Lake Wappapello Fishing Spot

• Elevation: 358'
• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/17/09 01:52 PM
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Nestled in the southeast region of Missouri, Lake Wappapello State Park offers a variety of recreation opportunities ranging from an exciting day on Lake Wappapello to a quiet stroll through the Ozark forest. Lake Wappapello is popular with fishermen who cast their lines in hopes of reducing the excellent population of white bass, crappie and bluegill, as well as largemouth bass and catfish. Water enthusiasts will also enjoy swimming, boating and water skiing. The park features a swimming beach and paved boat ramps. On-shore recreation options include miles of hiking, backpacking, equestrian and all-terrain bicycle trails. Visitors can enjoy lunch in two picnic areas, which include picnic sites, shelters and playground equipment. Two campgrounds -- one perched on the ridge and one nestled near the lake -- offer basic and electric hookup campsites, hot showers, modern restrooms and laundry facilities. Eight modern cabins with kitchens, perfect for families, can be reserved for use. Lake Wappapello State Park provides a pleasant atmosphere for a myriad of park visitors whether they are looking to fish, boat, camp or just enjoy an afternoon barbecue and an evening sunset. The park is a popular fishing spot and offers a wide variety of fish species. Common types caught are crappie, bass and catfish. Fishing is allowed in all areas of the park except at or near boat ramps and the swimming beach. Even though most areas close at dark, the facility allows night fishing at specific locations throughout the park. The best fishing months at this park tend to be February, April, May, June, September and October. The park has three concrete boat launches available for visitor usage. They are located at Asher Creek Campground, the old marina and just past cabin 8 at the Allison Point day-use area. There is a courtesy dock located at the old marina launch. There are no launch fees or motor restrictions. Picnic sites are located in the Allison Cove day-use area, at the Allison Point boat ramp area and near Shelter 1. Both shelters feature picnic tables and an outdoor grill, making a perfect venue for family gatherings and special outings. Shelter 1, located in the upper day-use area, has a 75-person occupancy and can be reserved for $45 per day. It is also equipped with electrical outlets. Shelter 2 (shown at the right) is in Allison Cove, has a 50-person occupancy and can be reserved for $30 per day. If the shelters are not reserved, they are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Picnicking at the shelter house areas is accessible to persons with disabilities. For reservations, please call the park office at 573-297-3232. Children's playgrounds are located at the Allison Point day-use area near the beach and at Shelter 1. Swimming The park offers a swimming beach at the Allison Cove day-use area. It opens on or about Memorial Day weekend and closes shortly after Labor Day weekend. The initial opening of the beach and temporary closings during the on-season depend upon the lake level.

Lake Wappapello is a reservoir on the St. Francis River, formed by Wappapello Dam (36°55?55?N 90°16?45?W? / ?36.93194°N 90.27917°W? / 36.93194; -90.27917? (Wappapello Dam)). Created in 1941, this 45,000-acre (180 km2) lake is located 120 miles (190 km) south of St. Louis, Missouri. Its primary purpose is flood control though it has evolved into a recreational area with ample opportunities to boat, fish, swim or camp.