Fishing Mark Twain Lake

AKA: Mark Twain Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Mark Twain Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
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Mark Twain Lake, mo

Popular Fish Species Mark Twain Lake, MO

Crappie Fishing

Black and white crappie both reside in Mark Twain Lake, with black crappie typically out-weighing white crappie. They do school together so when you find them you may catch both species. Crappie fishing is slowly on the rise after prior-year droughts. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Mark Twain Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Mark Twain Lake offers decent fishing for largemouth bass. Bass populations suffered due to drought conditions at Mark Twain Lake in prior years. Thanks to diligent fisheries management by the Missouri Department of Conservation, improved prospects are on the horizon. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Mark Twain Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

Mark Twain Lake Popular Fish - White Bass

White Bass Fishing

Despite poor water conditions in prior years, white bass are holding their own in Mark Twain Lake and anglers should expect some decent fishing this year. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, white crappie, walleye, bluegill and white bass at Mark Twain Lake in Missouri.

Mark Twain Lake Fishing Video

The largest reservoir in northern Missouri, Mark Twain Lake has over 275 miles of shoreline and 18,000 surface acres. Created in 1984 with the creation of Clarence Cannon Dam it offers abundant water-sport recreation opportunities. Enjoy water skiing, fishing, camping and hiking. Click here for a current appraisal of fishing conditions at Mark Twain Lake.

Mark Twain Lake, located in northeast Missouri, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The lake covers over 18,000 acres and offers excellent angling opportunities for a variety of fish species.

Largemouth bass are highly sought after in Mark Twain Lake. Anglers can find these prized game fish in shallow coves, around submerged vegetation, and near structure such as fallen trees or docks. Techniques such as casting spinnerbaits, topwater lures, or plastic worms can yield successful results when targeting largemouth bass. The lake's healthy bass population and diverse habitat make it an ideal spot for bass fishing.

Catfish anglers will also find plenty of action in Mark Twain Lake. The lake is home to channel catfish, blue catfish and flathead catfish, which can grow to impressive sizes. Anglers often target catfish near submerged brush piles, rocky areas, or along the lake's channels. Using cut bait, live bait, or prepared stink baits can attract these bottom-dwelling predators. The lake's deep waters and ample catfish populations offer an exciting catfishing experience.

White crappie are another popular species in Mark Twain Lake. Anglers can target crappie near submerged brush piles, docks, and other structures. Spring and fall are particularly productive seasons for crappie fishing as they move into shallower waters to spawn and feed. Fishing with small jigs, live minnows, or crappie tubes can result in successful catches. The lake's healthy crappie populations make it a prime location for crappie anglers.

Bluegill can also be found in abundance in Mark Twain Lake. These feisty panfish can be caught near shoreline vegetation, submerged structure, or around docks. Anglers can use small jigs, live bait, or flies to entice bluegill. They provide an excellent opportunity for young anglers or those looking for a relaxing fishing experience.

Mark Twain Lake is a favorite among anglers in Missouri, offering diverse fish species, picturesque scenery, and a range of recreational activities. Whether you're targeting bass, catfish, crappie, or simply enjoying a day of fishing, the lake provides a memorable fishing experience for all.

Primary fish species residing in Mark Twain Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Mark Twain Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Aside from its fishing opportunities, Mark Twain Lake offers boating and camping facilities to enhance the outdoor experience. Anglers can explore the lake's vast waters, enjoy recreational activities, or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings. The lake's multiple boat ramps, marinas, and camping sites make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Marinas and boat launch facilities are available around the lake. Bring your bass boat, fishing boat, pontoon, kayak or canoe to enjoy the fishing and water sport activities - year round. Crappie, bass and catfish head the list of fishing opportunities while the lake holds many other species - including walleye, white bass and sunfish. Visit Mark Twain Lake for a great outdoor experience, especially the fishing.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Blackjack Marina
Rentals: Bass boats, jon boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
573 565-2233

Indian Creek Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
573 735-4075

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

107 Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Road 107, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

543 Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Road 543, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Highway 24 Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, at the south end of the Highway 24 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Indian Creek Beach Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Indian Creek Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Road 581, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Middle Fork Boat Launch Ramp
Located on the western side of the lake, off Road 447, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

North Fork Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Road 481, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Puma Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Monroe Road 418, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Ray Behrens Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Missouri J, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Robert Allen Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Road 454, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Route BB Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Highway BB, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Route N Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Route N, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Route U Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Route U, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Southfork Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, at the east end of the Highway 154 Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Spalding Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Oakland Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Stoutsville Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Road 483, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Marinas

Blackjack Marina
22226 Hwy. J
Perry, MO 63462
573 565-2233