Fishing Report 2/26/2020
How's Fishing?
Fishing in the Niangua River has been great the last couple of weeks. We had some rain on February 24, 2020, which has increased the stream level a little. At this point the weather and stream conditions for Opening Day on March 1, 2020 look very promising. The Pre-Season Meeting held February 21, 2020 can be viewed on the Weaver's Tackle Store Facebook Page. There are a few changes to the Bennett Spring State Park Regulations and some Missouri Department of Conservation changes as well. Effective February 29, 2020: Possession limit for trout has increased from 8 to 10. This has occurred, because Maramec Spring Park has increased their daily limit to 5 trout with a $5.00 adult tag, $3.00 youth tag 15 years and younger. Trout park tag price increases for the other three trout parks to $4.00 for adults and $3.00 youth tag 15 years and younger. Opening Day has averaged 1,500 anglers the last five years. The siren ringer for March 1, 2020 is Jim Smith from Jefferson City, MO. He has been an active volunteer at the nature center. He started attending Opening Day at Montauk State Park many years ago. Congratulations! We hope to see all of you on the stream Opening Day or at some point this season.
Water Conditions
Bennett Spring
February 26, 2020
Gage house level is 2.61 feet
Daily Discharge levels:
All discharge numbers are in Cubic Feet per Second
minimum was 78.5 in 2015
25th percentile is 122
Current level is 315
Median is 176
Mean is 208
75th percentile is 241
Max was 871 in 2018
Niangua River
February 26, 2020
Gage House reading (water level) is 3.64 feet.
Discharge levels in cubic feet per second:
Minimum was 42.0 in 1996
25th percentile is 94
Median is 259
Today's reading is 909
75th percentile is 784
Mean is 467
record high max was 1640 in 1997
Weather Forecast
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 57.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 59.
Monday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63.
Tuesday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58.
Windyville MO
37.72°N 92.92°W (Elev. 1024 ft)
Calendar of Events
Saturday—February 29th, 2020
10 am~Bennett Spring State Park~ Spring Branch Cleanup
Join Stream Team #5462 for a trash cleanup along the Bennett Spring Branch. We will work together to get the area ready for opening day of trout season. Meet at Shelter B for an introduction by park staff and displays. Gloves and trash bags will be provided.
The cleanup will conclude with a hot dog luncheon!
Sunday March 1, 2020~Opening Day Trout Season~Bennett Spring State Park
Sunday March 1, 2020~ Bennett Spring Fire Hall~ Join us for our Opening Day luncheon from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M.~ $5.00 donation for all the chili, hot dogs, and desserts!
Friday March 6, 2020
There will be monthly Mayfly Project fly tying nights in the Bennett Spring Church of God Annex, located across from the park office. Supplies and instruction on tying a basic fishing fly will be given. This activity will allow people to enjoy the art of fly tying and learn from experienced Bennett Spring fishermen and women.
All supplies will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own. A $5 donation for the "Fly of the Night" supplies is suggested. Donations will go to provide supplies and support for Kid's Free Fishing Day. Everyone's first six flies will be donated to The Mayfly Project, which mentors foster children through fly fishing.
This event is sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Mayfly Project. More information is available at http://www.themayflyproject.com .
Additional Mayfly Project program dates:
April 17, May 1, June 5, July 10, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2
PROGRAM TIME: 6 P.M. - 9 P.M.
26250 Hwy 64A, Lebanon, MO | (417) 532-4338
Weed Cutting April 7-8
Veterans Fishing Day Saturday April 18, 2020 Bennett Spring State Park~0700-1930
Kids Free Fishing Day Saturday May 2, 2020 Bennett Spring State Park~6:30 A.M.-8:15 P.M.
Weed Cutting May 19-20
Weed Cutting June 23-24
Weed Cutting August 4-5
Weed Cutting September 15-16
For additional information or questions please contact the Nature Center at 417-532-3925.
There is a list at https://mostateparks.com/events/park/bennett-spring-state-park that gives all the details of other activities, such as hikes that are going on at Bennett Spring State Park through out the year.
Quote of the Week
The angling fever is a very real disease and can only be cured by the application of cold water and fresh, untainted air.
Author:
Theodore Gordon
Thanks for reading,
Devin