OUTDOOR CORNER: BLACK BASS STREAM FISHING TO OPEN IN THE OZARKS

With the close of turkey season, the opening of another season begins. Black bass fishing in the Ozark streams opens Saturday, May 27.

The clear water Ozark streams have developed into excellent fishing opportunities for three members of the black bass family the largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and Kentucky bass.

There are many stream fishing regulations that have contributed to the comeback of the Ozark fisheries. For several years the 12-inch minimum length limit on black bass has steadily increased their population and average size. It is common to find anglers with a limit of six bass all over the 12-inch limit.

The closing of the season during the bass spawning period has also helped their population increase. Possession of black bass on Ozark streams in prohibited from March 1 until the fourth Saturday in May.

In recent years several rivers have had specific areas designated for trophy bass fishing.

Rivers that have specific sections with a 15-inch minimum length limit on smallmouth bass include: Eleven Point River, Big Piney River, Meramec River, Big River, Mineral Fork, Tenmile Creek and the Osage Fork of the Gasconade River.

Also, there is a possession limit of one smallmouth bass a day. There are also stretches on the Gasconade River and the Jack's Fork River with a minimum length limit of 18 inches on smallmouth bass, possession limit of one daily.

The James River, in Southwest Missouri, has a length limit of 15 inches for smallmouth and largemouth bass. Most of the other Ozark streams have a 12-inch limit and daily possession limit of six black bass. If you are planning a stream fishing trip, pick up a regulation book. It has all the special stream regulations listed.

Stream fishing also provides the extra excitement of catching several different species of fish. There are over 10 species of game fish that are common in Ozark streams.

Stream fishing also provides the opportunity for the entire family to have fun. With a few worms or other bait, even a novice fisherman should have a day filled with catching several species of fish. So, whether you like to catch and release, or catch enough for a fish fry, Ozark streams are open May 27.

Happy fishing.

Gary Newcomb is a Missouri Department of Conservation agent in Cape Girardeau County.