Walleye

Walleye fishing near Hartville, Missouri, while not the area's primary draw, can still be rewarding if you know where to look. Your best bet is to focus on the deeper, clearer reservoirs within an hour's drive. These reservoirs offer the preferred habitat for walleye to thrive. Spring and fall are the most productive times, especially around dawn and dusk when walleye move into shallower water to feed. Jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers, as well as crankbaits, are effective presentations. Local tip: Check the stocking reports from the Missouri Department of Conservation to identify which reservoirs have been recently stocked with walleye. Also, be aware of thermoclines during the summer months, as walleye will often congregate just below this temperature break. Finding the thermocline depth will greatly improve your chances of finding walleye. While the walleye population might not be as dense as in more northern states, patience and persistence can lead to some memorable catches.