Low river levels make for near perfect fishing - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

Low river levels make for near perfect fishing

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Crystal Britt - bio | email
Crystal and her prize catfish. Crystal and her prize catfish.
Devore is a real pro, and even reeled in a 101 pound whopper a couple of years ago. Devore is a real pro, and even reeled in a 101 pound whopper a couple of years ago.

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NEW MADRID, MO (KFVS) -

There is certainly nothing funny about our current drought situation, but there are a few sunny sides to the low river levels.

One of them being near perfect fishing conditions, especially if you are hoping to reel in the big one.

Crystal Britt went fishing on the Mississippi River on Friday, and has a fish tale she'll likely be talking about for quite some time.

Early in the morning in New Madrid, Crystal met up with a Dexter man who is hooked on catfish.

Russ Devore can't think of a place he'd rather be.

"The river's by far the best place to fish," said Devore. 

He is a real pro, and even reeled in a 101 pound whopper a couple of years ago.

The Mississippi River looks a lot different these days.

"Normally it would be a lot deeper," said Devore. 

Water levels are extremely low, and according to the Corps of Engineers could go even lower if we don't see any significant rainfall.

"We're starting to see the fish group together, and the bigger fish are mixed in with them," said Devore. 

It's making for some excellent fishing, and many say the bigger ones are a bit more accessible.

Crystal's first time fishing on the Mississippi River was a huge success. She reeled in a 20 pound blue catfish only about 10 minutes after throwing out the first cast.

"I don't know how big of a fish you thought you were going to catch today, but right there is a big beautiful blue cat," said Devore.

The next fish Crystal reeled in weighed in at 36 pounds.

It was quite a morning on the river as Crystal Britt and photographer John Morgan continued to bring in catfish.

It's a real treat for guys like Russ.

"I wish I could be out here everyday, unfortunately I do have to work once in awhile," said Devore. 

He and other local fishermen plan to take advantage of the good fishing as often as they can.

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