It looks like summer has arrived in the lakes area with temps in the mid 90's during the day but the early mornings and evenings are just perfect for spending time on the water.. This is usually the time of the year when the crappie fishing is at its best but with the high water the summer time structure is still pretty well covered. The COE is still running about 50000 cfs through the dam and the lake is going down but it's going to be a good while before we are even close to normal. On the bright side of it with the water flow through the dam it puts a good current in the lake and keeps the fish in a good feeding mode. I leaned a long time ago to fish Truman like a river instead of a lake to be more productive in catching fish.
The lake is in very good shape even with the extra water. I'm seeing very little drift and the water clarity in some areas is almost to clear. Even the upper reaches are starting to clean up. Caution is still advised when running with the lake having dropped about 9' with some of the tree tops getting close to the surface. For safety sake stay in the channels when running.
LAKE LEVEL: 730.3
WATER TEMP: 84 deg.
WATER CLARITY: Light stain to clear.
CRAPPIE: With the high water the crappie bite is still tough but getting better. Some of the trees in the tree rows are starting to show and with good electronics you can find the rest. The crappie are still in their normal areas and are still suspending like they always do with the exception of being in 20' of water they are in 40'. Drifting the creek channels is probably the most productive now with fish holding about 15'. Minnows or jigs will work.
BASS: Points being secondary or main lake is the pattern for bass. With the water down the rocks on the points are starting to show making it easier to find the cover. I would stay away from the points with green cedars on them as they will deplete the oxygen supply around the tree. Big worms in 8' to 12' of water is the place to look. In the creeks on the secondary points there is a top water bite early and late. These fish are liking the current breaks on these points.
WHITES & HYBRIDS: These fish to are hanging out in their normal areas even with the high water. KK Island has been producing some nice hybrids. Fishing a 4" sassy shad on a 1/2 oz head has been catching fish suspended at about 8'. There are also fish starting to surface chasing the big schools of shad that are up.
CATFISH: The cat fishing on Truman is holding true to course with lots of blues being caught. Jugs have been working the best with either cut bait or perch. Set baits 10' to 15' with nothing below 20' on the flats. If using stationary jugs check them often as the water temp is getting pretty warm to prevent fish loss.
WALLEYE: Last weekend we saw several walleye come in. Guide Tony Galant showed his clients how to catch walleye on Truman with several nice fish being caught. Crawler rigs and crank baits in as shallow as 5' of water was the best pattern. KK Island and the dam area were the hot spots.
We are in full operation here at Osage Bluff Marina and Motel. We are launching boats and have fuel and bait as always. If you would like to make reservations you can contact us at 660-438-2939 or for the motel at 660-438-2891. That's it for the report this week so until the next.
This is Tommy wishing you a good week in the outdoors.
