Trumna Lake is a 55,600 acre resevoir that is fed by a multitude or rivers and streams and located in 4 different counties (Benton, Henry, St. Clair, and Hickory.) It is locally and regionally known for its catfishing. I personally can remember coming off the waters with an average fish weighing upwards of 15 lbs. we had fish fries every night for days and days.
Largemouth bass and Crappie are present in large populations as well. When the resevoir was created over 8,000 acres was left standing for habitat. There are numerous boat ramps available with an annual daily use pass that costs $30.00. The most popular bank fishing area is Bledsoe Ferry Park which is located just downstream of Truman Dam. When they are letting water out of the dam this is an extremely popular spot for hybrid bass. They congregate to eat as everything is stirred up from the rushing water. I have been very successful with large Zara Spooks and 1oz lead heads.
During the spring Crappie fishing is second to none. Get in the shallows of the coves and throw out just about anything, I.E. small roadrunner jigs, and minnows and you can have a blast. This year my Uncle and I caught our limit fishing from the bank in less than 8′ of water in under 30 minutes. My all time favorite for Crappie is a chartreuse 3/8 oz roadrunner with a 2″ black/silver flake twister tail.
When it comes to largemouth bass Truman has been compared to some of the best lakes in the country. I dont know a part of this lake that I havent caught bass in. Most of them I catch are on the main lake off points at varying depths during the fall. Late spring into summers is a bit more shallow with spinner baits in the shade of the trees.
There are five full service marinas on Truman Lake that offer fuel and storage and other things you might need on an outing. Harry S Truman, Long Shoal, Bucksaw, Osage Bluff, and Sterett Creek. There are also twelve campground available for use if you dont want to spend the night in a hotel. Fees vary from place to place. There are also seven managed sand swimming beaches available for use between May and September. For the few minutes you might not want to be on the water there is a fun and informative place to take the family. The Harry S Truman Visitor Center was built on top of Kaysinger Bluff and has a beuatiful view of the Dam itself and the lake as well. Exhibit of fossils and a timeline of the settlement of the area are just a few of the fun things to look at.
I could go on forever because I grew up on this lake and the possibilities are endless. Over all a great lake with great fishing without all the hussle and bussleof the popular lakes.
Camden
