September 21, 2026
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has approved a fish salvage plan as Schell Lake (the North Lake) is drained during June 2018 at the Schell-Osage Conservation Area in Vernon County. MDC is preparing to drain the lake as an early step in the renovation of the wetland management pools and water control structures. This
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports Bryant Rackers of Bonnots Mill became the most recent record-breaking angler in Missouri when he snagged a blue sucker on the Osage River. The new “alternative method” record fish snagged by Rackers on April 21 weighed 9 pounds, 1 ounce with a length of 30 inches. Rackers’ recent
For Truman Lake, Lake of the Ozarks and the Osage River (below Bagnell Dam). We’re finally getting more normal temperatures. While water temperatures are still cool for this time of the year, we’re finally in the low to mid 50’s at the surface. We haven’t gotten much rain and flows remain low. Despite this, snaggers
Quite a few readers have commented on this “spring that isn’t spring.” I can’t come up with answers as to why the mushrooms have been so scarce but I can’t say that it is over yet. After the storms to come this week, there may be a few to be found in May. In north
There are many people out there who want to learn to fish, and many who have been fishing for years, who have questions about the right tackle. One of the most-asked questions is…What should I get to fish with? Every guide knows that the success of a fisherman who hires him depends to a great
Greenfield angler Mike Dill came out on top of a very tight top 10 places at Saturday’s American Bass Angler D126 tournament on Stockton Lake. Dill’s catch tipped the scales at 13.52 lbs, anchored with Big Bass that went 5.82 lbs. He took $990 for his efforts. Scott Lawson was not far behind with 13
I met last week with Missouri Department of Conservation Director Sara Pauley for several hours at my Panther Creek Kids retreat. I have some hope and some doubts. But she asked that I send her some proposals as to projects where she can work with me to make needed, positive steps for real conservation. I
by Trish Yasger For Truman Lake, Lake of the Ozarks and the Osage River (below Bagnell Dam). It’s mid-April and we got some snow again last weekend. Surface water temperatures are still cold, we’re finally about 50F at the surface. We haven’t gotten much rain and have seen a decrease in flow. Despite this, snaggers
by Trish Yasger For Truman Lake, Lake of the Ozarks and the Osage River (below Bagnell Dam). The strange weather continues, it’s mid-April and surface water temperatures are still below 50F at the surface! We haven’t gotten much rain and have seen a decrease in flow. Unfortunately, the snow we got is keeping water temperatures
Recently the editor of one of the newspapers using this outdoor column said that several of his readers have said they do not like it because I criticize the Missouri Department of Conservation too much. So I asked readers to let me know if it offends them when I write about what is going on
