Anglers Flock To Lebanon/Bennett
Spring Area's Fishin' Holes |
It is no secret Lebanon is one of
the best spots in the state of Missouri for freshwater
fishing. The Niangua River along with Bennett Spring
combine to make the area a prime fishing area.
While the offerings at Bennett Spring
State Park are widely known and featured elsewhere in
this magazine, the Niangua River reaches beyond the
state park offering great fishing spots all along the
river.
Anglers can take advantage of the
bountiful fishing waters by canoe or hiking along the
banks. The range of fish found in the waters varies
as much as the age of anglers on the river. With plentiful
trout, bass and bluegill, the Niangua River offers challenges
for the experienced fishermen as well as the young beginner.
Following is the Niangua River prospectus
courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Niangua River:
Information: 417/532-7612
Brown trout in the Niangua River
and its tributaries (including Bennett Spring Branch
and the Trout Park) must be 18" to be harvested
or possessed. The daily limit is four trout, but
only one may be a brown trout. Brown trout (8-11")
are stocked annually.
Rainbow trout (10-12") will continue
to be stocked downstream from Bennett Spring Branch
throughout the year. There is no size limit on rainbow
trout. Flies, spinners, and small crankbaits work well.
Smallmouth bass and rock bass (goggle-eye)
provide much of the fishing action in the portion of
the Niangua River above Bennett Spring. Crankbaits,
plastic grubs and worms, and earthworms fished close
to rootwads and boulders are good producers. Smallmouth
bass and rock bass are found around boulders and rootwads,
especially when they are close to good current. Largemouth
bass and spotted bass are more common in downstream
reaches and in backwaters and eddies.
As always, the Niangua River is a
great place to take kids fishing for sunfish. Longear
sunfish and bluegill are plentiful throughout the river
and are easy to catch with a cane pole, bobber and hook
baited with worms or crickets.
Giggers can expect to find good
numbers of suckers.
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