip pits in S.E. Kansas. Thinking since the water is still hot I'll start out on the smaller bodies of water where they don't have very far to go so hopefully they won't be too hard to find!
skunked_again reply :
were doing the drive to Milford sunday.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I didn't know that Milford was still up as high as it is. I guess it's over 10 feet high still? I've heard reports that they've been catching lots of big smallmouth this year despite the high water. I'll probably be out there next week if the wind cooperates.
oteymc reply :
Table Rock for sure. Ever been to Trophy Country?
Bluebasser86 reply :
I've never been to trophy county but it looks like a fun trip. I think that is one I'd have to make with friends to make it a little more memorable though.
s_self88 reply :
definitely don't go to smithville haha. I'd make the trip to table rock come late october, early november. Maybe even try Taneycomo if you're looking for a little different experience. It has awesome trout fishing, and can be decent for bass in parts.
skunked_again reply :
fished Melvern yesterday. 8 different species of fish. more largemouth in the back of the coves. smallies came on cranks and white curly tail grubs bounced through points on the back of current. boated a new PB walleye. 5 lbs, 1 oz.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Nice, I think I might try either Melvern or Milford this week. The funds were not there this last week unfortunately. Stayed close and fished Wyandotte but managed to put 18 smallies in the boat up to 16". Not Melvern but not bad for the 'Dotte either.
skunked_again reply :
Were going to do a long shot and try Middle creek sunday. Its been years since ive been one that lake
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/9/2011 at 11:09 AM, skunked_again said:Were going to do a long shot and try Middle creek sunday. Its been years since ive been one that lake
A glutton for punishment are you? Last time I fished that lake was probably 6 or 7 years ago and we worked hard to catch 2 small bass and a channel cat. I've heard it hasn't gotten any better since then. One of the only lakes that I'd rather fish Hillsdale before I went out there.
skunked_again reply :
change of plans............the old man and i are headed to La Cygne in the morning to fish a bit. that place owes us big time.
BIG TIME!
full report upon our return.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Don't do it! It's a trap! We went there Tuesday afternoon and fished the river. We worked our butts off for 3 fish! None of them keepers. That lake changes so fast thought you guys will probably kill them! 
I'm probably going to head to either Melvern or Milford Monday morning and stay until Tuesday night, providing the wind looks good.
skunked_again reply :
On 9/11/2011 at 1:42 PM, Bluebasser86 said:
yep.........LaCygne is on my list of "dont go to" lakes now..
skunked_again reply :
Btw......im doing cedar in the morning and will have room for a second if you want on.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/12/2011 at 6:55 AM, skunked_again said:Btw......im doing cedar in the morning and will have room for a second if you want on.
I would but I'm leaving for Milford as soon as I get off work in the morning 
I'd like to get out there or to Killcreek with you whenever you go out next though.
skunked_again reply :
how was Milford? Cedar was slow until about 10:00 the the bite picked up.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/15/2011 at 8:38 AM, skunked_again said:how was Milford? Cedar was slow until about 10:00 the the bite picked up.
It was pretty tough. Lots of little fish and WAY more wind than they called for. The highest I saw was 14mph before I left, I only saw winds under 20mph for about an hour Monday night before the cold front blew in and it didn't slow down from there. I did enjoy the break in the wind Monday night and caught a bunch of little smallmouth off the dam.
Tuesday the wind was blowing when I woke up but I knew I would be a little protected at the dam so I fought my way back to it. Started catching little smallies and whites right away again. About halfway down I hooked a heavy fish and on 6lb test and light action dropshot rod I fought it for probably 5 minutes before I saw color. It hit a grub and I thought for sure it was a cat, wiper, or drum because it was staying down and not trying to jump at all. When I saw goldish brown I eliminated wipers and was hoping it was a cat. Then I got a good look and saw it was a smallmouth and it got way more serious in the boat. I finally got the net under her and put her on the scale. She bounced back and forth between 4 even and 4lbs 1 oz so I called her 4. Only 19 inches long and very fat!
This was the ONLY fish that made the drive worthwhile. Only caught 1 walleye all weekend, no big wipers, TONS of 4-8 inch whites, and the water is still 14 feet high and stinks to high heaven from the blue-green algae. I didn't catch another smallmouth over 12" even and probably only 3 or 4 fish in general that weighed more than a pound. Fished everything I could in 3 and 4 foot waves and a grub was the only consistent producer. I'm hoping the water comes down enough for dad and I to make one more trip out before the water gets hard.
skunked_again reply :
funny how one fish fixes everything. im going kill creek tomorrow if the wind is right. late afternoon start.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well I hit Melvern Sunday afternoon and all day Monday. Second cast with a Sammy and got my first fish of the trip.
I was hoping that meant I was going to tear them up but it wasn't happening. I caught a few more before I went to the dam and lost probably the biggest smallmouth I've ever hooked, it was 5 for sure which would tie my PB. Only put maybe 10 fish in the boat from 4pm-9pm Sunday night so it was pretty tough. Monday started slowly but picked up as the wind started to blow and it warmed up. The fish were eating a small tube but I picked up a little LC C.B.D.S zero crankbait and caught a nice 3 pound walleye pretty quickly.
We went to try a spot my partner suggested off a flat point. He was fishing the tube and I was throwing the crankbait. I hooked what I thought was a limb or drum because it was just kind of dragging in and not really fighting. All the the sudden it stopped and jumped and I couldn't believe the size of the smallmouth that I had hooked and was really nervous about the small hooks and the fact that I only had one hook in the fish. After a long and tense fight, Dick finally managed to get the net under her. She was only 20 inches long but 5 pounds exactly with what I think was a big crappie tail sticking out of her throat.
I caught another one that was probably 3 pounds later in the day on the same crankbait but didn't even bother taking a picture after catching a 5 pounder.
Chris S reply :
Deep Fried Wally tonight!!
ks cranker reply :
Nice smallie! That's the biggest belly I've seen on any fish out there! I was at Melvern on Saturday and the smallie action was pretty slow. Sure would like to catch one like that some day!
skunked_again reply :
thats why we go to Melvern. were going down Sunday morning.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I've been lucky enough to catch 3 5 pound smallmouth now, 2 from Milford and 1 from Melvern. I had another one as big if not bigger hooked on a grub but it tossed it. The bite was pretty tough but that little LC crankbait and a bitsy tube on a light jighead was more then they could resist I guess. Mostly small fish on the tube, bigger fish on the crankbait. I had lots of blowups on the Sammy but not many hookups. They were starting to eat a spinnerbait too but the wind died on me and killed that.
skunked_again reply :
On 9/22/2011 at 2:28 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I've been lucky enough to catch 3 5 pound smallmouth now, 2 from Milford and 1 from Melvern. I had another one as big if not bigger hooked on a grub but it tossed it. The bite was pretty tough but that little LC crankbait and a bitsy tube on a light jighead was more then they could resist I guess. Mostly small fish on the tube, bigger fish on the crankbait. I had lots of blowups on the Sammy but not many hookups. They were starting to eat a spinnerbait too but the wind died on me and killed that.
Lucky Craft Gerald Swindle GDS Mini DR
my fav. bait at Melvern. between that and a green pumpkin tube, thats what we use all year.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/23/2011 at 8:53 AM, skunked_again said:Lucky Craft Gerald Swindle GDS Mini DR
my fav. bait at Melvern. between that and a green pumpkin tube, thats what we use all year.
This was a Fat C.B.D.S zero in American Shad color. *** lists it at 1 3/4 inches long with a dive depth of 1/2 foot. I was getting way deeper than that, probably down to 3 or 4 feet deep because I was hitting rocks way out on some of the points. My partner was catching lots of smallmouth on a small junebug colored tube, never would have guessed they'd eat something that color in the lower end of the lake. I normally catch them on a shakeyhead with a 4" GP stickbait but they wanted none of it last week.
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