Topic: Smithville Lake (Read 2388 times)

berkley · « **on:** April 22, 2009, 12:08:47 PM »

Used to fish Smithville lake years ago in our bass club, but then the weeds died and the fishing wasn't that great.

Has there been any change in the last few years? Is it worth taking a trip?

The Bassmeister · « **Reply #1 on:** April 22, 2009, 12:32:36 PM »

It looks like it has recovered well.
http://www.724outdoors.com/Fishing/tournament_results.asp?TournID=4573

TRUMAN BASS · « **Reply #2 on:** September 01, 2009, 07:29:25 AM »

The weeds have come back this year pretty strong. Last time I was out on Smithville we were ripping crankbaits through them.

coldfront · « **Reply #3 on:** September 01, 2009, 08:44:52 AM »

Quote from: TRUMAN BASS on September 01, 2009, 07:29:25 AM

The weeds have come back this year pretty strong. Last time I was out on Smithville we were ripping crankbaits through them.

what are the thoughts on the return of the weeds?

I know about 15 years ago the Mo DNR was working to re-establish weeds...but what really happened
a. to cause most to die off all those years ago and
b. to return like they are 'now'?

Camden · « **Reply #4 on:** September 01, 2009, 09:45:18 AM »

Not for sure what happened to them in the first place but

I know alot of lakes are now involved in what they call "sport fish restoration" its a profect they started to reinstate the reputation of some of the local lakes.

Strahm · « **Reply #5 on:** February 17, 2010, 08:57:39 AM »

i work on the crew that is revegetating the lake. If you have been on the lake you have seen the fenced enclosures all aorund the lake. we put various water plants in those, so that carp and waves can stay away long enough for them to start growing. the lake is on its way back up, the vegetation is getting much better.

coldfront · « **Reply #6 on:** February 17, 2010, 09:06:07 AM »

Quote from: Strahm on February 17, 2010, 08:57:39 AM

i work on the crew that is revegetating the lake. If you have been on the lake you have seen the fenced enclosures all aorund the lake. we put various water plants in those, so that carp and waves can stay away long enough for them to start growing. the lake is on its way back up, the vegetation is getting much better.

thanks Strahm (and the rest of the folks at MO DNR)...

did you folks introduce any water willow? what types of vegetation are currently 'fenced'?

Strahm · « **Reply #7 on:** February 17, 2010, 09:26:28 AM »

just to clarify the missouri department of conservation is in charge of the vegetation in the lake.
2 years ago we added water willow and last year there was enough spreading through the lake that we didnt have to bring anymore in. last year we planted sweet flag, bull rush in the enclosures. we also took val from an abundant source in the lake and moved it throughout the lake. val is what the bass fishermen like, it is the long grassy plant that grows in fairly deep water, it is good cover for the bass and bait fish.
last year, sweet flag and bull rush was doing excelent, and water willow was going crazy spreading throughout the whole lake.

coldfront · « **Reply #8 on:** February 17, 2010, 09:49:39 AM »

Quote from: Strahm on February 17, 2010, 09:26:28 AM

just to clarify the missouri department of conservation is in charge of the vegetation in the lake.
2 years ago we added water willow and last year there was enough spreading through the lake that we didnt have to bring anymore in. last year we planted sweet flag, bull rush in the enclosures. we also took val from an abundant source in the lake and moved it throughout the lake. val is what the bass fishermen like, it is the long grassy plant that grows in fairly deep water, it is good cover for the bass and bait fish.
last year, sweet flag and bull rush was doing excelent, and water willow was going crazy spreading throughout the whole lake.

thanks for the clarification...and the great explanation of the types of vegetation. It's been years since I fished Smithville...and very few weeds at that time...but lots of stories abouit who great it was when they were there...

Long time ago, Smithville was one of the gems in the Mo system...highest concentrations of 2# bass...beautiful water...

Strahm · « **Reply #9 on:** February 17, 2010, 09:56:35 AM »

im not old enought to have fished the lake when it was in its hay day, but it is on its way back up. not much longer and it will be exceeding its past reputation

-Steve- · « **Reply #10 on:** February 17, 2010, 09:57:26 AM »

Sounds like it's well on it's way to being fixed up...

...Mo DNR...Steve

coldfront · « **Reply #11 on:** February 17, 2010, 10:00:31 AM »

Quote from: -Steve- on February 17, 2010, 09:57:26 AM

Sounds like it's well on it's way to being fixed up... ...Mo DNR...Steve

Missouri Dept of Conservation

www.MDC.mo.gov

thanks again...

Strahm · « **Reply #12 on:** February 17, 2010, 10:04:53 AM »

your very welcome, im just an hourly doing what im told, but yes the thanks goes to mdc.

-Steve- · « **Reply #13 on:** February 17, 2010, 10:08:45 AM »

My bad...

MDC ...is the corps of engineers helping out at all? It is ultimatly their lake...Steve

Strahm · « **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2010, 11:55:59 AM »

Im not bad mouthing the corp. in any way but nope they dont help with the revegetation, well atleast the labor, idont know if they help financially. i wont get into all that. long story short there is only one crew that does revegetation every summer and they are employed by mdc.

-Steve- · « **Reply #15 on:** February 17, 2010, 11:59:00 AM »

Cool and thanx for all you guys do...Steve

Strahm · « **Reply #16 on:** February 17, 2010, 12:08:11 PM »

your very welcome. its a very fun and rewarding job

Camden · « **Reply #17 on:** February 17, 2010, 12:12:25 PM »

yea glad to hear from someone close to the job and knows whats goin on. Thanks alot.

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Author Topic: Smithville Lake (Read 2388 times)