FISHING IN MISSOURI

Whether you've been fishing for decades or you are just learning to cast a line, wonderful opportunities for a spectacular fishing getaway are found throughout Missouri. Their rivers, lakes and streams abound with countless species of fish and some of the nation's best catfish fishing is found in Missouri. Beautiful spring weather brings the perfect temperatures for a peaceful day on the water.



FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU






TOP FISHING SPOTS IN MISSOURI

TABLE ROCK STATE PARK

Camping areas allow easy access to the lake and a marina rents different types of boats. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie and bluegill.

SIOUX PASSAGE PARK

A well-known place to fish and boat on the Missouri River. Whether from shore or by boat, anglers can cast a line for catfish, carp, and drum.

LAKE OF THE OZARKS

The Lake of the Ozarks is one of Missouri's premier fishing destinations. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including bass, crappie, walleye, bluegill and catfish.


GET A MISSOURI FISHING LICENSE




COMMON CATCHES IN MISSOURI



LARGEMOUTH BASS

LARGEMOUTH BASS

FIND WHERE TO CATCH


The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish.

GEAR TO USE
Rod 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod
Reel Spinning reel
Line 8-pound test monofilament fishing line
Lure Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits


BLUE CATFISH

BLUE CATFISH

FIND WHERE TO CATCH

This is the largest catfish of the family Ictaluridae, reported to grow to 120 lb. (54 kg).

GEAR TO USE
Rod 6-7-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod
Reel Spinning reel
Line 14-pound or stronger abrasion-resistant monofilament line
Lure Terminal tackle (circle or bait hooks, treble hooks, egg sinkers), live worms or minnows, cut-bait


COMMON CARP

COMMON CARP

FIND WHERE TO CATCH


The common carp is able to tolerate many conditions and bottom types, making it an ideal species for pond culture.

GEAR TO USE
Rod 9-12 foot medium action spinning rod
Reel 40's, 50's, or 60's spinning reel
Line 20-30 pound test superbraid line in water with light rocks, 50-65 pound monofilament or superbraid line in rocky waters
Lure #4 Sized Hook, Sweet Corn, Small Plastic Grub or Worm


RAINBOW TROUT

RAINBOW TROUT

FIND WHERE TO CATCH


The rainbow trout is an extremely valuable species in any and all of its forms.

GEAR TO USE
Rod Light (2-8 lbs) spinning rod
Reel 1500 spinning reel
Line 2-4 pound test fishing line
Lure Deli Shrimp, Dew Worm, Krill, Marshmellow, Single Salmon Egg, Artificial Baits


PADDLEFISH

PADDLEFISH

FIND WHERE TO CATCH

Paddlefish are one of the largest freshwater fish in North America

GEAR TO USE
Rod 6-7 foot, medium-action snagging rods
Reel Baitcasting reel
Line 108-pound snagging braid fishing line, Weights from 6 to 10 ounces
Lure 10/0 treble hook


BLACK CRAPPIE

BLACK CRAPPIE

FIND WHERE TO CATCH

Crappies are members of the sunfish and the black bass family.

GEAR TO USE
Rod Ultralight spinning or spincast combos
Reel Spinning reel
Line 4-10 pound test monofilament fishing line
Lure Fishing Hooks, Jigs (various colors and weights), Spoons, Mini-Crankbaits (use bobbers or floats as well)

TYPES OF FISHING IN MISSOURI



lakes and ponds

LAKES & PONDS

Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.



streams and rivers

STREAMS & RIVERS

River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.

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