Missouri Fishing Lakes
Lake-by-lake species, seasonal bite, boat access, and regulations for the biggest fishing lakes in Missouri.
Bull Shoals Lake
Clearwater Lake
Fellows Lake
Lake Jacomo
Long Branch Lake
Mark Twain Lake
Lake of the Ozarks
Pomme de Terre Lake
Smithville Lake
Stockton Lake
Table Rock Lake
Lake Taneycomo
Thomas Hill Reservoir
Truman Lake
Lake Wappapello
More Missouri lakes
Tap a lake to open its guide: species, boat launches, bait shops, and size and creel limits.
Clearwater LakeReynolds / Wayne · 1,630 acres
Clearwater Lake
Clearwater Lake is a 1,630-acre Corps of Engineers flood-control reservoir on the Black River near Piedmont, impounded by a dam completed in 1948. It has clear water, five Corps recreation areas, and several marinas.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
Quality size structure; 19% over 15 in in 2024 survey; no length limit
Spotted Bass
Less abundant than largemouth; fish over 14 in present
Crappie
White crappie: about 72% over 10 in in survey; body condition concern
White Bass
1-3 lb fish; best in spring Black River runs above Bluff View
Channel Catfish
Abundant throughout lake
Flathead Catfish
Low numbers; occasional 40 lb catches reported
Bluegill
Healthy population
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Piedmont Park (Corps)PublicRamps, marina, fishing facilitiesDirections ↗
- Webb Creek (Corps)PublicRamps, marina, fishingDirections ↗
- Bluff View (Corps)PublicRamps and fishing docks; seasonal closureDirections ↗
- Highway K Park (Corps)PublicRamps; seasonal closureDirections ↗
- River Road Park (Corps)PublicRamps, marina, fishing, campingDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee MDC or the lake manager's website for all rampsDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Clearwater Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Missouri Department of Conservation ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Bluff View MarinaNearbyPiedmont, MO(573) 223-4849Directions ↗
- Clearwater MarinaNearbyPiedmont, MO(573) 223-7224Directions ↗
- Webb Creek MarinaNearbyClearwater Lake, Piedmont, MO573-461-2344Directions ↗
Local tips
- Target flooded shoreline brush when the lake is raised
- Crappie: minnows and jigs; white bass: spoons
- Lake level can rise rapidly after heavy rain; check conditions
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Fellows LakeGreene · 860 acres
Fellows Lake
Fellows Lake is an 860-acre Springfield City Utilities reservoir in Greene County with 27 miles of shoreline. It is managed for muskellunge and walleye, has a 40 hp motor limit, and requires a boat permit.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Muskellunge
Good 2026 outlook; 44% of 2025 sample over 36 in minimum
Walleye
Good outlook; 32% over 20 in in spring survey
Largemouth Bass
Good outlook; 12-15 in protected slot
Crappie
Fair 2026 outlook; black and white crappie
Channel Catfish
Stocked annually
Bluegill
Fair bluegill fishing
White Bass
Present
Boat launches
4 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Fellows Lake public boat launchPublicBoat permit required (sold at bait shop); 40 hp limitDirections ↗
- ADA fishing dockPublicCloses during low water (MDC)Directions ↗
- Fellows Lake marina (Dock 66)PublicRentals of motorboats, canoes, kayaksDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee MDC or the lake manager's website for all rampsDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Fellows Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Missouri Department of Conservation ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Fellows Lake Store / Dock 66Nearby4200 E Farm Road 66, Springfield, MO 65803(417) 840-2965Directions ↗
Local tips
- Muskie fishing is best in fall and early spring below 70F water
- Largemouth 12-15 in must be released (slot limit)
- Buy the required boat permit at the bait shop
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Lake JacomoJackson · 970 acres
Lake Jacomo
Lake Jacomo is a 970-acre lake in Fleming Park in Jackson County, southeast of Kansas City, with a maximum depth of about 53 feet. Its marina is the largest boat rental marina in the Kansas City area.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
Popular sport fish
Crappie
Black and white crappie present
Bluegill
Common
Channel Catfish
Common
Flathead Catfish
Present
Walleye
Present
White Bass
Present
Wiper
Hybrid striped bass present
Boat launches
5 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Lake Jacomo Marina rampPublicMulti-lane concrete ramp, northwest sideDirections ↗
- Non-motorized launchPublicSingle-lane, southwest corner off Beach RoadDirections ↗
- Lake Jacomo South Boat DockPublicJackson County Parks listingDirections ↗
- Marina fishing dockPublicDock fishing year-roundDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee MDC or the lake manager's website for all rampsDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Lake Jacomo are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Missouri Department of Conservation ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Lake Jacomo MarinaNearby7401 West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO 64015816-795-8888Directions ↗
Local tips
- Dock fishing available at the marina year-round
- Boat motors are limited (see horsepower rule); permits required
- Kayaks and canoes launch from the non-motorized area off Beach Road
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Lake TaneycomoTaney · 2,080 acres
Lake Taneycomo
Lake Taneycomo is a cold-water lake on the White River at Branson, made a trout fishery when Table Rock Dam began operating in 1958. It is stocked annually with roughly 560,000 rainbow and 15,000 brown trout, and depths exceed 50 feet near Powersite Dam.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Rainbow Trout
About 90% of the catch; stocked monthly; 12-20 in slot below dam to Fall Creek
Brown Trout
Abundant quality fish; 20 in minimum, only 1 in daily trout limit
Largemouth Bass
Mostly below Rockaway Beach; 72% of spring 2025 sample over 15 in
Bluegill
Present in lower lake
Crappie
Black crappie present in varying numbers
Smallmouth Bass
Present in varying numbers
Walleye
Present in varying numbers
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Cooper Creek AccessPublicPublic fishing dock, disabled-accessible (MDC)Directions ↗
- Rockaway Beach AccessPublicPublic fishing dock, disabled-accessible (MDC)Directions ↗
- Empire Electric ParkPublicPublic fishing dock, disabled-accessible (MDC)Directions ↗
- Branson LandingPublicPublic fishing dockDirections ↗
- Branson Lakeside RV ParkPublicPublic fishing dockDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee MDC or the lake manager's website for all rampsDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Lake Taneycomo are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Missouri Department of Conservation ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Lilleys' Landing Resort & MarinaNearby367 River Ln, Branson, MO 65616(417) 633-7864Directions ↗
- Anglers Outfitters (fly shop)Nearby136 Eden Way, Branson, MO 65616417-335-4655Directions ↗
- Fall Creek MarinaNearby1 Fall Creek Dr, Branson, MO417-336-4937Directions ↗
Local tips
- Upper 3 miles (dam to Fall Creek): flies and artificial lures only; scuds, sow bugs and soft hackles are popular
- Below Fall Creek, natural and scented baits and drift rigs work
- In fall, minimize fight time because of low dissolved oxygen
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Lake WappapelloWayne · 8,400 acres
Lake Wappapello
Lake Wappapello is an 8,400-acre Corps of Engineers reservoir on the St. Francis River in southeast Missouri, mostly in Wayne County with southern reaches reaching Butler County. Wappapello State Park sits on its shore.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
MDC rates Good; about 23% of bass over 8 in exceed 15 in
Crappie
MDC rates Fair; white crappie mostly 9-12 in
Channel Catfish
16-24 in typical; some over 10 lb
White Bass
MDC rates Fair; 14-16 in typical; schooling in summer
Bluegill
MDC rates Fair; mostly 6-8 in
Flathead Catfish
Present but not abundant
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- 1Redman CreekPublicPublic rampDirections ↗
- 2Peoples CreekPublicPublic rampDirections ↗
- 3Allison Peninsula - Marina RoadPublicConcrete ramp in Wappapello State Park; no launch feeDirections ↗
- 4Asher Creek CampgroundPublicConcrete ramp in Wappapello State Park; no launch feeDirections ↗
- 5Highway WPublicPublic rampDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee MDC or the lake manager's website for all rampsDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Lake Wappapello are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Missouri Department of Conservation ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Sundowner Marine Center & MarinaNearby19607 Wayne Route D, Wappapello, MO 63966573-222-8622Directions ↗
Local tips
- Spring crappie: shallow brush piles and flats; fall/winter: old St. Francis channel and creek arms.
- Fish rocky banks for bass in spring and shallow structure in summer.
- Anglers commonly use jugs or trotlines for catfish.
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Long Branch LakeMacon · 2,400 acres
Long Branch Lake
Long Branch Lake is a Corps of Engineers flood-control reservoir near Macon (MDC and Corps list 2,400 acres; the state park cites 1,828 acres). Long Branch State Park provides ramps, a marina, and a barrier-free fishing dock.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
Low numbers, but high proportion of 15 in+ fish expected in 2026
Wiper
Hybrid striped bass good on main-lake points; watch for surface feeding
Channel Catfish
2-3 lb fish; good for bank and timber anglers
Blue Catfish
Large fish present; jug fishing with shad in spring and fall
Flathead Catfish
Upper lake arms near old channels; live bait required
Crappie
White crappie improving: nearly 60% over 9 in in fall 2025
Boat launches
5 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Bloomington Area rampPublicTwo-lane launch; marina with slips and rentalsDirections ↗
- Bee Trace Area rampPublicSingle-lane ramp at north endDirections ↗
- Macon Area rampPublicSingle-lane launch on east sideDirections ↗
- Barrier-free fishing dockPublicNear the marina (MDC)Directions ↗
- More public accessPublicSee MDC or the lake manager's website for all rampsDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Long Branch Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Missouri Department of Conservation ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Long Branch Marina StoreNearby29154 Marina Rd, Macon, MO 63552(660) 773-5132Directions ↗
Local tips
- Fish main-lake points for hybrid striped bass
- Use live bait for flatheads in the upper lake arms
- Barrier-free fishing dock is near the marina
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Mark Twain LakeMonroe / Ralls · 18,600 acres
Mark Twain Lake
Mark Twain Lake is an 18,600-acre Corps of Engineers reservoir impounded by Clarence Cannon Dam on the Salt River in northeast Missouri. It has about 285 miles of shoreline and numerous ramps and two full-service marinas.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
MDC rates Good; catch rates up since 2023; 15-in minimum
Crappie
MDC rates Fair; typically 8-10 in; best late Apr-early May
White Bass
MDC notes improved; 12-15 in; spring spawning runs
Channel Catfish
MDC rates catfish Good; upper arms productive
Blue Catfish
Present; 26-in minimum length limit
Flathead Catfish
Present; 26-in minimum length limit
Walleye
MDC rates Poor; low abundance; try tributaries in spring
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Ray Behrens Recreation AreaPublicRamp near Blackjack Marina, PerryDirections ↗
- Indian Creek Recreation AreaPublicRamp near Indian Creek MarinaDirections ↗
- Spalding RampPublicNear Monroe CityDirections ↗
- Hunnewell AccessPublicRamp near ShelbinaDirections ↗
- Route U RampPublicNear StoutsvilleDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee MDC or the lake manager's website for all rampsDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Mark Twain Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Missouri Department of Conservation ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Blackjack MarinaNearbyRay Behrens Recreation Area, PO Box 310, Perry, MO 63462(573) 565-2233Directions ↗
- Indian Creek MarinaNearby23111 Monroe Road 589, Monroe City, MO 63456(573) 735-4075Directions ↗
Local tips
- Work points, rocky banks, brush piles, fish attractors and docks for bass.
- Fish cut bait on trotlines or jugs in upper North, Middle, South Fork and Indian Creek arms for catfish.
- Corps maps show mapped fish attractors.
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Pomme de Terre LakeHickory / Polk · 7,821 acres
Pomme de Terre Lake
Pomme de Terre Lake is a Corps of Engineers flood-control reservoir in southwest Missouri with a 7,821-acre multipurpose pool and about 113 miles of shoreline. MDC manages it for crappie, bass, walleye and muskellunge.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Crappie
MDC: very good; most fish over 9 in
Largemouth Bass
MDC: high-density population; 13-in minimum
Walleye
MDC: good numbers 18-22 in; 15-in minimum
White Bass
MDC: relatively abundant and healthy
Muskellunge
Catch rates slightly up; fish 32-40+ in; low effort-to-catch
Channel Catfish
MDC lists channel catfish as Good
Flathead Catfish
MDC lists flathead catfish as Good
Bluegill
Fair to Good on nightcrawlers and crickets
Boat launches
5 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Pomme de Terre State Park - Pittsburg side marina rampPublicPaved ramp; no launch fee in parkDirections ↗
- Pomme de Terre State Park - Hermitage campground rampPublicPaved ramp; no launch fee in parkDirections ↗
- Pomme de Terre State Park - north of Highway 64 rampPublicPaved ramp, Hermitage sideDirections ↗
- Pomme de Terre State Park - picnic shelter rampPublicPaved ramp, Pittsburg sideDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee MDC or the lake manager's website for all rampsDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Pomme de Terre Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Missouri Department of Conservation ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Nemo MarinaNearby23876 Nemo Park, Pittsburg, MO 65724417-993-5160Directions ↗
Local tips
- Over 30 marked brush piles in 10-30 ft of water plus about 400 unmarked piles; see MDC interactive map.
- Muskie: best in June, September, October at 60-70F water; MDC estimates about 30 hours per fish.
- Catfish take nightcrawlers and cut shad.
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Smithville LakeClay / Clinton · 7,190 acres
Smithville Lake
Smithville Lake is a 7,190-acre Corps of Engineers flood-control reservoir just north of Kansas City, mostly in Clay County. It has about 175 miles of shoreline and county parks and marinas along it.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Crappie
MDC: focal point; 71% of white crappie over 9 in
Largemouth Bass
MDC: 157 bass/hr in 2025; 29% over 15 in; 15-in minimum
White Bass
MDC: excellent in 2025; follow the shad
Walleye
Improving with stockings; 98% over 15 in
Channel Catfish
Strong in upper lake arms, best at night
Flathead Catfish
MDC: popular species
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- 1Crows Creek ParkPublicPublic rampDirections ↗
- 2Camp Branch MarinaPublicPublic ramp and marinaDirections ↗
- 3Little Platte ParkPublicPublic rampDirections ↗
- 4Sailboat CovePublicPublic ramp, including one for large sailboatsDirections ↗
- 5Highway WPublicPublic rampDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee MDC or the lake manager's website for all rampsDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Smithville Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Missouri Department of Conservation ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Camp Branch MarinaNearby17201 Paradesian, Smithville, MO 64089816-407-3400Directions ↗
- Paradise Pointe MarinaNearby3008 NE 180th Street, Smithville, MO 64089816-407-3400Directions ↗
Local tips
- Cast spinnerbaits, crankbaits and plastics around brush piles for bass.
- Crappie: small plastic jigs around standing timber and brush.
- Catfish: fish at night in upper ends of arms with cut shad or liver.
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Thomas Hill ReservoirMacon / Randolph · 4,950 acres
Thomas Hill Reservoir
Thomas Hill Reservoir is a 4,950-acre power-plant cooling lake in Macon and Randolph counties, managed by MDC as a conservation area. Warm-water discharge creates a year-round fishery, notably for crappie and hybrid striped bass in winter.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Crappie
MDC: good; ~40% of adults 9 in or longer; 15 daily
Wiper
Hybrid striped bass popular in winter; 20-in minimum, 4 daily
Flathead Catfish
Potential for 36-in+ fish
Channel Catfish
Abundant but small; MDC encourages keeping 10
Largemouth Bass
Low population; most 12-15 in; 15-in minimum
Boat launches
4 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Highway T boat ramp (north end)PublicConcrete ramp with ADA paved fishing jetty and fish cleaning stationDirections ↗
- Brush Creek fishing dockPublicBarrier-free dock on warm-water armDirections ↗
- Thomas Hill Reservoir CA rampsPublicThree concrete ramps on the lake; no motor size limitDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee MDC or the lake manager's website for all rampsDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Thomas Hill Reservoir are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Missouri Department of Conservation ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Bait and tackle (Moberly)Nearby(660) 998-5444Directions ↗
- Magic City Bait Company (Moberly)Nearby(251) 504-0750Directions ↗
Local tips
- Winter crappie and hybrids concentrate near the warm-water discharge channel.
- A barrier-free dock is on Brush Creek and an ADA jetty is at the Highway T ramp.
- Main arm above Highway T is closed to boating Oct 15-Jan 15.
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