Well the Neosho was a good bet again this weekend. We fished 10-5 and caught 39 total, mostly white bass. The ratio of females improved so the keepers were bigger on average (kept 19 total). We also increased variety with 9 species. My neighbor managed to catch a channel cat (small, not pictured), two blues and a flathead, which was a nice trifecta. He also caught a small walleye, but no big ones this time.
On the white bass, the females still had eggs. I'm not sure if they'll spawn this week with all the cold weather or not. If they don't do it soon, they might not do it at all? I'd be kinda on the fence about hitting it again next week except for the variety. While we were there they dropped it from 12,500 ft³/s, down to just 3,500, so always be careful out there. I make sure and check the flow rate every 30-60 minutes.
Neosho River near Chouteau, OK
Monitoring location 07191500 is associated with a Stream in Mayes County, Oklahoma. Current conditions of Discharge and Gage height are available. Water data back to 1921 are available online.waterdata.usgs.gov
Unfortunately, we had a catastrophic equipment failure right at the end of the trip. Fortunately, my neighbor got video with his phone before the end, so we have a bit more than just a "wild fish story".
View attachment 370502
View attachment 370503
View attachment 370504
View attachment 370505
View attachment 370506
View attachment 370507
Watch closely at the 25 second mark, because a lot happens VERY fast!
And yes, that's a +- 40 pound class blue cat brought to the boat and netted, using a Zebco 33 spooled with 10# monofilament. Everyone make sure your drags are properly set and yeah, "You're gonna need a bigger net!"
Whoa! That was a heck of a fish to lose right at the end.
You guys had a great day on the water!
