Annual Prospects Report
With a limited amount of small public ponds in Howell County, this lake is a popular location for anglers. The dam and area on the northwest side of the lake is in grass and can be fished easily from the bank. The upper (south) end of the lake is best accessed by a kayak or other carry-in boat as it is surrounded by woods and bank fishing is difficult. Fishing in the spring can provide the best action around the spawn for active largemouth bass and sunfish in shallow water. Bluegill and redear sunfish fishing should be good in 2025 as sunfish are abundant in the aquatic plant beds throughout the lake. The shallow, upper end of the lake is worth exploring as many of the larger bass were captured in this area in the most recent sample. Submerged aquatic vegetation increases during summer and early fall making angling more challenging, but sunfish are plentiful for the persistent angler. Fishing soft plastics, rigged weedless, can be a great option this time of year. Additionally, over 100 8-12” channel catfish are stocked each fall and can be fun to catch with stink bait or a worm on a bobber in the summer.
Davidson-Paris Wildlife Area is located about 6 miles northeast of West Plains, east of Hwy 17 and south of State Hwy EE. The five-acre lake is easily accessed by driving to the western parking lot, located on CR 3010, then taking a short downhill walk to the lake that can be seen approximately 350’ below.
