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Posts: 37
| ...in Missouri. Buddy and I are looking at a quick MO trip in a few weeks. Anyone have any info? Search of past posts didn't reveal much. any help would be appreciated.
thanks,
Mike Wallace |
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Posts: 4
| Hi Mike, I've fished both in the past. Pony Express has not been stocked with muskys for at least 3/4 years now and I've caught a few there, but always had more fishless trips. Hazel Creek is about 200 miles from Kansas City, so haven't fished it lately, but it is still stocked by the Missouri Dept. of Conservation and I've heard the muskies are doing well. A lot of flooded timber in the coves. The lake is electric motor only. If I had to pick, I'd head to Hazel Creek.
Good luck,
jon |
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Posts: 37
| Thanks, Jon. We initially looked only at Hazel but coming from MN, Pony would cut down on an hour of travel each way.
Hazel=trolling motor only-is the lake big enough for wind to really cause a problem?
Mike |
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Posts: 1317
Location: Lebanon,Mo | Mike,at normal pool it is 530 acres. |
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| Hazel fishes pretty big...there are 2 landings on it so you can kind of pick what part you want to fish for the day...there are 2 fairly long "arms" that have fingers on both sides some are deep w/ timber, some shallow w/ no timber...
I have fished it 2 times..one time we hit the spawn we think and we only moved a few fish and caught one, the 2nd time it was terrible weather and we didn't move a fish..though 2 decent fish were caught by a guy we talked to while we were there
i recommend a 24 volt trolling motor for sure..the wind can effect it ...
as with any shad based lake...i'd say find the shad and you will find the muskies...
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| also, there are HUGE bass in here you will contact as a bonus....we got some big football shaped ones up to easily 5 lbs while casting for ski's...
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Posts: 313
Location: On your favorite spot | If you did get blown down the lake and had to use your gas to get back, the only agency that can or would ticket you is the city of kirksville and I've never seen them out there....
24 volt would definitely be a plus because it doesn't take long for the wind to start blowing there! |
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Posts: 2089
| I started fishing Hazel Creek back in the early 90's.A short trip from Iowa City.The quinticential Southern reservoir.Lots of brush piles and standing timber.A nice hump/island (depending on water levels) mid lake as well.We caught fish on just about everything.Suicks(unweighted) rocked in the timber(cht./blk dot), but my fav was a cht/gold M/G spinnerbait.The biggest we boated was 45(tagged) but saw a couple in the upper 40's.I haven't fished it in a few years, so I'm kinda gettin the itch. Steve |
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Posts: 37
| Thanks, all, for the info. It is what I am looking for.
Didn't think I was going to get to muskie fish until WI opener, so I am really excited about this trip.
If anyone has any other info, please pass it on.
Thanks a million, only two more weeks and I will have a report from Hazel Creek.
Mike Wallace |
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Posts: 2014
| Are you going to be there the weekend of the 17th or 24th? ...If so see ya on the water (red/white Ranger 195VS)
Edited by IAJustin 3/5/2007 10:53 PM
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Posts: 37
| We are actually going to be up there the 20-21st. Both of us teach and we will be on spring break that week. Warm 'em up for us!
Mike |
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Pony Express or Hazel Creek...