DUCK CREEK WILDLIFE AREA ALSO GOOD FOR FISHING

PUXICO -- Waterfowl hunters know Duck Creek Wildlife Area in Southeast Missouri is one of the state's premier duck hunting areas, but few anglers outside the Bootheel realized the 6,000-acre also offers some of the hottest fishing action in the Midwest.

Area manager Gary Pogue says the 1,800 acres of shallow, fertile water in the area's Pool 1, provide superb habitat for fish as well as waterfowl.

"The state-record chain pickerel 6 pounds, 3 ounces came from Pool 1," said Pogue. "The state-record bowfin a 19-pound tackle buster also came from Pool 1."

The action at Duck Creek starts January, when the cold-loving pickerel have a heyday. The best fishing occurs in years when it is cold enough to permit ice fishing for the torpedo-shaped battlers.

"As spring weather warms the water, crappie fishing takes center stage," said Pogue. "Pool 1 is wall-to-wall crappie habitat. All the standing and fallen timber makes it one big crappie bed."

Pogue said crappie anglers can catch crappie all over by drifting with the winds and casting ahead.

"Most of the crappie are black crappie," he said. "They have a beautiful, dark green color, and black spots. Most these crappie are in the three quarters of a pound range, and 2-pounders are not uncommon."

As spring moves into summer, the bass and panfish action heat up, said Pogue.

"The high fertility level of the pool produces big fish," he said. "Anglers often take dozens of fat, aggressive bluegills when they are on their spawning beds, and several largemouth bass in the 6 to 8-pound range come out of the pool each year."

Later in the summer, when water temperatures climb to uncomfortable levels for most fish, bowfin still can be caught.

"These primitive fish can tolerate low oxygen levels by gulping air," said Pogue.

The bowfin are known as "dogfish," "grinnel," or "cypress trout," and a variety of other colorful names.

"They are powerful fighters with their mouths of needle-sharp teeth," said Pogue.

Bowfins eat everything from crawfish and minnows to freshwater mussels. Effective baits include these natural food items, pork rind eels or small bluegills.

Rental boats are available for a fee from February to October, and boat ramps are provided. Boat motors of 10 horsepower or smaller are permitted. Pool 1 and another designated areas of Duck creek are open to fishing year round, except from Oct. 15 to the opening of duck season, and during the dates of the area's prescribed duck season.

Additional information about hunting and fishing regulations may be obtained by request from Duck Creek Wildlife Area, Route 1, Puxico, Mo., 63960.