Fishing At Truman Lake

AKA: Truman Reservoir, Harry S Truman Lake

What to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass and paddlefish at Truman Reservoir in Missouri.

A sprawling 55,600-acre reservoir, Truman Lake offers camping, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, sightseeing, and many other outdoor recreation activities. Excellent fishing for bass, crappies, white bass, stripers and other species are available virtually year round. It is considered by many to be the best catfish lake in the state.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

Truman Lake, located in west-central Missouri, is a premier fishing destination offering a wide range of angling opportunities. Covering over 55,000 acres, this vast reservoir is home to a variety of popular fish species.

Bass fishing is a major attraction at Truman Lake, with both largemouth and spotted bass thriving in its waters. Anglers can target bass near submerged structures, rocky points, and brush piles. The lake's abundance of cover and structure provides ideal habitat for bass. Anglers can use various techniques such as casting crankbaits, flipping jigs, or working topwater lures to entice these aggressive predators. Truman Lake is known for producing trophy-sized bass and offers ample opportunities for anglers to test their skills.

Truman Lake is also renowned for its striped bass fishing. The lake has a healthy population of both striped bass and hybrid stripers. Anglers can find these hard-fighting fish near points, along channel edges, and in deep water areas. Trolling with large crankbaits or using live bait such as shad can be effective in attracting striped bass. The lake's striped bass fishery provides an exciting challenge for anglers seeking a thrilling fishing experience.

Walleye is another popular species at Truman Lake, attracting anglers with its delicious flesh and challenging nature. Anglers can target walleye near points, drop-offs, or submerged structures using a variety of techniques such as vertical jigging, trolling, or casting crankbaits. Spring and fall are productive seasons for walleye fishing, as these fish are more active during cooler water temperatures. Truman Lake offers ample opportunities for anglers to pursue these prized game fish.

Catfish enthusiasts will find plenty of action at Truman Lake, with channel, blue, and flathead catfish being the primary targets. Anglers can target catfish near deeper holes, channel edges, and submerged structures. Using cut bait, live bait, or stink baits can entice these bottom-dwelling predators. Truman Lake's catfish populations provide excellent angling opportunities for both novice and experienced catfish anglers.

Truman Lake is also home to a variety of panfish species, including black and white crappie, white bass, bluegill, and sunfish. Anglers can find these panfish near brush piles, submerged trees, or docks. Fishing with small jigs, live bait, or crappie tubes can result in successful catches. The lake's panfish populations offer opportunities for anglers of all ages to enjoy relaxed fishing experiences.

Aside from fishing, Truman Lake offers excellent boating and camping opportunities. Anglers can explore the expansive waters of the lake, enjoy various water sports, or relax in the scenic camping areas. The lake features multiple boat ramps, marinas, and camping facilities to cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts.

Truman Lake in Missouri provides anglers with a diverse range of popular fish species and exceptional fishing opportunities. Whether you're targeting bass, striped bass, walleye, catfish, or panfish, the lake offers an exciting angling experience. With its picturesque surroundings and recreational amenities, Truman Lake is an ideal destination for fishing, boating, and camping adventures.

Multiple marinas and boat launch areas are available to the public. Come visit Truman Lake real soon and bring the whole family and some fishing tackle. For those who enjoy fishing from the bank, there is over 950 miles of shoreline. Those who prefer to fish from a canoe, kayak, bass boat, pontoon or other fishing boats, there is plenty of easy access.

Primary fish species residing in Truman Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Truman Reservoir 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

Fishing Boat Rentals

Long Shoal Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
660 438-2841

Sterett Creek Resort & Marina
Rentals: Bass boats, canoes and pontoon boats
660 438-2280

Truman State Park Marina
Rentals: Bass boats and pontoons
660 438-2423

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Avery Fishing Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Road 6, this is a four-lane, gravel ramp with gravel parking.

Bucksaw Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the western arm of the lake, north side, off SE 803 Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Cooper Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the western arm of the lake, south side, off SE 700 Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Crowe's Crossing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, north side, at the north end of the Highway 13 Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Fairfield Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Highway K, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

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

Osage Bluff Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Osage Bluff Access Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Osceola Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, south side, off Main Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sparrowfoot Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the western arm of the lake, west side, off SE 450 Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Shawnee Bend Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Shawnee Bend Access Road, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Taley Bend Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, south side, at the east end of the NE State Highway C Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Thibait Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, northeast side, off SW 611 BC, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

TT West Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, north side, off W TT Road, this is a two-lane, gravel ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Thorny Ridge Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, in Truman State Park, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Windsor Crossing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, south side, at the south end of the NE Highway PP Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.