Fishing Thomas Hill Reservoir

AKA: Thomas Hill Lake

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Thomas Hill Reservoir, MO

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Largemouth Bass Fishing

Excellent fisheries management by the Missouri Department of Conservation has maintained a quality bass fishery for some time now in Thomas Hill Reservoir. The lake also has a nice population of larger bass which can give anglers a thrill on any cast. This fertile lake also offers sufficient cover for both baitfish and bass. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. 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 weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Thomas Hill Reservoir on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

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Crappie Fishing

Thomas Hill Reservoir has both black and white crappie available to locals and visitors alike. Both species school together, so when you locate a school of them you may catch both species. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. 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. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

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Hybrid Striped Bass Fishing

Hybrid striped bass, locally known as wipers, are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Thomas Hill Reservoir. Good fishery management and stockings have ensured they are plentiful, and grow to bragging size. As a hybrid of striped bass and white bass, they have great potential for spawning massive numbers and growing to large sizes. Fishing for hybrid stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and schools of hybrid striped bass are likely to be in the area. Mornings, during Fall, hybrids can be caught on topwater or shallow running lures, as they are feeding on baitfish at the surface. When they move deeper, fish finders improve your odds of locating both bait and schools of wipers. Live bait, spoons and jigs are very very effective here, and these hungry fish can be caught year round.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie and hybrid striped bass at Thomas Hill Reservoir in Missouri.

Thomas Hill Reservoir Fishing Video

As a result of the warm-water discharge from the power plant, Thomas Hill Reservoir is a unique, year-round fishery. This 4,500-acre lake in the northeast part of the state, 8 miles north of Clifton Hill, provides anglers with several popular species to pursue.

Thomas Hill Reservoir is located in the central sector of Missouri and offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers. The reservoir is known for its diverse fishery and is a popular destination for anglers seeking various species.

Largemouth bass is one of the most sought-after fish species in Thomas Hill Reservoir. Anglers can target bass using a variety of techniques such as casting with crankbaits, soft plastics, or topwater lures. The reservoir's structure, including submerged vegetation, points, and rocky areas, provides ideal habitat for bass. Anglers can experience the thrill of hooking into a trophy-sized largemouth bass while fishing in Thomas Hill Reservoir.

Channel and flathead catfish are also popular targets for anglers in Thomas Hill Reservoir. Anglers can target catfish using techniques such as bottom fishing with live bait, cut bait, or stink baits. The reservoir's deeper areas and river channels are prime locations to catch catfish. Anglers can enjoy the challenge of battling with a powerful catfish while fishing in the waters of Thomas Hill Reservoir.

Black and white crappie are abundant in the reservoir and provide exciting angling opportunities. Anglers can target crappie using techniques such as vertical jigging, casting with small jigs, or using live minnows. The reservoir's brush piles, submerged timber, and rocky structures are favored spots for crappie. Anglers can enjoy the satisfaction of reeling in a stringer of crappie while fishing in Thomas Hill Reservoir.

Another notable species in Thomas Hill Reservoir is the hybrid striped bass. These hard-fighting fish are known for their aggressive strikes and strong runs. Anglers can target hybrid stripers using techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or casting with spoons. The reservoir's open water areas and points are prime locations to catch hybrid stripers. Anglers can experience the excitement of battling with these powerful fish while fishing in Thomas Hill Reservoir.

Thomas Hill Reservoir in Missouri is a popular destination for anglers seeking largemouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, black and white crappie, and hybrid stripers. With its diverse fishery, scenic surroundings, and recreational amenities, Thomas Hill Reservoir provides an enjoyable fishing experience for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

White crappie thrive in the warm water and are a favorite target of locals. In winter hybrid striped bass become the number one target. Catfish and bass also reside here, and provide some excellent fishing outings for those who favor targeting them. When the weather turns cold, anglers should concentrate around the warm water from the plant. During summer bass and crappie fishermen should concentrate on the submerged brush piles, trees and vegetation scattered around the lake. Also fishing around the many boat docks can be productive. Anglers wishing to fish from the bank can use the jetty at the north end of the lake or a hand full of areas with access to the shoreline around the lake. Launch your fishing boat, pleasure boat, pontoon, canoe, kayak or any other boating vessel at several boat ramps around the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Thomas Hill Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Thomas Hill Reservoir Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to the fantastic fishing opportunities, Thomas Hill Reservoir offers boating and camping facilities. Anglers can explore the reservoir's waters by motorized boats or non-motorized vessels such as kayaks or canoes.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

1177 Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off 1177 Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

1180 Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off 1180 Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Glider Avenue Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Glider Avenue, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Fishing Guides On Thomas Hill Reservoir

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 near the reservoir provide opportunities for overnight stays, allowing anglers to fully immerse themselves in the fishing experience.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Mac's Cove Campground - 660 777-3461

Thompson Campground - 660 269-8705

Shoemaker's RV Park Campground - 660 773-5313

Eagle Lodge RV Park - 660 332-1387

Thomas Hill Reservoir MO Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Thomas Hill Reservoir
Macs Cove Campground
1024 Private Road 1184
Clifton Hill, MO 65244
660 777-3461

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