KC Area - bank bass fishing options

[Tryan]

Hello KC area anglers,

I'll be visiting the KC area this week and was going to do some bank bass fishing in the evening for a few hours.  Does anyone have any recommendations?  I've read previous threads that there isn't much bank bass fishing in the area but Lake Jacomo and James A Reed lakes were mentioned.  I've been to Lake Jacomo once and found a couple of spots where I've caught a couple decent fish from the bank but wasn't sure if it was worth trying the James A Reed lakes instead.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Tom

[awohlwend]

As far as quality goes Jacomo is far better than James A Reed (or most other lakes in the area for that matter) but as you mentioned there is little to no bank access. I have fished James A Reed several times in the past few years but never had great success. It gets pounded pretty hard this time of year by bucket fisherman. There are several lakes to check out so if one isn't producing there are always options. I have had the most luck on Catclaw, Nell, or Gopher. Gopher lake has flat bottoms tied up to rent for $5. Never tried it because you can walk around the entire lake and I'm lazy and don't want to paddle. There aren't a lot of great options for bank fishing around the area. I have also fished Lone Jack conservation area and caught some small bass. It is out in the country a ways and doesn't seem to get hit as hard, about 1/3 of the lake has shore access. 

[Tryan]

Thanks for the information.  I decided to give Catclaw a try but didn't have any success.  I missed a couple including a big one on a chatterbait where the water was running in from the dam.  

[awohlwend]

I spent a little while walking the dam at Blue Springs lake tonight. Had a slight crowd in one corner but there's plenty of space to move around. Ran into a few small white bass and a decent largemouth with a lipless crankbait. Had to leave cause my allergies kicked up and couldnt stop sneezing. Might be worth a shot if you're in town another night.

[Bluebasser86]

James A Reed is much easier to bank fish than Jacomo, but Jacomo has the better fishing IMO. Plus you can rent boats at Jacomo if you feel like getting off the bank. 

[BigGame0892]

I know this was from forever ago, but a buddy and I used to pound on them at Catclaw out a James A. Reed a few years back.  Lots of 4 to 6 pounders.  It goes in cycles I think.  But, you have to be willing to put your bait where they live there, that's for sure.  Buzzbaits, frogs and shallow cranks can be awesome at the right times too.  But, flipping and pitching plastics was always our most consistent calling card.  Don't let those bucket fisherman deter you, most of them have no idea how to catch the bass out there.

[awohlwend]

17 hours ago, BigGame0892 said:

I know this was from forever ago, but a buddy and I used to pound on them at Catclaw out a James A. Reed a few years back.  Lots of 4 to 6 pounders.  It goes in cycles I think.  But, you have to be willing to put your bait where they live there, that's for sure.  Buzzbaits, frogs and shallow cranks can be awesome at the right times too.  But, flipping and pitching plastics was always our most consistent calling card.  Don't let those bucket fisherman deter you, most of them have no idea how to catch the bass out there.

Thanks for the tips. I have caught a few fish from Catclaw in the 3 pound range but nothing 4-6. Big ones always came on a jig around the wood like you mentioned. might have to hit it again in the spring and see what happens. 

[BigGame0892]

Had to attach these couple giants from Catclaw for you.  The first one I weighed at 4.07 lbs.  Granted that fish is probably dead and gone - that was 2009.