Guide to Fishing at Truman Lake
Tips from a Veteran Guide in the Sterett Creek Area
Crappie fishing at Truman Lake isn’t just about luck—it’s about knowing the land beneath the water. For seasoned guide Steve Blake, that knowledge runs deep. Fishing from Sterett Creek Marina since 1984, Blake has spent decades learning the subtle contours, structures, and seasonal patterns that make this area one of Missouri’s most productive crappie hotspots.
Why Truman Lake?
Truman Lake is known for its abundance of crappie, particularly in the Sterett Creek arm. After the spawn, crappies head for the main-lake flats and stay there well into the fall. Blake fishes these waters through the summer and early fall, often pulling in dozens of quality fish in just a few hours.
Targeting Crappies on Main-Lake Flats
Successful crappie fishing here means finding submerged cover—stumps, humps, drop-offs, or old roadbeds—in water 10 to 15 feet deep. Blake uses boat electronics to mark these structures, but his decades of experience mean he usually knows exactly where to go.
A typical setup includes:
- A 9-foot rod
- 8–10 lb. test Berkley Big Game line
- A No. 2 hook with a 3/8 oz. pinch-on weight
- Live minnows, fished vertically
The key is to drop the bait just above the brush piles, where crappies tend to suspend.
How to Work the Area
Once Blake finds a productive zone, he stays patient, working the brush slowly. If the bite slows down, he simply moves to the next structure. Some days yield up to 100 crappies, with plenty of keepers for a fish fry. Even better, Blake’s success isn’t limited to one spot—his techniques can be applied across all arms of the lake.
Year-Round Guide, Old-School Wisdom
Blake is a full-time guide and knows these waters as well as anyone. At 66, he still guides out of the same marina and says he has no plans to stop. His routine, experience, and personal history with the area combine into the kind of local insight that turns average outings into great ones.
Takeaway
With its submerged structure, historical significance, and thriving crappie population, Truman Lake—especially the Sterett Creek arm—is a top destination for consistent, year-round fishing. Mastering the flats, knowing the cover, and staying patient can lead to days with dozens of catches.
