Guide To The Best Fishing Lakes In Missouri

Top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in MO.

Bull Shoals Lake, Lake Jacomo, Lake of the Ozarks, Lake Taneycomo, Mark Twain Lake, Pomme De Terre Lake, Smithville Reservoir, Stockton Lake, Table Rock Lake and Truman Reservoir are the most popular places for fishing in Missouri, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species. The Marinas Page offers a list of popular marinas on some of these lakes. Click here for fishing boat rentals in MO.

Missouri is home to a wide range of fishing lakes that cater to different types of fish species and fishing preferences. The state boasts both warm water lakes and cold water lakes, each offering unique angling experiences.

Warm water lakes in Missouri provide excellent opportunities for catching species such as bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. These lakes are characterized by their relatively higher water temperatures, especially during the summer months. Some popular warm water lakes in Missouri include Table Rock Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, and Bull Shoals Lake. Anglers can target largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as black and white crappie, using various techniques such as casting, trolling, or jigging. Additionally, catfish and sunfish are abundant in these lakes, providing additional angling opportunities.

On the other hand, cold water lakes in Missouri are known for their cooler temperatures, which are conducive to supporting species such as trout and muskie. These lakes are typically stocked with trout during the colder months and provide thrilling trout fishing experiences. Lake Taneycomo, located near Branson, is a renowned cold water lake where anglers can catch rainbow and brown trout. Trout fishing is particularly productive in the spring and fall seasons when water temperatures are cooler, but some lakes offer year-round trout fishing opportunities.

Some lakes in Missouri also offer a combination of warm and cold water species due to their unique characteristics. For example, Lake Pomme de Terre is known for its diverse fishery, hosting both warm water species like bass and catfish, as well as cold water species like trout.

Overall, Missouri's fishing lakes, whether warm water or cold water, provide a wide variety of species to target and memorable angling experiences. Whether you prefer the thrill of bass fishing in warm water lakes or the challenge of catching trout in cold water lakes, Missouri has something to offer for every angler. Just be sure to check local fishing regulations, obtain the necessary permits, and practice responsible fishing practices to ensure the sustainability of the fish populations and the preservation of these scenic lakes for future generations to enjoy.

Bass Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake, Harry S. Truman Reservoir, Hazel Creek Lake, Lake of The Ozarks, Long Branch Lake, Mark Twain Lake, Pomme de Terre Lake, Smithville Reservoir, Stockton Lake, Table Rock Lake, Fellows Lake, Forest Lake, Lake Jacomo, Montrose Lake, Long Branch Lake and Mozingo Lake are considered the best options for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. More...

Catfish Lakes

Bean Lake, Big Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Council Bluff Lake, Forest Lake, Lake Jacomo, Lake of The Ozarks, Lake Taneycomo, Mark Twain Lake, McDaniel Lake, Montrose Lake, Smithville Reservoir, Stockton Lake, Table Rock Lake, Thomas Hill Reservoir are favorite options for channel, blue and flathead catfish. More...

Crappie Lakes

Harry S. Truman Reservoir, Lake Jacomo, Lake of The Ozarks, Longview Lake, Mozingo Lake, Pomme de Terre Lake, Smithville Reservoir, Table Rock Lake, Thomas Hill Reservoir and Wappapello Lake are the most popular for black and white crappie. More...

Sunfish & Panfish Lakes

Atkinson Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Clearwater Lake, Council Bluff Lake, Lake Jacomo, Lake of The Ozarks, Lake Springfield, Lake Taneycomo, Longview Lake, Mark Twain Lake, Pomme de Terre Lake, Smithville Reservoir, Table Rock Lake and Wappapello Lake are popular spots to fish for bluegill, bream, perch and other sunfish. More...

Walleye Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake, Forest Lake, Lake of The Ozarks, Longview Lake, Mark Twain Lake, Mozingo Lake, Pomme de Terre Lake, Smithville Reservoir, Stockton Lake and Table Rock Lake are considered some of the top lakes for walleye fishing. More...

Trout Lakes

Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Taneycomo are the favorite options for rainbow and brown trout. More...

Striped Bass Lakes

Blue Springs Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Harry S. Truman Reservoir, Lake of The Ozarks, Long Branch Lake, Table Rock Lake and Thomas Hill Reservoir are the best options for striped bass and hybrid striped bass. More...

Muskie Lakes

Fellows Lake, Hazel Creek Lake, Pomme de Terre Lake and Smithville Reservoir are some of the top choices for musky. More...

Visit the Missouri fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the Missouri map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations. Look to our sister site for additional information about boating in MO at many of the most popular destinations in the state.

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