White bass will continue to provide good action in 2006. Anglers should troll and cast along windy and rocky shorelines with small crankbaits and shiny spoons, especially in the summer and early fall. The largemouth bass population remains in very good condition. You won’t find too many fish in the trophy class (8+ pounds), but there continues to be an abundance of fish in the 1 to 5 pound range. The strong 2002 year class should exceed 15 inches in length and provide some excellent action beginning in 2006. Watch for bands of water willow that ring the shoreline to start "greening" up in May. Large bass may be found along the outer edge of this aquatic vegetation. In addition, underwater fish habitat maps showing brushpile locations and their depths are available by calling the number above. Channel catfish are common with good numbers over 15 inches in length and many in the 10 to 15 pound range. The lake also supports a low density flathead catfish population with many of these fish in excess of 20 pounds. Fish for flatheads using live bait and concentrate near deep structure and creek channels in the late spring and early summer. The black and white crappie populations should be similar to those in 2005. Most crappie captured will be on the small side although some anglers have reported catching an occasional fish over 12 inches in length. White crappie tend to be larger than the slower growing black crappie. Look for schools of white crappie in the south end of the lake while black crappie tend to be more abundant in the north end of the lake. Anglers should continue to have good success off the north marina boat dock and accessible dock during winter. However, several brushpiles in Liggett Cove have also produced nice stringers of fish and new brush was added to these structures. New brushpiles were also added around the north accessible dock. Surplus walleye stockings occurred again this spring with a little over 24,000 fingerlings stocked in the lake. Many anglers were catching legal-sized walleye throughout the lake last summer. Try your luck fishing after dark along the spillway in late March and early April and on the flats in the upper lake summer and early fall.
Sail through the seasons on this gentle giant of a lake. Jackson County created a paradise for sailing, windsurfing, floating and pontoon boating by limiting the permitted horsepower of watercraft. No need to hurry. There's plenty to explore on Fleming Park's 970-acre lake. And since there are no beaches, there's a real sense of getting away from it all. The serene setting also makes for good fishing, and there's plenty of open bank to angle from on or off the water. Bass and catfish are the big catch, but there is also some walleye and crappie looking for the right bait. But sailing reigns supreme. The local sailing club is active, making colorful regattas a fairly common experience. Boat rentals, concession stands and three boat ramps make for a convenient outing. Convenience, easy access and a full roster of water-related recreational opportunities await visitors to Lake Jacomo this summer. Although it doesn't offer a sandy beach for sun seekers, Lake Jacomo does boast a solid reputation for one of the busiest summer fun spots in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Visit Lake Jacomo during the peak summer season and you'll be in for some of the area's finest windsurfing and sailing as well as more tranquil spots for slowing down and enjoying the natural beauty of this prime Jackson County attraction and residential community. Admission Info: Boat permits are required. Boat Permit (Valid for all Jackson County Lakes): $24 County Residents; $42 Non-Residents Combo Permit (Personal Watercraft Only): $90 Residents/Non-Residents Motor Permits (All County Lakes): $1.80 first 10 horsepower; .70 cents per each additional horsepower thereafter. NOTE: Permits are half price in the off season. Where to Eat: A full concession stand is available. Lifeguard on Duty: A lifeguard is on duty from early June-Labor Day. Fido-Friendly: No dogs are allowed on the beach. Insider Info: The 970-acre lake, bountifully stocked with crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, carp, catfish, hybrid striped bass and walleye is a favorite with local and regional fishing enthusiasts.