Photos and Articles by Jason Lewis
Photos and Articles by Jason Lewis
Labelle Lake is a great place to take the young people in our lives and the people in our lives that think fishing is boring. Crappie are plentiful and the limit of 30 is attainable. Bass are anxious to be caught and don't be surprised if the 18” and over club tries to stretch your line quite a few times. The largemouth's main forage seems to be bluegill. The bluegill are large and can be sighted and caught regularly in large schools. |
Lake (OLD AND NEW) THE OLD LAKE IS THE ONE YOU PASS ON THE WAY TO THE NEW LAKE.
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This would be a great place to advertise your facilities. Boats, Camping, antique shops, motels. Become a mosportsmen supporter today Labelle City Lake is best described, as your favorite farm pond, only it is 114 acres of farm pond atmosphere. The area had reported a fish kill summer of 2000 but don't tell that to the many fishermen and the anxiously awaiting fish that occupy the area. This lake is alive and kicking. The fishing seems to have improved substantially since last year. |
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For boaters there is a concrete ramp and an idle speed regulation for motors over 10hp. Bank fishing is good especially along the dam. There is also another city lake close to the entrance of Labelle City Lake, which offers good fishing from shore. |
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check at lake Bass (6) 14”-18” protected
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fish attractor structure |
The lake is located in Labelle, MO off of Route D. From hwy 61 go west at the Hwy 6 Edina/Taylor exit for approximately 26 miles to a left on Route D. The lake is about two miles outside of town turn left at conservation sign. |
| Don't let vegetation ruin your weekend. When faced with the “slimy stuff” make it your ally and use it to your advantage, bass do! Time after time I hear fishermen complain about the weeds or the moss and how they can't get any fishing done in their once productive spots. I am always quick to keep my mouth shut because that means more action for me. |
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Bait selection is important and for some situations is absolutely crucial. If we are talking about thick floating moss almost any weed less frog, rat or big moss boss will work (heavy is good so the fish can zero in on your bait.) For light or patchy moss a plastic worm (weightless), small moss boss or big grubs work well. For big lily pads go back to the rat, or moss boss. For small pads (my favorite) go for a Johnson spoon with a plastic worm trailer or plastic Zoom chunk trailer so it mimics a snake or baitfish. For flooded grass, plastics are still good and shallow running crank baits like Mann’s Baby One Minus and Bomber’s Shallow A. |
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Preparation and presentation are essential and you can only get better so don't get frustrated. If fishing from shore, wear rubber boots or old tennis shoes in case you have to wrestle one of these monsters in. From boat, be prepared to move and go get a fish that may be buried deep in the stuff. I recommend no bragging until you actually land the fish because normally a 1lb bass can carry 6lbs of moss. Usage of heavy line is recommended as well. |
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A good presentation to use is stop and go and hang on. Seriously though pop your bait along the vegetation like a frog and watch for anything unusual. Unusual meaning rolling pads or moss moving after you've stopped your bait (if this happens barely tap your bait and hang on.) Experts will tell you not to set the hook before you feel the fish, like you would a buzz bait or other surface lure. Honestly though when that explosion comes I've got to jerk if for no other reason than to defend myself. |
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