Fishing Forest Lake
Popular Fish Species Forest Lake, MO
Black Crappie Fishing
A nice population of black crappie resides in Forest Lake, MO. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually 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 prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. 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.
Walleye Fishing
Forest Lake, MO is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management by the Missouri Department of Conservation and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
Channel Catfish Fishing
To fish for catfish on Forest Lake, MO, most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment improves success. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. Forest Lake has a decent population of channel catfish, and they are eager to bite. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. The state record channel catfish is over 34 pounds. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie and walleye at Forest Lake in Missouri.
Forest Lake Fishing Video
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.
Forest Lake is located in the central section of Missouri and offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers. The lake is known for its scenic beauty and diverse fish population, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.
Walleye is one of the most popular fish species at Forest Lake. Anglers can target walleye using various techniques such as trolling with crankbaits, jigging with minnows or artificial lures, or using live bait rigs. The lake's structure, including points, drop-offs, and submerged brush piles, provides ideal habitat for walleye. Anglers can enjoy the challenge of catching walleye while appreciating the natural surroundings of Forest Lake.
Largemouth bass are also highly sought after by anglers at Forest Lake. The lake offers ample opportunities for anglers to target these bass using techniques such as casting with topwater lures, working plastic worms or jigs, or using spinnerbaits. Anglers can explore the lake's weed beds, submerged logs, and rocky shorelines to find the ideal spots for catching largemouth bass. Forest Lake provides an exciting and rewarding bass fishing experience.
Channel catfish are abundant in Forest Lake and provide anglers with an opportunity to reel in some impressive catches. Anglers can use a variety of baits such as cut bait, stink baits, or chicken livers to target these catfish. Fishing near the lake's deeper areas, along channels, or near submerged structures can increase the chances of catching channel catfish. These fish are known for their strong fights and make for an exciting angling experience.
Black crappie are another popular species found in Forest Lake. Anglers can target crappie using techniques such as vertical jigging, casting with small jigs or minnows, or using crappie nibbles. The lake's submerged brush piles, standing timber, and drop-offs provide excellent hiding spots for crappie. Anglers can enjoy the challenge of finding and catching these tasty panfish.
Forest Lake in Missouri is a wonderful destination for anglers seeking walleye, largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, and other fish species. With its diverse fishery, scenic surroundings, and opportunities for boating and camping, Forest Lake provides an enjoyable fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.
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
In addition to fishing, Forest Lake offers boating and camping facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Anglers can explore the lake's waters by boat, whether it's a motorized boat, kayak, or canoe, to access different fishing spots and enjoy the tranquility of the lake.
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.
Marinas
Thousand Hills State Park Marina
20431 State Hwy 157 S
Kirksville, MO 63501
660 665-3712
Fishing Guides On Forest Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Missouri Fishing License.
Camping facilities are available nearby, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Forest Lake.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Thousand Hills State Park Campground - 660 665-6995
Lakeroad Village RV Park - 660 665-2228
Forest Lake MO Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Forest Lake
Thousand Hills State Park Marina
20431 State Hwy 157 S
Kirksville, MO 63501
660 665-7119
Fishing lakes in each state.
100924
Forest Lake in Missouri.
MISSOURI
Information about fishing lakes in MO.
Forest Lake, at Thousand Hills State Park, is a great resort vacation destination.