Fishing McDaniel Lake
AKA: McDaniel Reservoir
Popular Fish Species McDaniel Lake, MO
Largemouth Bass Fishing
McDaniel Lake offers bass fishing to those who enjoy fishing from the bank. Because bank fishing only is allowed upstream from the Grant Street Bridge, and there is no boating or wading allowed, these bass receive very little fishing pressure. Anglers are catching bass in decent numbers with quality fish mixed in with the average catch. A history of careful fisheries management by the Missouri Department of Conservation has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Enjoy fishing for largemouth bass while enjoying the lush green setting. On McDaniel Lake, 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.
Channel Catfish Fishing
McDaniel Lake has held a catchable population of channel catfish for many years now. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. 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. The state record channel catfish is over 34 pounds, and McDaniel Lake holds some hefty ones. 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.
White Crappie Fishing
Plenty of healthy white crappie populate the waters of McDaniel Lake. The fish population is healthy and crappie fishing is quite good. 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. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here.
McDaniel Lake Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, bluegill and white bass at McDaniel Lake in Missouri.
If you want to fish from the bank in the Springfield area, McDaniel Lake is a nice option. This little-known reservoir is primarily storage for drinking water. The only fishing allowed is from the bank, upstream from Grant Street Bridge.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass are among the most popular fish species in McDaniel Lake. Channel catfish are also popular targets. White crappie and bluegill are also abundant, and easy to catch.
This 300-acre lake is not open to boating of any kind. Catfish are the most sought after species here, but the lake also has nice populations of bass, crappie and sunfish - all available for those willing to hike a bit.
Primary fish species residing in McDaniel Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
McDaniel Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: NO
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing License
Click here for a Missouri Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Cook's RV Park - 417 833-1252
USDA Forest Services Campground - 417 864-3650
McDaniel Lake MO Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
McDaniel Lake
Springfield - McDaniel Lake
Farm Rd. 68
Springfield, MO
417 863-9000
Fishing lakes in each state.
021425
McDaniel Lake in Missouri.
MISSOURI
Information about fishing lakes in MO.
McDaniel Lake offers excellent catfish fishing from the bank.
