MO Fish Finder - Bilby Ranch Lake Discussion

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User:	vinny60
Comment:	Five artificial reefs were added to the lake basin during construction to add habitat diversity. The 50-100 feet long reefs were constructed of dirt piles capped with rip rap. Numerous brushpiles have been installed recently, and hold fish all year long. Rock piles, dam basin, woody shoreline cover. The first place to start looking for bass is along the face of the dam. Try plastic worms, crankbaits, or topwater plugs in the evening. The brushpiles and rock piles always hold plenty of bass too. Fish the banks in May-June with small jigs or live bait. These fish can be found anywhere where there is vegetation or woody cover. Bluegills are a blast on light tackle, and perfect for introducing young anglers to fishing. Crappie: Although not stocked by MDC, the crappie in Bilby are numerous and at times, very large. Fishing pressure has hurt the size structure a little in recent years, but large fish over 15” still swim in Bilby Ranch, as well as a strong 2-3 year old size class of fish in the 9” range. One the best spots on the lake for crappie is off the floating fishing dock, where brushpiles and artificial PVC fish structures have been placed so crappie are easily accessible to anglers without a boat. Boat anglers will have excellent luck on the rock piles and newly installed brush. Annual stocking of 1,650 channel catfish from 8 to 10” ensures that catfishing will be consistently good. Channel cats are abundant and large, and can be caught with nightcrawlers or prepared dip baits. Channel catfish up to 30” are not uncommon. During summer, don’t fish too deep. There is typically no oxygen deeper than 10 to 12 feet during summer months. The rip rap on the dam is a great place to play tug of war with these brusiers. The redear sunfish has taken off in Bilby Ranch Lake, and anglers fishing for them have a great chance at a master angler sized fish (greater than 10”). Trap netting data shows an unbelievable population of this huge colorful sunfish. Fish the banks in May-June with a small piece of worm, or try small jigs on the rock piles later in the year. Please release all walleye under 15”. Outboard motors in excess of 10 hp must be operated at no-wake speed.
Date:	09/15/09 09:05 PM

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