Camp Creek in Henry County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Camp Creek lies within the bounds of Henry County, Missouri. The land about it is mixed woodland. Start from Appleton City, 9 miles down the road. Clinton is 10 miles away, with Butler at 21 miles. If this one is busy: Appleton City Lake lies 11 miles on, Kerns Lake after 12 miles, Number 106 Lake lies 18 miles on, Collins Lake after 18 miles and Number 111 Lake lies 20 miles on. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Camp Creek

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The outside of each bend cuts deepest and holds the better fish. The head and tail of a pool beat the body of it. Open biodiversity records for Henry County list green sunfish, channel catfish, black bullhead, orangethroat darter and bluegill. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. On Camp Creek that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 79°F in July and bottom out at 28°F in January. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Camp Creek.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. The nearest mapped parking is 0.9 miles away, so the last stretch is on foot. Montrose Conservation Area runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Appleton City Lake, 11 miles away. Rules at Camp Creek are worth checking on the day.