Fishing Council Bluff Lake

AKA: Council Bluff Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Council Bluff Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
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Council Bluff Lake, MO

Popular Fish Species Council Bluff Lake, MO

Council Bluff Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Council Bluff Lake continues to deliver great catches of largemouth bass, as it has for several years now. The "no wake speed limit" keeps fishing pressure to a minimum, and benefits those who adventure out anyway. Careful fisheries management by the Missouri Department of Conservation has maintained a thriving bass fishery, providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been very rewarding lately. Also, there is the potential for catching a monster. Big mouth bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. 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 options. In winter, spend your time fishing Council Bluff Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round.

Council Bluff Lake Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

Council Bluff Lake holds a decent population of black crappie this year. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because 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. 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.

Council Bluff Lake Popular Fish - Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish Fishing

Fishing for redear sunfish, also known as shellcrackers, is popular here at Council Bluff Lake. Like most bream, they are a popular species with young and old, as well as beginners and seasoned anglers alike. This year, much like recent years, the redear sunfish population is healthy and always looking for something eatable. Redear sunfish fishing is about as simple as fishing gets. Any lighter fishing pole, reasonably light line, small hooks baited with anything edible, creates a great setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Redear prefer clear, warmer water and hang around brush, rocks, vegetation, docks or any cover available.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish at Council Bluff Lake in Missouri.

Council Bluff Lake Fishing Video

Fishing is one of the primary activities at Council Bluff Lake, which is a 444-acre reservoir 15 miles west of Belleview, MO. Anglers will find good populations of catfish, bass, crappie and sunfish. Two excellent boat launch facilities make it easy to launch watercraft.

Council Bluff Lake is located in the eastern section of Missouri and offers great fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages and skill levels. The lake is known for its peaceful surroundings and abundant fish population, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.

Bluegill, a popular panfish species, can be found in good numbers at Council Bluff Lake. These fish provide great fun for anglers, especially those targeting them with simple and effective techniques such as bobber fishing with live bait, casting small jigs or spinners, or fly fishing with small nymphs or poppers. Bluegill are often found near weed beds, brush piles, or other submerged structures.

Channel catfish are another popular fish species found in Council Bluff Lake. Anglers can target these catfish using a variety of baits such as live or cut bait, stink baits, or chicken livers. Fishing near the lake's deeper areas or along the shoreline can increase the chances of catching channel catfish. These fish are known for their hard-fighting nature and provide a thrilling angling experience.

Council Bluff Lake in Missouri is a wonderful destination for anglers seeking largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, black crappie, and sunfish. With its diverse fishery, peaceful surroundings, and opportunities for boating and camping, Council Bluff Lake provides an enjoyable fishing experience for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

The lake only allows "no-wake speeds", so canoes, kayaks and electric-powered boats are ideal for fishing here. Roadway access is limited to most of the lake. Reaching the majority of shoreline requires a bit of hiking, but anglers preferring to fish from shore will have large sections of the lake to themselves - if they don't mind the walk.

Primary fish species residing in Council Bluff Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Council Bluff Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NO

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to the excellent fishing opportunities, Council Bluff Lake offers boating and camping facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Anglers can enjoy boating on the lake, whether it's a motorized boat, kayak, or canoe, to explore different fishing spots and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Council Bluff Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off DD Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Enough Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southern tip of the lake, off Enough Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.