Trout Fishing in Missouri - Fly Fishing

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Brown trout are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts and the brook trout is the most sensitive to temperature. The others are comfortable in slightly warmer waters.

Trout Fishing Lakes In Missouri

Bull Shoals Lake and Table Rock Lake are the only major lakes with a significant population of trout. Some MO streams, rivers and smaller lakes also have trout. This is primarily a bass fishing state but as you can see some very nice trout are caught out of Missouri waters.

The Missouri state record brown trout was caught from Bull Shoals Lake and the state record rainbow trout was pulled from the Roaring River.

Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation for information on trout and trout stocking in Missouri.

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss

Known for its tasty pink flesh, beauty and gameness, the rainbow trout is a favorite among the vast majority of trout fishing anglers. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be tempted to take properly presented flies as well as other baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. Rainbow trout fishing is fun for both sport and dining pleasures.

In waters that allow such migration the rainbow trout will remain in streams until it reaches 6" to 9" in length and then travel to lakes or oceans where it will bulk up and then return to the streams or rivers to spawn. Steelhead trout are rainbow trout which have adapted to the salt water environment. Fishing for steelhead is very similar to fishing for rainbows. However in winter the steelhead typically prefer spoons or bait rather than flies.

Brown Trout
Salmo trutta

The brown trout can tolerate slightly warmer waters than the brook trout and have taken over some of the fisheries formerly inhabited by the brookies. It is much more wary than other trouts which help ensure its longevity in waters where other trouts get fished out.

When brown trout fishing look for quiet water with lots of cover. Logs, under cuts in the bank, rock shelves, overhanging trees and brush are some of the brown trouts favorite hiding places. The larger they get, the more wary they become and are more inclined to feed at night under the protection of darkness.

Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Dry fly fishing for pan-sized browns is a favorite technique as they rise well to these crafty presentations. Larger browns tend to feed more on flesh and favor nutritious crustaceans, worms or small fishes. When fly fishing for large brown trout use wet flies which mimic the local natural baitfish.

Trout Fishing Organizations & Resources

Trout Unlimited
Trout Fishing Books
Midwest Trout Fishing
DMOZ Trout Fishing

Trout Fishing Information

The purpose of the page is to provide specific information about fishing for trout in Missouri. Find information on basic trends and seasonal patterns. Look here for tips, recommended tackle, techniques and more. We want to help you make your trout fishing trips in MO more successful.

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The states list to the left can direct you to information about trout in other states.

All About Fishing for Trout in Missouri.

42 lbs - 2 oz

16 lbs - 13 oz

52 - 68 Degrees

Prefers generally clear flowing waters with turbulence for oxygenation over gravel, rock or sandy bottoms.

40 lbs - 4 oz

26 lbs - 13 oz

56 - 64 Degrees

Prefers slightly stained cool water with minimum current over rock or sandy bottoms with heavy cover.