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
| 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
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
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
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 |
| 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 |
| 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) |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
STREAMS & RIVERS
River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.
