MTL info

Hey guys, looking to make a weekend trip to MTL just to get away and fish some new water. Never been on MTL but always hear about the quality of fish caught there. Im not looking for GPS coordinates here (I get it.....), just some general info about the lake and maybe some areas to start to make the couple days as productive as can be! Can fish about any method, I typically spider rig, vertical jig or pull jigs. Probably coming around the first of June or so. Happy to share info I have about Iowa lakes if anybody is looking to make a similar trip North. Thanks in advance for anything! And any suggestions on decent lodging with room/electrical for a boat would also be appreciated! Thanks again

Hunt,

At that time, you might be able to find some fish still spawning although the lower end of the lake will be finished up by then and likely most of the upper. I'd say, depending on the weather pattern and establishment of the thermocline, post-spawn rigging of the creek channels will work as they start to back out and head to the main lake for their summer pattern and an early crankbait bite should be established.

As for lodging, Southfork Resort puts you 30 seconds from the South Fork boat ramp and dumps you into the South Fork with easy access to the Middle and main lake. Good fish historically come out of that arm. If you're looking to fish and relax, I'd stay away from the lower end, both lodging and fishing as the lake lice start showing up after Memorial Day. Timber Ridge is another one worth looking at and Cannon Dam runs a good operation. That said, Ron & Mary will take care of you at SF. We have a place about 7 minutes from them and like to stop in and spend some money with them.

U

I fish the lake that time of year when the big rivers have too much water to fish cats. I have good luck trolling cranks along bluffs, the outer edge of timber and creek channels. The white bass usually are active as well so you get a few of them along with the crappie. There are several boat ramps and some good areas to start where the south and middle forks branch off the main lake. There is also a nice fish cleaning station near the 107 ramp.


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Route U knows MTL as well as anyone so would definitely take his advice and SF is a good place to stay and you can put in at SF or go up to 107 ramp in just few minutes. Friend was just there sunday and water was very high and muddy but they still caught decent amount of fish jigging in middle fork.

Thank you guys for the info!

Still planning on trying MTL end of this week/weekend, hows the lake looking?

Not gonna lie, expect it to be muddy and a tough bite. MTL has been getting crushed with storms/rain and she's on her way back up (normal pool is 606'):

Attachment 344559

If you still plan on going, and against my initial advice (above) I highly recommend the lower end of the lake where you might find cleaner water. Avoid getting into the creeks (Indian, Lick) too far as the inflow will either push the fish out or lock their jaws. In terms of tactics, I'd be spider rigging the entire day, with minnows, focusing on steeper banks and weaving through timber.

Good luck.

U

That's what I'll try then thank you. Could probly push it back a week also as it's only about 3 hours from me. Thoughts on that?

Why not fish both weekends and by doing so, you can eliminate water, familiarize yourself with the lake, etc. With the Mississippi River at major flood stage, the corp. won't be able to release any water from the lake since the Salt River feeds/flows into the Mississippi and that should help stabilize the lake over the next week or so. I would actually predict the fishing could be quite good in a week or so, barring any catastrophic weather. With that much water, I'd be pulling cranks!

U

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HuntIa

That's what I'll try then thank you. Could probly push it back a week also as it's only about 3 hours from me. Thoughts on that?

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Another thing to keep in mind is it's getting close to highwater ramp time........

U

I wondered about that. Which ramps are useable with high water?

MTL?

Mark Twain Lake

DUH,thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HuntIa

I wondered about that. Which ramps are useable with high water?

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Per the Corp:

"Recreation Areas with high water boat launch ramps are John F. Spalding, Indian Creek, Stoutsville and Robert Allen."

Probably want to cross Stoutsville off the list as that will put you in way up the North Fork and will make for a long (and fairly treacherous) boat ride down the lake since you don't know it.

U

That's terrific real time information for a newbie to the lake. WTG Robbie!

Crest at 627’ Sunday with no more rain.....things could get VERY interesting and I may have to head south if the water temp gets right.

Fish still being caught by “you-know-who”.

U

Correction, she's passed 627' and still not seeing the start of a curve on the lake level:

Attachment 344885

Projections for the Mississippi River at Louisiana, Mo (where the Salt dumps in):

Attachment 344886

With no more rain (yeah, right), projection for the Miss to fall below Moderate Flood Stage is June 14...... I suspect (although can't find any info/data to support my suspicion) that's when the Corp. might feel comfortable starting to release water unless again, something catastrophic happens and they have to release. With as much water as they have right now, it might have to be sooner as soon as she crests.

U

Already opened the gates some.