Guide To Fishing At Forest Lake

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie and walleye at Forest Lake in Missouri.

A resort vacation destination, Forest Lake is a 570-acre lake in Thousand Hills State Park - just a couple miles from Kirksville, MO. Recent fisheries management has improved the quantity and quality of most species in the lake, especially bass.

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

Catfish, walleye and crappie are also popular and plentiful. Boats with motors over 90 horsepower are not allowed on the lake, but fishing, water skiing and family boats with smaller motors are welcome. Canoes, kayaks and small fishing boats can get you to the fish here. Several areas of the lake have road access to the 17 miles of shoreline around the lake for fishing from the bank.

Primary fish species residing in Forest Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Forest 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

Fishing Boat Rentals

Thousand Hills State Park Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, canoes, kayaks and pontoon boats
660 665-3712

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Thousand Hills State Park Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Big Loop Trail Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.