All Kc Anglers- Need Lake Advice

[Brian6428]

Hi guys, I live in the Kansas city area. I normally fish a small lake that i can walk to, but my dad made me a pretty good offer. Being spring break and us not going anywhere, he offered to rent a fishing boat (we don't have one) and let us go fishing on a better lake. I have a couple of questions: First, is it a good time of year to go? It would be this coming weekend, 3/15 or 3/17, but we could make it a couple of weeks later if that is better. Next, what is the best lake to go on? The lakes that have rentals include Blue Springs lake, Lake Jacomo, and Smithville lake. Any opinions or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

[sizzlefry]

I don't normally fish MO but I know Smithville is a good lake but it might be crowded its a popular lake.

[kanasbassfisher08]

well jacomo is a good lake for quanity but you would have to fish a jerk bait jig and really slow moving baits. but you can catch fish all year around as long as its not ice over but hope your trips fun and i wouldnt expect alot of numbers or go to a power plant lake that the waters heated would help too.most lakes around here are in the 40s in water temps.

[Bluebasser86]

If I only had those to chose from I'd go to Jacomo if I was after bass. If you don't mind fishing for something else I'd find a lake with trout and fish for those because they're much more active in colder water. Smithville would be an option if you don't mind crappie fishing. I'd go a couple weeks later if that's an option. If you don't mind driving a little further I'd certainly go to Pomme De Terre or Stockton over any of those other lakes for sure. 

[mcipinkie]

I'd take on Jacomo.  We started tournaments this weekend on both Blue Springs and Jacomo.  It was tough.  Water temps in the upper 30's.  A few fish caught both days.  Four at 14 lbs won on BS, four at 17 won on Jacomo. One fish over seven caught at Jacomo.  Jerk baits.

 

If this weather forecast is right, the jerkbait bite on Jacomo could be fantastic by the weekend.  If water temp gets to 43 - 44, the Wiggle Wart bite will come on.

 

There is a tournament on Jacomo Sunday morning, and one on BS Saturday.

 

My best advice would be to wait another week or two and see what the weather does.  There will be some good fish caught this coming weekend, but it'll still be a tough bite, especially if you aren't an experienced jerker.  Both lakes weigh in at 200P.  Come on out and see the weigh in's. 

 

Prarie Lee should come on also.  That's a fantastic jerk bait lake, but difficult to fish without a boat.

[Bluebasser86]

Another option I forgot would be to rent a boat for one of the larger ponds at James A. Reed. That would be my pick because those smaller bodies of water will warm up faster than the bigger lakes so they should be more active. I know they used to rent boats out there, not sure if they still do or what time it starts but even if they don't I'd rather bank fish out there than fish one of those bigger lakes until it warms up more. 

[Brian6428]

Thanks everyone for the advice, looks like Jacomo is the choice but I called there to rent a boat and they are still closed, so i will have to wait. Thanks for the advice!

I'd take on Jacomo.  We started tournaments this weekend on both Blue Springs and Jacomo.  It was tough.  Water temps in the upper 30's.  A few fish caught both days.  Four at 14 lbs won on BS, four at 17 won on Jacomo. One fish over seven caught at Jacomo.  Jerk baits.

 

If this weather forecast is right, the jerkbait bite on Jacomo could be fantastic by the weekend.  If water temp gets to 43 - 44, the Wiggle Wart bite will come on.

 

There is a tournament on Jacomo Sunday morning, and one on BS Saturday.

 

My best advice would be to wait another week or two and see what the weather does.  There will be some good fish caught this coming weekend, but it'll still be a tough bite, especially if you aren't an experienced jerker.  Both lakes weigh in at 200P.  Come on out and see the weigh in's. 

 

Prarie Lee should come on also.  That's a fantastic jerk bait lake, but difficult to fish without a boat.

You've fished Prairie Lee? I fish from the second (biggest) dock you see on the opposite side of the lake as the boat ramp. Are there any good jerkin' spots near this? 

 

[Brian6428]

Another option I forgot would be to rent a boat for one of the larger ponds at James A. Reed. That would be my pick because those smaller bodies of water will warm up faster than the bigger lakes so they should be more active. I know they used to rent boats out there, not sure if they still do or what time it starts but even if they don't I'd rather bank fish out there than fish one of those bigger lakes until it warms up more. 

I've thought about that, but maybe just doing it from shore. You think there is pretty good fishing to be had there?

[mcipinkie]

Brian, 

 

Assuming you are talking about that big multi-boat dock by the great big house, that point to the west is one of the best jerk bait points on the lake.  Somewhere between those weeds next to the bank and straight out in the lake, there are fish suspended right now. Fan cast a Rogue, or Pointer, or whatever else you like from the weeds out.  Jerk it down and wait as long as you can between jerks (15 - 30 seconds) and give it another jerk.  Could get your arm injured.  There is brush in front of that dock and to the east.  Good jig spots.

[Brian6428]

Brian, 

 

Assuming you are talking about that big multi-boat dock by the great big house, that point to the west is one of the best jerk bait points on the lake.  Somewhere between those weeds next to the bank and straight out in the lake, there are fish suspended right now. Fan cast a Rogue, or Pointer, or whatever else you like from the weeds out.  Jerk it down and wait as long as you can between jerks (15 - 30 seconds) and give it another jerk.  Could get your arm injured.  There is brush in front of that dock and to the east.  Good jig spots.

You got it, thats the dock I fish at. Thanks a ton for the information, It is really hard to tell what is down there without a fish finder. I will go out tomorrow afternoon and try it out!