Fishing Hazel Creek Lake
AKA: Hazel Creek Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Hazel Creek Lake, MO
Muskie Fishing
Fishing for muskellunge in Hazel Creek Lake could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling.
White Crappie Fishing
Plenty of healthy white crappie reside in Hazel Creek Lake, as they are making a nice comeback this year. The fish population is healthy and crappie fishing is excellent. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation in Spring and Fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out to as deep as 30 to 35 feet, as well as ledges near channels at these depths. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here.
Bluegill Fishing
Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Hazel Creek Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, white crappie, bluegill, green sunfish and muskellunge at Hazel Creek Lake in Missouri.
Hazel Creek Lake Fishing Video
One of the top lakes in the state for catching giant musky, Hazel Creek Lake is a 530-acre lake, in the northern part of the state, 5 miles north of Kirksville. In addition to muskie, bass, catfish and crappie thrive here in good numbers and size. Anglers can explore over a dozen miles of shoreline, much of which is accessible for fishing from the bank.
Hazel Creek Lake is located in the southern section of Missouri and offers fantastic fishing opportunities for anglers. The lake is known for its serene setting and abundant fish population, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.
Largemouth bass are one of the most popular fish species at Hazel Creek Lake. Anglers can target these bass using various techniques such as casting with topwater lures, working plastic worms or jigs, or using spinnerbaits. The lake's structure, including submerged logs, weed beds, and rocky shorelines, provides ideal habitat for largemouth bass. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of hooking into a feisty bass while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Hazel Creek Lake.
Muskie, also known as the "fish of a thousand casts," can be found in Hazel Creek Lake. These large and elusive fish offer a thrilling challenge for anglers. Trolling with large crankbaits or using jerkbaits and bucktail spinners are popular methods for targeting muskie. Anglers should be prepared to put in some time and effort to catch these trophy fish at Hazel Creek Lake.
Channel catfish are abundant in Hazel Creek Lake and provide anglers with exciting fishing opportunities. Anglers can use a variety of baits such as cut bait, stink baits, or chicken liver 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 enjoyable angling experience.
White crappie, bluegill, and sunfish are also popular fish species found in Hazel Creek Lake. Anglers can target these panfish using techniques such as bobber fishing with live bait, casting small jigs or spinners, or fly fishing with small nymphs or poppers. These fish provide a fun-filled fishing experience, especially for anglers looking to relax and enjoy the beauty of Hazel Creek Lake.
Hazel Creek Lake in Missouri is a wonderful destination for anglers seeking largemouth bass, muskie, channel catfish, white crappie, bluegill, sunfish, and other fish species. With its scenic surroundings, diverse fishery, and opportunities for boating and camping, Hazel Creek Lake provides an enjoyable fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.
A nice boat launch ramp with docks is located on the east side of the lake, about mid lake. Pontoons, power boats, canoes and kayaks are options here for fishing or sightseeing.
Primary fish species residing in Hazel Creek Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Hazel Creek Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
In addition to fishing, Hazel Creek 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 peaceful ambiance of the lake.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Hazel Creek Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Peaceful Front Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Hazel Creek 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 Hazel Creek Lake.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lakeroad Village Park - 660 665-2228
Hazel Creek Lake MO Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Hazel Creek Lake
City of Kirksville
660 627-1225
Fishing lakes in each state.
091924
Hazel Creek Lake in MO
MISSOURI
Fishing for bass, catfish, crappie and muskie in northern MO.
