Crappie – MDC predicts a good year for white crappie with many fish in the 9-11 inch ranage. A good number should be over 13 inches. In the spring, anglers should target crappie in shallow areas around brush piles or on shallow flats. In the fall and winter crappie will be found cruising large flats adjacent to the old St. Francis River channel.
Bass Fishing – Largemouth bass angling should be good and similar to recent years. Most of the bass will be 10″ – 15″, with good numbers up to 20″, and an occasional larger bass. There is no size limit for black bass, and anglers are encouraged to harvest ALL bass less than or equal to 11 inches, up to the daily limit of six. Anglers should target largemouth bass in the spring in shallow areas along rocky banks and in shallow water around structure in the summer.
Catfishing – Channel catfish are common, especially along the dam. Flathead catfish are commonly caught on trotlines or jugs.
History of Lake Wappapello
The area and community was founded in 1884 and named for a Native American chieftain. Nearby is Historic Greenville, a town that was relocated when the lake was filled. Because of its archaeological and historic significance, the old town of Greenville has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since March of 1990.
