#Crappie – Share the Outdoors

Outdoor Communicators find Art & Open-Air Adventure in Lindsborg, Kansas

Posted on September 25, 2025September 25, 2025 by Dave Barus

The unique Swedish heritage of Lindsborg is evident in architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Hunts for whitetail deer, bison, turkey, and other species are offered at Kansas Trophy Whitetails, near Hudson, KS.
Megan Hilbish calling turkeys. Jon Blumb photo

Year-round hunting and fishing abound with much public land and water.
Birders, hikers, bikers, paddlers and beachgoers will find top-notch fun here.

by David Zumbaugh

The Outdoor Communicators of Kansas discovered Lindsborg as the home base for the spring conference on May 4- 6, 2025. “Välkommen till Lindsborg” is the city motto and welcome us they did! The unique Swedish heritage of the small town, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions, was a delightful surprise. This tight-knit community promotes the art scene with small and large galleries, including the Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery.

Lindsborg hosts several large festivals that celebrate its culture, art, and local businesses. The city’s website and Facebook page provide detailed descriptions of events, along with the dates for planning a visit. OCK was hosted for dinner by Holly Lofton, Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, at the wonderful Sundstrom Conference Center (https://www.lindsborgcity.org/visitor-information).

Downtown Lindborg, Kansas. *Jon Blumb photo*

Jim Richardson, a National Geographic Photographer. *Jon Blumb photo*

A craft improvement seminar inspired the group to focus on taking enhanced pictures with cell phones. Jim Richardson, a National Geographic photographer, detailed settings on the camera mode on Apple and Android devices to get creative, professional results. He displayed images side by side on a big screen, comparing phone pictures with photos taken with the most expensive cameras. Differences could hardly be noticed! Jim and his wife, Kathy, run the Small World Gallery at 127 North Main Street, which features his work (www.smallworldgallery.net).

The magnificent Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery is worth a visit. Sandzén was born in Sweden in 1871 and studied art in Stockholm. He came to the USA in 1894 to teach at Bethany College in Lindsborg as the principal art instructor. He produced more than 3,000 paintings and 33,000 prints. His works are on display at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri; the Brooklyn Museum of Art; the Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe; the Library of Congress; the Chicago Art Institute; the Denver Art Museum; the Philadelphia Museum of Art; and the National Museum of Stockholm.

Mike Hartung is currently an active artist of Lindsborg known for his provocative and pointed satirical pieces. He creates giant-format paintings, produced in vivid colors with distorted figures to convey not-so-subtle government tributes. No politician, global or local, is safe from his commentary. Mike has established the Smoky Valley Arts & Folklife Center, a gallery and workshop at 114-1/2 South Main Street. Current exhibition and workshop information can be viewed on their website (www.smokyvalleyartsandfolklifecenter.org).

David Zumbaugh with his turkey. *Photo by Cody Waite*

The next several days found members fishing in the area waters, such as Kanapolis Lake. Unfortunately, even the liars couldn’t get many fish to the net. Others spent time trying to outsmart wily prairie turkeys, with only one put in the bag (by yours truly, with the help of guide Cody Waite). Calling from a high blind, other hunters observed many turkeys and deer, but were unable to get a close enough shot on a gobbler.

Highlighting the get-together was the lodging and hospitality offered by Stan Christiansen and his Kansas Trophy Whitetails operation, near Hudson, Kansas. Stan himself is an accomplished hunter and fisherman, having numerous world record animals from Africa and around the globe. Hunts for whitetail deer, bison, turkey, and other species are offered. Many Pope and Young, as well as Boone and Crockett-class, deer have been harvested on the lodge property (www.kansas-trophy-whitetails.com).

Central Kansas offers amenities that are attractive to all outdoor enthusiasts. Year-round hunting and fishing opportunities abound with much public land and water to explore. But birders, hikers, bikers, and paddlers can also find top-notch offers.

Trophy Room at Kansas Trophy Whitetails. *David Zumbaugh photo*

From birding hotspots like Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge to the miles of mountain bike and hiking trails at Wilson Lake, Kansas is a paradise for outdoor adventurers. Kanapolis and Wilson Lakes have great waters for paddleboarders, kayakers, and beachgoers.

Plan a visit to Kansas to satisfy your outdoor passions.

You will be glad you made the trip.

For more information, visit: https://www.lindsborgcity.org/visitor-information; https://ksoutdoors.com/; https://travelkansas.com; www.kansas-trophy-whitetails.com; www.smokyvalleyartsandfolklifecenter.org; www.smallworldgallery.net.

Discover Secrets of Landing Giant Summertime Crappie at Lake Eufaula!

Posted on May 29, 2024May 30, 2024 by Dave Barus

Summer Crappies are hungry, big, fight hard, and are tasty on the dinner table.
The key to finding summer crappie is using a hi-tech sonar process.
Minnows or jig tail baits work; there are secrets to working them for a strike.

Plastic jig tails fished on red jig heads was the hot ticket for one of our Lake Eufaula fishing trips. Some jigs resemble minnows, others appear as bottom creatures, still others as nymphs hatching from the lake bottom to escape to the surface. The retrieve sets the tone. Any and all, it’s food for crappie. Jigs work!

By Forrest Fisher

Get the fishing rods ready! Join us as we embark on an adrenaline-pumping adventure into the heart of Lake Eufaula, where monstrous crappie roam the depths, ready to put up a fierce fight. We share the thrilling tactics uncovered by seasoned anglers to hook up with limits of these behemoths. Learn how to outsmart these cunning creatures for the ultimate slab crappie conquest.

When the water warms up in the summertime, warmwater fish species seek the comfort of deeper water and shade – crappie included. In the Black Belt Region of Central Alabama at Lake Eufaula, the summertime crappie eat more and get bigger each day. They become tasty rod-benders!

From heart-pounding battles with rod-bending crappie to the tranquil beauty of the Alabama wilderness, a visit to Lake Eufaula is not just a fishing trip – it’s an expedition into the wild unknown. Get ready to witness eagles soaring overhead, encounter other majestic wildlife, and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Lake Eufaula and the beauty of nearby wilderness.

**Yours truly with a Lake Eufaula crappie; they are so wide and hefty, making for a great tussle at the boat and a tasty meal at the table. Imagine 30 of these in the live well.**

Also called Lake Walter F. George, Lake Eufaula is an impoundment on the Chattahoochee River, created in 1963 by the Army Corps of Engineers behind the lock and dam at Fort Gaines, Georgia. The reservoir is a primary fishery for anglers from near and far, forming the southern boundary between Georgia and Alabama. While fishermen frequently target bass and channel catfish here, the village of Eufaula is a visitor-friendly Alabama destination. Located west of Atlanta, Georgia, and south of Birmingham, Alabama, anglers meet here to find the biggest crappies in the country all year long. There is major bass tournament action-from Eufaula too. Hotels, motels, campgrounds, fish camps, great diners and restaurants, and many bait/tackle shops and taxidermy shops sweeten the surprise for visitors.

**Lake Eufaula fishing guide, Eddie Whitehead, with one more slab from the Eufaula deep near Lakepoint Resort State Park.**

In short, if it’s your first time here, it pays to rent a guide service. Experience the thrill of exploring 45,000 acres of open water, teeming with life, while enjoying the comfort of top-notch accommodations. We stayed in a cabin on the water at Lakepoint Resort State Park. Each morning and evening, I didn’t fight the adrenaline rush as we teamed up with expert guides who led us to the hottest fishing spots. They explained how they were using cutting-edge sonar technology (Humminbird Helix 12 and Mega-Live FFS) to pinpoint the elusive crappie lurking beneath the surface. We searched for fished in 8 to 28 feet depth of water.

Despite the popularity from the bass fishing tournaments that come here, I feel that this area in Alabama is something of a well-kept secret, as the number of boats on the water is minimal.

I can’t help but reminisce about our incredible adventure at Lakepoint Resort State Park! The 2-bedroom cabin was nothing short of amazing, equipped with all the comforts of home, air conditioned, and with a stunning view of the lake. Upon arrival, we were greeted by warm-hearted Jalissa Jones, Lakepoint Resort Hotel Administrator, who shared details, directions and fascinating stories about the State Park.

Our days were filled with thrilling fishing excursions led by legendary guides such as Tony Adams, Eddie Whitehead, and Mayor Jack Tibbs. These experts took us on a whirlwind tour of the lake, using their hi-speed boats, top-notch equipment, and expert knowledge to guide us to the best fishing spots. It was incredible to witness their use of advanced sonar technology to locate the perfect fishing spots. Their simple, yet effective, fishing techniques left us in awe.

GUIDE SERVICES: Tony Adams (334-695-3003) of “Gone Fishing with Tony Charters,” Eddie Whitehead (334-530-8878) of “Eufaula Lake Guide Services,” and Mayor Jack Tibbs (334-695-3765) of “Fishing with the Mayor” fishing services.”

**B’n’M Fishing rods for crappie range from 6 feet to 12 feet in length, most with a 100 series open-face spinning reel loaded with 6-pound test monofilament in chartreuse color.**

From the breathtaking views of the lake to pulse-pumping fishing expeditions, our time at Lakepoint Resort State Park was nothing short of extraordinary. It was an adventure that filled our hearts with excitement and left us with unforgettable memories.

In addition to using simple live minnows lipped hooked to a size 2 gold-plated Model 202 Eagle Claw hook with a split-shot a foot above, we used plastic-tailed jigs too. Using 1/32 to 1/16 ounce painted jig heads with a size 4 hook, these were also quite effective. In one area, I cast my jig about 20 feet from the bottom structure and let it slowly fall to the bottom and sit there for 10 or 15 seconds; then I ripped the jig up a foot or so swiftly and let it settle again, briefly, only a second or two. Then followed with a gentle lift of the rod to slide the jig slowly on the bottom, and many times (four times in a row in one case), a fish had sucked up the jig for a meal, and it was…Fish On! Fun times! Some of the jig-caught fish checked the scale at over 2 pounds.

Each of the charters costs $350 without tip, and let me tell you, that’s a bargain! They were worth every penny. The daily bag limit of crappie is 30 per person, and the guides usually toss back anything under 10 inches, and you

Fishing guide Tony Adams with a usual half-day crappie stringer of crappie, placed on a stringer for this picture. They usually go into the live well and into the cooler filled with ice in the truck. *Richard Simms photo*

often have a limit is less than 3 hours. These crappies are wide, chunky, and beautiful. The best part is that there are so many crappie here. I’m happy we fished with a guide to learn about presentation and gear and to share some incredible Southern jokes.

The warm Southern Hospitality and the friendly local people made the whole experience unforgettable. I can’t wait to return; it may be tomorrow!

About Eufaula, Alabama: Mayor Jack Tibbs, a fisherman and hunter, believes the town should be considered the “Fishing Lure Capital of the World.” The village is home to numerous fishing lure companies, including Strike Zone Lures, Manns Bait Company, Big Bite Baits, Southern Plastics, and others, and it is the home of Humminbird Electronics. Many say it should be called the “Bass Capital of the World” because of the number of world-class bass tournaments held here. The area is historic, with southern plantation-style homes along Main Street and adjoining areas. Visit https://www.eufaulachamber.com or call 1-800-524-7529 for information and a guidebook on the region. Learn more about fishing in the Alabama Black Belt region through the Alabama Black Belt Adventure Association.

A Man Called FISH

Posted on May 1, 2024May 1, 2024 by Dave Barus

As the sun reflects on the water, his wrinkled, arthritic hands struggle to tie on a crappie jig.
He smiles and thanks God for his last day on the water.
On Memorial Day, take time to thank God for those veterans who gave their lives so you can have the freedoms you have.

By Larry Whiteley

His name is Joe, but everyone who knows him calls him Fish. He is in his 90s and still goes crappie fishing as much as possible.

It is early on a Memorial Day morning. Not many others are out fishing yet. The sun rises once again over the forested hills surrounding the lake. Birds begin to sing. Crows are cawing. Deer are at the water’s edge for a drink. A turkey gobbles on a distant hill.

He still misses his wife and son, who are both in heaven now. He doesn’t see his kids and grandkids much; they are busy with their own lives. A younger crappie fishing buddy in his late 70s is with him. It is me. Most of the time, it is just Fish.

We sit in his dented, scratched, and patched 1960 aluminum boat. The 25-horsepower Evinrude outboard that he put on it all those years ago still runs and powers the boat. It has no LiveScope or any other modern technology. That boat is like family to him.

As the sun reflects on the water, his wrinkled, arthritic hands struggle to tie on a crappie jig. I offer to help. He says no. It takes him a little longer, but he gets it done. He still uses that same rod and reel his wife bought him long ago. He knows where the crappie will be. They have always been there. His first crappie of the day is clipped to his fish stringer and hung over the side of the boat. It is not long until he is putting another crappie on the stringer.

By 10 am, we both have our limit of crappie. Fish looks up and sees an eagle sitting on a limb watching him. He tells me it is there every time he goes fishing. He smiles and thanks God for his last day on the water. He also thanks me for coming with him. A tear runs down his cheek and mine. His doctor has told him his heart is getting weaker. He has, maybe, six more months to live.

He sits in his boat and tells me that if it is time to leave this world, he wishes it could be right there on the water rather than some hospital or nursing home. I assure him that I will be there to help him in any way I can.

He wanted to talk some more before we headed to the boat ramp. After all the years, he still wonders why he got to come back home from war when so many of his buddies did not. He has never talked much about what it was like fighting for all of us over there. No one knows what he saw. The blood. The wounds. The bodies. They do not hear the bombs, the bullets, or the screaming. It is all hidden. Another tear rolls down his cheek. He wipes it away and thanks me for listening. Then Fish starts the old motor for the last time.

When we get to his home and pull into his driveway, Fish stops to look at Old Glory proudly flying on a pole in his front yard. It is there every day, not just on Memorial Day. He only takes it down when there is bad weather or replaces it with a new one.

We clean the fish and fry a few of them for lunch. He tells me that you cannot beat fresh, fried crappie. The rest will go in the freezer with all the other crappie he has caught. He will share them with me and other friends from our church.

On Memorial Day afternoon, Fish put on his Army Veteran cap, and I put on my Navy Veteran cap. We go to the graves of his wife and son. He sits and talks to them both for an hour or two. I bow my head and listen. He tells them he loves and misses them. He also tells them that he will be joining them soon. I get a lump in my throat and try not to let him see the tears in my eyes.

We spend the rest of the afternoon at the local military cemetery. We are there to honor those who served and those who gave their lives for our country. Standing in front of the graves of those he knew, he salutes each one. Then he says thank you and God bless you. He wipes another tear from his eye. He looked at me and said it was his last time doing that. I assured him I would continue his tradition until the Good Lord calls me home to join him up there.

He smiles because he knows I will take his place and do the things he does to honor our veterans on Memorial Day. He wonders how long it will take people to thank Veterans for serving when they see them wearing their Veterans Branch of Service cap. He asked me to speak at his funeral. I agreed to do that. He wonders if anyone will come to his grave but me on Memorial Day. I told him I would be there talking to him. I know he will be listening.

Thomas M. Smith once said, “This country has not seen and probably will never know the true sacrifice of our veterans. We all owe an unpayable debt to all our military. In the future, let us not send our servicemen and women off to war or conflict zones unless it is overwhelmingly justifiable and on moral high ground. The men and women of WWII were the Greatest Generation, Korea veterans the Forgotten Generation, Vietnam veterans the Hated Generation, Cold War veterans the Unsung Generation, and Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan veterans the Underestimated Generation. Every generation has proved itself worthy of standing up to the precedent of the Greatest Generation. Since the American Revolution, American military men and women have been the best in the world. Let us all take the time to remember all veterans who served or are serving, peacetime or wartime, gone or still with us. May God Bless America and all veterans.”

I agree with every word Mr. Smith said.

What will you be doing on Memorial Weekend?

Will you be fishing, camping, playing in the water, or enjoying a backyard cookout? I ask you to please take time to honor the men and women who served or are serving. Take time to thank God for those who gave their lives so you can have the freedoms you have.

Pray for those who fought for us, got to come home, and still remember it all in the recesses of their minds—men like my fishing buddy, who just went on his last fishing trip. A man called Fish.

Lake Istokpoga, Florida – Lake of Trophy Bass & Crappie

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Forrest Fisher

Lake Istokpoga fish report, Jan-Mar 2020:

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, bluegill (bream) and redear sunfish (shellcrackers) fishing has slowed, but fish can still be caught while fishing for black crappie (specks).

Specks (crappie) will be turning on with the cooler water temperatures in these next few months. Drift live Missouri minnows and grass shrimp in open water, or troll with Napier deer hair jigs and Hal flies for schooling fish. Find areas with sandy bottoms around bulrush and cattails, and fish a grass shrimp under a cork for spawning fish. Henderson’s Cove and the north end of the lake usually produces good numbers of specks on the outside edge of the pads and grasses near deeper water.

Lake Istokpoga is one of the best lakes in the state at a chance to get your hands on a fish of a lifetime.

As of November 2019, there have been a whopping 527 TrophyCatch submissions of bass larger than 8 pounds since the program was launched in October 2012!

A total of 441 fish have been entered into the Lunker Club (8-9.99 lb.), 84 into Trophy Club (10-12.99 lb.), and 2 into the Hall of Fame Club (13 pounds or more).

TrophyCatch Tracker – TrophyCatch is FWC’s citizen-science program that rewards anglers for documenting and releasing trophy bass 8 pounds or larger.

Remember, as part of the TrophyCatch program, these big bass have been released, so your trophy still swims in Lake Istokpoga. Largemouth Bass have also been tagged by Biologists on the lake. If you catch a tagged fish, remember to remove the tag and call the number provided. You will need it to collect your $100 reward!

Largemouth bass fishing can be tough during the early months of winter, with cold fronts slowing the fishing on a regular basis. Slow working baits like plastic worms in Junebug and red shad colors and suspending jerkbaits in shad colors can be beneficial during these colder months. Just remember, you must have patience while working these baits.

Live wild shiners typically produce better than artificial baits during this time of year.

Bass will begin to spawn in late January and will be moving into areas in and around bulrush (buggy whips) on the northern shoreline and the submerged vegetation in the channels south of Big Island and Bumblebee Island. Flipping these areas with soft plastics, weightless speed worms, and swimbaits will be the best bet during the spawning season. Fishing for bass between the cold fronts can be very productive.

Use caution when the wind blows on this shallow lake, it can get rough in a hurry! Tight lines!

More details about Lake Istopoga:

Highlands County

Istokpoga

Located five miles northeast of Lake Placid, Highlands County, this 27,692-acre lake has quality fishing for black crappie (specks) and one of the highest largemouth bass catch rates in the state. The best speck fishing occurs during winter months drifting over open water, particularly in the northeast and southwest corners. Predominant aquatic vegetation includes spatterdock (bonnets), bulrush (buggy whips), cattail, and pondweed (peppergrass). Kissimmee grass on the south end is particularly productive when there is flow into the Istokpoga Canal. This canal, located off County Highway 621, provides excellent largemouth bass fishing from the bank when the gates are open. Arbuckle and Josephine Creek mouths are also good areas when there is flow. The island areas and associated grass can hold bass any time of year and the deepest portion of the lake (10 ft) is in the southwest corner. Public boat ramps are located on the north, northeast, and southwest shorelines off of U.S. Route 98, Lake Boulevard off Cow House Road, and Highland Lake Drive off of County Route 621, respectively. There are also six fish camps/resorts on the lake with various accommodations. Anglers can wade fish off of the Cow House Road boat ramp.

For more information contact Henderson’s Fish Camp at 863-465-2101, or Cypress Isle RV Park & Marina at 863-465-5241.

Popular Species

Popular Sport Fish Species Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.

More species information is available for:

Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Black crappie

TrophyCatch Tracker

TrophyCatch is FWC’s citizen-science program that rewards anglers for documenting and releasing trophy bass 8 pounds or larger. The following TrophyCatch bass have been submitted from Lake Istokpoga:

Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 441

Trophy Club (10 – 12.9 pounds): 84

Hall of Fame (13+ pounds): 2

Catch More CRAPPIES thru the ICE, Plankton is the Key!

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Shared from Target Walleye/Ice

Crappies follow plankton, What To Do.
Who needs a road pass…Bro’s plastic mods

**Understanding the story of finding slab crappie in winter is explained here.**

Hitting that magical window where crappies and zooplankton collide can produce some seriously impressive results. It’s all about finessing your way onto their dinner plate, on their schedule. Full tip on Full tip on TargetWalleye.com, few excerpts:

> Deepwater crappies can often be found following the vertical migration of zooplankton. Typically we think of the ‘magic hour’ as being sunrise or sunset, but that sunrise can be as much as an hour later under the ice (and sunset an hour earlier) thanks to the lack of light penetration.

> Increased light levels in the morning trigger zooplankton to vacate areas higher in the water column and slide back towards bottom. It’s a similar situation towards evening.

> Maybe you’ve noticed the bottom ‘lighting up’ on your flasher near dusk? Zooplankton will begin to rise off bottom as the light levels drop, and they feed on microscopic plant-like organisms called phytoplankton.

> Mud basins in the 22-34′ range are where the magic happens.

> Aside from fishing super-clear or heavily-pressured lakes, this is another time I feel fluorocarbon plays a big role. Not only does Sufix Invisiline Fluoro actually sink, but it drops 4x more quickly than mono.

> For me it’s not so much about the bait’s drop speed as it is to help keep the line tight using light jigs in deep water.

Ultra-finesse tungsten jigs are key for these filter-feeding crappies. Baits like VMC Tungsten Fly Jigs, or Jeffs Jigs and Flies Tungsten Shrimp and Zoo Bugs have that perfect compact profile yet are still fishable in deeper water.

**Tiny jigs and assorted ultra-finesse freshwater filter-feeder creature critters add to the mix of being prepared when you look for winter crappie giants.**

Basic colors such as straight glow, white and occasionally black work great as zooplankton are virtually translucent. Working the lure fairly aggressively will help to call fish in, but use subtle — almost quivering — jigging movements to seal the deal.

Of course, if those deep fish are aggressive and “flying up” to intercept your baits, you can throw on a 4-5mm tungsten jig or a jigging spoon instead and light ’em up FAST.

Catching Crappie on the Original Road Runner – PART 1

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

“We just wanted a lure that would catch fish.”
Spinner beneath Horsehead-Type Jig is MOST EFFECTIVE
No Line Tangles, No Missed Strikes
Fish it SLOW…’Nuff Said!

By Keith Sutton

**Author, Keith Sutton, with a nice crappie.**

That’s how the late Bert Hall described the rationale behind his Road Runner lure. He designed it in 1958, but rather than target only bass, trout or panfish, he wanted a generalist lure that would attract almost any fish.

That’s exactly what Hall produced. A Road Runner slowly retrieved on light line will draw strikes from black bass, white bass, crappie, bluegills, sauger, walleyes, trout, stripers—you name it. Anything that eats minnows or insects is likely to nab it. It’s my guess, however, that the Blakemore Road Runner is more popular with crappie anglers than other types of fishermen because it can be used so many ways to catch America’s favorite panfish.

The Road Runner is unique among spinner-type lures because the spinner is beneath a horsehead-type lead where it’s more easily seen by fish striking from the side or below. The blade rarely tangles with your fishing line like “safety pin” spinners, nor does it interfere with hook-ups.

Several body styles are available (Bubble Belly, Marabou, Curly Tail, Turbo Tail, Buck Tail and Crappie Thunder) and two blade styles (Colorado and willow) in sizes from 1/32 to 1 ounce and every color of the rainbow.

Bert Hall, the Missouri Ozarks stream fisherman who invented the little spinner, also crafted the wise slogan that, “You can’t fish a Road Runner wrong as long as you fish it slow.” In many cases, slow is best, but crappie anglers shouldn’t be buttonholed into fishing the Road Runner just one way. Depending on water conditions and the mood of the fish, this fabulous, famous, fishing-catching lure can be fished slow or fast, deep or shallow, vertically or horizontally.

The simplest method, perhaps, is just casting the lure and reeling it in at a snail’s pace—just fast enough so the blade turns. You also can drop a Road Runner beneath your boat and fish different depths with little hops and twitches that will get a big slab’s attention.

To look over the Road Runner selection of colors and weight options, visit: http://www.ttiblakemore.com/product-category/road-runner/.

For some of the best action, however, you might want to add some variations to your Road Runner repertoire. The techniques described in Part 2 of this Road Runner fishing lure series are tried and proven.

They’re sure to give you an edge next time you want a mess of crappie for the deep fryer.

(Editor’s Note: Keith Sutton is the author of “The Crappie Book: Basics and Beyond.” To order an autographed copy, send a check or money order for $19.45 to C & C Outdoor Productions, 15601 Mountain Dr., Alexander, AR 72002. For credit card and PayPal orders, visit www.catfishsutton.com.)

A GREAT FISH STORY

Posted on April 30, 2021February 23, 2024 by Larry Whiteley

Stockton Lake white crappie are large, plentiful, fun to catch and tasty!

Answering the Call
Learning about Life, Love, Fishermen and Jesus
Stone Creek Lodge, Stockton Lake…a Place to Visit
Great Fishing Trips, Vacation Fun…Creating a Legacy and Passion for Sharing

By Larry Whiteley

As a young man Kris Nelson loved to go fishing every chance he had. He fished in all the lakes and streams of southwest Missouri near his hometown of Willard. While other young men were playing sports or doing things they shouldn’t, Kris was fishing.

When he graduated from high school he worked and saved his money, then got into buying houses, fixing them up and selling them for a profit. His success gave him the time and money to go fishing.

In 2008, when the housing market went bust, Kris lost virtually everything and had to go out and find a job. Through it all though he still found a way to go do what he loved. Fishing helped him through the tough times.

While working at a factory job in Springfield, a friend told him, “Kris, what are you doing here? This is not for you. Your heart is in fishing.” Not long after, he found out about a job in Florida as a fishing guide, so he sold his boat and off he went to follow his dream.

In 2011 after a few years of guiding and even being captain of a charter fishing boat, Kris decided it was time to go back home to the Missouri Ozarks.

**Stockton Lake walleye can be elusive, but Kris Nelson (guide) says, “There are ways to find them!”**

Shortly after getting back from Florida he was fly fishing for trout below the dam on Lake Taneycomo and having great success, when another fisherman who wasn’t having the same success came up to him. He wanted to know if he would show him how he was catching them. Kris patiently helped and then smiled as the man started reeling in fish.

**Crappie fishing is prime time fishing fun at Stone Creek Lodge.**

It turned out the man was in Branson with some friends and he asked Kris if he would guide him and his buddy’s the next day, and they would pay him. Since he needed the money, Kris agreed, but he didn’t have a boat, so he rented one from Lilley’s Landing and Resort. The day was a success and the fishermen were happy.

That got Kris to thinking that maybe there were other fishermen willing to pay him for guiding them on Lake Taneycomo. Unable to afford a boat to guide, a good friend named Justin Hayden loaned him his boat and Kris’s guide business was off and running.

He eventually saved enough money to buy his own boat and began expanding his guiding business to Stockton Lake and Pomme de Terre Lake, as well as Lake Taneycomo. He called his business, “Tandem Fly Outfitters.”

About that time, another very special thing happened in Kris’s life. His cousin set him up on a blind date with a beautiful girl named Amanda and he was totally hooked.

Another chapter in the life of Kris and Amanda began in 2017. He was doing so many guide trips on Stockton, he started renting a room at Stone Creek Lodge. That way, he wouldn’t have to drive back and forth to Branson each day. The owner of the lodge had noticed how Kris’s guide business was thriving and approached him about buying the lodge.

Amanda had to drive back and forth a lot so she could be with Kris when he wasn’t guiding, so the two talked it over and decided to take a big step and buy it. To make it all even more special, three days after writing up a contract on the lodge, they found out Amanda was pregnant and they are now the proud parents of a pretty girl named Lilly.

Today you will find Amanda and Lilly running the lodge, snack shop and tackle store, while Kris is out on the water making sure their customers are having a good time and catching lots of fish. When the day’s work is done, you will usually find Kris walking around their property with one arm around Amanda, holding Lilly in his other arm and smiling.

I have fished both Taneycomo and Pomme de Terre with this young man and, to be honest with you, I have been with guides all over the U.S. and Canada, but I have never had a better fishing guide. He is knowledgeable and wise far beyond his age. You will catch fish and you will catch a lot of them. I would not hesitate in recommending Kris Nelson to anyone wanting to experience a great fishing trip.

God has been good to Kris Nelson and, in his wonderful Ozarks accent, he is quick to give Him all the credit and praise for what has happened in his life. I would just bet his favorite bible verse is Matthew 4:19. Look it up and you will understand what I mean.

After reading this, I think you will probably agree that the amazing life of Kris Nelson, his family and their business, all makes this a really great fish story.

To book a trip with Kris go to his Facebook page @Tandem Fly Outfitters or call the lodge at 417-276-1700.