April 2007 - Volume 68, Issue 4
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Hunting for Fishy Waters
For great fishing off the beaten path, try conservation area ponds.
Those who hunt on public lands often find the best success far from roads and parking lots. Walking that extra mile, targeting remote areas, and getting away from others are proven strategies for success.
These same tactics can also produce big dividends when it comes to fishing public waters. This is certainly the case on many of the hundreds of unnamed, often overlooked ponds tucked away on Department of Conservation areas. Although fishing these ponds may pose a few challenges, a good game plan and some persistence can open the door to exceptional fishing.
Giving up Amenities
Public lakes are popular not only for quality fishing, but also for amenities like boat ramps, privies, mown shorelines and fishing jetties and docks. However, such amenities are typically not possible, practical, or even desirable on most conservation area ponds. In fact, the secluded, primitive nature of these ponds makes fishing them a unique experience.
Most of the time you will need conservation area maps to locate ponds because many of them will not be visible from the road or have signs directing people to them.
Many ponds will require a cross-country hike to access—anywhere from a short walk to a several-mile hike—so bring bug repellent and watch out for poison ivy. The trouble is worth it, though. If you are willing to “rough it” a little, you will often find great fishing.
About This Article
Author
JOE BONNEAU has worked for the Department for nearly 10 years, first as a fisheries biologist and now as a fisheries regional supervisor. His hobbies include hunting and fishing, especially
with his wife, Lisa, and their three children,
Donnie, Grant and Kaylynne. They live in Odessa.
Photographer
CLIFF WHITE is a life-long Missouri resident. After nearly 10 years as a staff photographer for the Missouri Department of Conservation, Cliff recently took on management duties as Art Director. Now he supervises on an unruly gang of super-creative folks. In his spare time Cliff likes to play old-time folk and bluegrass music, float fish and chase the occasional turkey.
