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So I have not fished Smithville Lake for a very long time. Use to fish it all the time but just now getting back into some fishing (bought a boat) and wondering about what I have to do to get on the lake again. Coming from Kansas and taking my Dad and nephews out. Looks like $17 for vehicle and boat access for the day. Do I just pay at the ramp? Will be getting there pretty early in the morning so curious how that all works. TIA!
There are four (4) nice concrete ramps with docks and parking. These all cost $17 to launch if you don't have a season pass. At busy times of the week/year those ramps are staffed and they'll take your $. The rest of the time, it is on the honor system, but Clay County practices the "Trust But Verify" policy. You do the envelope with the $ and a window hanger for the vehicle and if you're caught without a day or season window hanger, you get ticketed/fined.
Thanks Joedog! Was hoping self-pay was an option. Looking forward to getting my family out on the lake!
Forgot to ask - best place to get minnows?
Depends on where you're coming from and where you're launching, but here are some options:
Captain's Corner in Paradise, MO -- typically opens at 7am (a little later on Sundays)
Burton's Bait and Tackle in Smithville, MO -- typically opens at 7:30am (a little earlier on Saturdays)
Ectonville's On Your Way in Ectonville, MO -- typically opens at 6:30am (but something must've changed cuz it used to be 5am)
Roger's Sporting Goods in Liberty, MO -- typically opens at 9am ('cept on Sundays and Mondays, which is noon. Course, they didn't used to be open on Sundays at all, so....)
Camp Branch Marina at Smithville Lake -- opens at 7am every day of the week except holidays
Good luck!
Burton's and Roger's both have shiners, which I prefer myself. Paradise and Camp Branch usually have fathead minnows, they don't stay alive very long especially when it is hot and are like holding on to bars of soap putting them on the hook. Haven't bought minners at Ectonville for awhile so don't know what they have. Glow/chart. nibbles help the minner bite, good luck.