Fishing Season Still Open

Anglers don't put your fishing gear away just because the weather has turned cold. You may want to put on some warm clothes and drive a half an hour north to Perry County Community Lake. This lake has an excellent largemouth bass population. According to fish population samples, 25 percent of the bass are longer than 15 inches.

In addition, hybrid striped bass have been stocked annually since 2004. The primary reason for these stockings was to develop a unique, trophy fishing opportunity in Southeast Missouri. In Missouri, hybrid bass commonly reach 7 to 10 pounds. Occasionally, an angler catches a 15- or 16-pound fish. The Missouri state record is 20 pounds, 8 ounces and the world record stands at 27 pounds, 5 ounces. The hybrid bass in the photograph weighted 5 pounds, 1 ounce and was stocked into the lake in 2006.

Due to the cold water temperatures, anglers will have to slow down their tactics. I suggest using either hard or soft bodied jerk baits. Fishing regulations include a 15" minimum length limit on largemouth bass and a 20" minimum length limit on hybrid striped bass. Anglers may keep up to six largemouth bass and four hybrid bass daily.

Perry County Community Lake is located just west of the KOA campground in Perryville, MO. To reach the lake, take the Perryville exit off of Interstate 55, go south on Highway 51, north on the outer road to County Road 702 and west to the area.

For additional information about Perry County Community Lake or if you want to share your fishing pictures, contact me at paul.cieslewicz@mdc.mo.gov or at (573) 290-5730. Fishing and hunting season information can be found online at http://www.mdc.mo.gov/seasons/. An area map can be downloaded at: http://mdc.mo.gov/cgi-bin/atlas/gis4media.cgi?area=6701map