Trout Fishing Report for Bennett Spring
Brought to you by
Weaver's Tackle Store
March 7, 2025

by Cory Bennett   

WELCOME BACK ANGLERS!    The 2025 season is underway, and we've gotten off to a great start with several nice trout caught. Last week we had the open with a great turn out. Opening day is so special for many people as they have made it a tradition for their family to come to Bennett Spring and line up in the spring to make the first cast of the year. This year the opening gun to start the season was shot off by John Walther. John has made an impact on so many anglers whether teaching them the art of fly tying or perfecting their cast on the stream. Congratulations John!

So what’s new here at Bennett? The hatchery is still under construction but there is light at the end of the tunnel and hoping for a fall completion. The best news is that we are still getting some great fish from other conservation hatcheries along with Shepherd of the Hills and Crystal Lake. Shepherd of the Hills and Crystal Lake provided some awesome fish last year, so this year is looking promising.

We have had some strong wind the past couple days but the anglers that stuck it out caught some great fish. We are looking to have a great weekend of fishing.

All of us at Weaver’s are excited for another year and can’t wait to see everyone. Have a great season everyone! Good luck, be safe and as always, we will see you on the stream!

BENNETT SPRING gage height 1.76 feet https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/06923500/#parameterCode=00065&period=P7D

NIANGUA RIVER gage height 1.86 feet https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/06923250/#parameterCode=00065&period=P7D&showMedian=false





Recommendations

Zone 1 and Zone 2- cream mopfly, orange mopfly, white mega worm, renegade, Bennett blue Crackleback, white thread jig, Gold plate- black and yellow, marabou- black and yellow marabou, ginger snap, black, shell, shell & white. John Deere mini jig, peacock jig, white glo ball, Jimi Hendrix glo ball and Lt Roe glo ball.

Zone 3 - PowerBait (Yellow, white, salmon peach, cheese and orange.)



We have had some strong wind the past couple days but the anglers that stuck it out caught some great fish. We are looking to have a great weekend of fishing.

So if you are new to Bennett Spring and going to try your hand at catching some trout, here are a few tips.

Line size is a huge deal when it comes to starting out. This is definitely my opinion-so take it for what its worth. I like 2 to 4 pound line. My personal favorite along with several locals- is 4lb Berkley Vanish 100% fluorocarbon. Others that work great is 2lb Gamma or 2-pound Trout SOS. Some anglers prefer 4 lbs but to each their own.

Pick which zone you want to fish- Zone 1: From the hatchery dam to the spring area, only flies are allowed. Zone 2: From the hatchery dam to the Whistle Bridge, only flies and artificial lures are allowed. Artificial lures are like your spoons, spinnerbaits like Rooster Tails treble or single hook, Super Dupers. Zone 3: From the Whistle Bridge to the Niangua River, only soft plastic bait, natural and scented bait are allowed. This is going to be like worms, minnows, corn, marshmallows, dough baits, soft plastic worms, shrimp. I personally started out in zone 3 and really enjoyed it. I now fish a fly rod in zone 1 and 2 -drifting jigs or stripping flies. I also love throwing dry flies.

Do some research on the zones and familiarize yourself with the rules. Its very important to know what lures to use and what zones you can fish them in. You don't wanna be a headline on a Facebook post regarding fishing plastic worms in zone 1 or 2 which is definitely NOT legal and can only be used in zone 3. I found the best way to find something out is to ask. Ask another angler or come on up to Weaver's. We love answering questions!

Have fun! Fishing is only as stressful as you make it. We all have bad days on the stream- yes even me, the owner of a tackle shop whose job is to know how to fish. "It's called fishing and not catching!" I too have gone down to the stream and got skunked but there is nothing more enjoyable than wading in the stream with a fishing rod in your hand. Yes, it's a lot more fun when you're catching fish but be patient. Bennett Spring is a place where you can make memories and enjoy life. If you have any questions, feel free to give me a shout on Facebook, email- weavers.troutconnect@gmail.com or call 417-532-2374. We would love to hear from you and answer any questions that we can.


All of us at Weaver’s are excited for another year and can’t wait to see everyone. Have a great season everyone! Good luck, be safe and as always, we will see you on the stream!

Cory

The guy at Weaver's


weavers.troutconnect@gmail.com

Also see our Facebook page and weaverstackle.com .

Mike Sapp Photo

Mike Sapp Photo