When to fish below Bagnell?

Hello everyone, new member.

I have fished Bagnell since I was a kid. But we usually cat fished. I am trying to branch out into other species. When would you suggest going for crappie? How about stripers?

Always do best when they are or have recently ran water. If they are not running water go down by bridge and fish rootwads on east side. Do not get to close as the fish will spook if they get boat shadow.

You are in the neighborhood of a lot of my cherished childhood memories.Mom and Dad bought Fish Haven fishing resort during the late 60's.They had a big pontoon (the Catamaran) and would take 20-25 people catfishing on the Osage below Bagnell for I believe $5/night which was actually some money back in those days.Mom and Dad both were Coast Guard licensed to be able to operate the Catamaran.
Vividly remember catching crappie on our dock on the river with a minnow on a gold hook about as soon as it hit the water multiple times practically on the surface.After awhile they would hit just a bare hook...mostly small fish.
Ripnlips is completely right about the bite while the water is running and rising. They turn on/off with water flow at the dam.
We used doll flys most of the time in your choice of yellow,white,or black as that was about the extent of available crappie artificials back then.Nothing at all like today.
Cast and retrieve below the dam either side and you'll catch some crappie but usually not very big.
While you are there take a boat ride downstream past the bridge til the river turns left and enjoy getting to see the bluff and bluff hole. Could relate a bunch of fishing stories there too.
You were probably looking for quick information and got a old fart reminiscing...Good Luck
As far as when to fish that's real easy ...every danged chance you have before the end of your days.

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No idea, sorry but welcome to the board.

Welcome aboard. Good luck to you.

Snagged Again, I always enjoy hearing old stories. Thank you for that.

I generally try to catch it when the water is on the rise. Here lately its either been steady or on a rapid drop about every time I go.

Hey 5oz ,
Call the # for the dam and they will tell you (a recording) what they are gonna do/are doing with running the water. I don 't have the # or would give it to you.If you have troubles finding it might just drive there and ask....EVERYBODY on the planet needs to enjoy taking the dam informational tours at ALL the dams. They are enjoyable and informational both and a little different at each dam.There are schedules posted at the entrances. Usually hourly during normal business hours. Enjoy yourself

My apology 5 oz as I too should have Welcomed you to CDC.Hope you enjoy and benefit from it as I have.(any kinda question remember the search bar is able to pull up hoards of past post- I use it often)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

That phone # is 573-365-9205.