Driving directions: From Sweet Springs at I-70, go north one mile on Highway 127, then east 6.5 miles on Route ZZ. Blind Pony Lake (195 acres) is the water supply for the Missouri Department of Conservation's Blind Pony Hatchery. Blind Pony Lake is located on Pony Creek in a prairie region between Marshall and Sweet Springs. There are several regulations in place that will lessen the chances of an accidental introduction of zebra mussels into Blind Pony Lake. Zebra mussels are an invasive species that have caused numerous problems in other states and would be very disruptive for the hatchery if the species were introduced into Blind Pony Lake. Private boats are prohibited on Blind Pony Lake Conservation Area; boats and oars for use on Blind Pony Lake are provided free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Boaters may use their own electric trolling motors. Boater will be required to supply their own floatation devices. In addition, bait transported or held in containers with water is prohibited on the area.
Annual Prospects Report
Largemouth bass fishing should be good. Try fishing near felled trees, riprap embankments, and brush piles. Crappie fishing will be good. Most of the fish will be around 8-10 inches, however, it is not uncommon to catch a few in the 12-14" range. The best way to catch them is fishing tube jigs under a bobber anywhere from the bank in April and Early May. During summer months, try fishing around submerged trees further out in the lake, and closer to the bank again when temperatures begin to cool in the fall. Jigging with lightweight tackle in the deeper parts of the lake is an effective method during the winter and early spring months. The bite is nearly imperceptible, so light gear is necessary. Bluegill can be caught all year with worms or small jigs and should be very good. Sampling data showed numerous fish in the 6-8" range. Redear sunfish fishing should be fair. Most of the fish will be around 9 inches with some over 10 inches. Fishing for channel catfish should be good, using prepared baits at the jetties and fishing dock. The channel catfish population is maintained by regular stocking by the Department of Conservation. Blue catfish populations and size are improving and fishing for them should be fair. MDC has maintained annual stockings of blue catfish since 2019. They can be caught on prepared catfish baits, cut bait, or live sunfish. It is prohibited to have bait held in containers of water on Blind Pony Lake Conservation Area, therefore, any live bait will need to be caught from Blind Pony Lake using pole and line methods for immediate use. This regulation is to prevent unwanted aquatic organisms from entering the hatchery water source.
There are several regulations in place that will lessen the chances of an accidental introduction of zebra mussels into Blind Pony Lake. Zebra mussels are an invasive species that have caused numerous problems in other states and would be very disruptive for the hatchery if they were introduced into Blind Pony Lake. Private boats are prohibited on this lake; boats and oars for use on the lake are provided free of charge on a first come, first served basis, and anglers may use their own electric trolling motors on MDC boats. Anglers will be required to supply their own flotation devices. As mentioned above, bait transported or held in containers with water is also prohibited.
Blind Pony Lake (195 acres) is the water supply for the Missouri Department of Conservation's Blind Pony Hatchery. Blind Pony Lake is located on Pony Creek in a prairie region between Marshall and Sweet Springs. To get to the lake from I-70 Exit 66 (Sweet Springs), go north on MO-127 for 0.8 miles, then go northeast (right) on MO-ZZ. Proceed 5.7 miles to the conservation area.
