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Cold Weather Camping Checklist for the Midwest
Short answer: cold weather camping in the Midwest comes down to three things. Insulation under you, layers you can add and take off, and a plan for campgrounds that have turned off their water. Start with a high R value pad, pack a warm hat and dry layers, carry your own drinking water, and check ea...
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John Dent
October 20th, 2026
 
Midwest Fall Color Campgrounds: Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas and Arkansas
Short answer: for fall color camping in the Midwest, look at Cuivre River and Harry S Truman state parks in Missouri, Pikes Peak and Palisades-Kepler in Iowa, Starved Rock in Illinois, Fall River in Kansas, and Petit Jean, Mount Magazine and the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. One catch: late Oc...
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John Dent
October 20th, 2026
 
Midwest Panfish Guide: Fall Crappie and Bluegill Tips from State Agencies
Short answer: Fall is one of the two best times of year for crappie. Iowa DNR says crappies are most vulnerable during spring spawning and autumn, when they move back toward shallower water after a summer spent at 8 to 25 feet (Iowa DNR). Fish small minnows or 1/80 to 1/16 ounce jigs slowly over bru...
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John Dent
October 17th, 2026
 
Missouri Trout Parks Guide: Roaring River, Bennett Spring, Montauk and Maramec Spring
Short answer: Missouri has four trout parks: Roaring River, Bennett Spring and Montauk state parks, plus Maramec Spring Park near St. James. From March 1 through October 31, 2026, they are stocked daily and open for catch and keep fishing. You need a Missouri fishing permit plus a daily trout tag, t...
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John Dent
October 16th, 2026
 
Best Missouri Float Streams for Smallmouth Bass: Stream-by-Stream Guide
The short answer: For big smallmouth, float the James River or the Big Piney. For scenery and steady action, float the Current, Jacks Fork or upper Eleven Point. Closer to St. Louis, the Meramec and its Huzzah and Courtois creeks are good bets, and the Gasconade fishes well even in winter. Bring a 6...
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October 14th, 2026
 
Best Fishing Gear for Kansas Reservoirs: Lake-by-Lake Guide
The short answer: For crappie, go to Melvern, Hillsdale or Perry. For walleye, Perry is the top pick, with El Dorado and Hillsdale close behind. For wipers, try Clinton or Milford, and for catfish, Hillsdale, Perry, Cheney and Tuttle Creek. A medium spinning combo, a heavier catfish rod and a tackle...
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October 13th, 2026
 
Lake of the Ozarks Crappie Fishing Guide: Seasons, Spots and Gear
The short answer: Lake of the Ozarks crappie bite best in spring and fall. Fish creek channels in the bays early in spring, brush piles on or near points in late spring and fall, and go deeper around docks and brush in summer and winter. Small jigs from 1/32 to 1/8 ounce and live minnows are the bai...
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John Dent
October 13th, 2026
 
Best Fishing Gear for Missouri Lakes: Lake-by-Lake Guide
Short answer: For most Missouri lakes, start with a 6 ft 6 in medium spinning combo, 8 to 10 lb line, a box of soft plastics, jigs, a crankbait and a spinnerbait, plus pliers and a valid Missouri fishing permit. Add a light rod for crappie and a heavy 7 to 8 ft rod if you want catfish. Clear Ozark l...
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John Dent
October 13th, 2026
 
Missouri Float-Trip Packing List (Printable Checklist)
Short answer: For a Missouri float trip, wear a buckled life jacket and shoes that strap on. Pack sun protection, more water than you think, a roll-top dry bag for anything that has to stay dry, a small first aid kit and a trash bag, and clip it all in. Overnight floats add a compact tent, a sleepin...
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John Dent
October 11th, 2026
 
Carbon Fiber Baitcasting Combo: Midwest Bank & Lake Bass Setup
A carbon fiber baitcasting combo is a matched baitcast rod and reel — often with an IM7 carbon blank — built for Saturday bass from a Missouri park bank, farm pond, or calm cove. From Excelsior Springs we pack one adult rod for fifth-wheel weekends, not a trailer full of sticks. This guide trans...
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John Dent
September 21st, 2026
Kansas State Park Camping: Reservoirs, Prairie Wind, and a Short Drive West
Kansas State Park Camping: Reservoirs, Prairie Wind, and a Short Drive West
Kansas state park camping is a wind-and-water weekend: big reservoirs, Flint Hills grass, and wide sky, several of them closer to Kansas City than a good Ozark Friday. You need a vehicle entrance permit and a camping permit, booked through CampItKS.gov or ReserveAmerica. Bring better stakes for open...
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John Dent
September 18th, 2026
Camping in Iowa State Parks: A Midwest Weekend From Missouri
Camping in Iowa State Parks: A Midwest Weekend From Missouri
Iowa state parks make a good next-ring weekend from Missouri: glacial lakes, limestone bluffs, and short hiking loops a Friday drive away. As of the 2026 season, all regular state-park campsites are reservable online or by phone, and most open only three months before arrival, so set a booking remin...
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John Dent
September 18th, 2026

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