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The 10 Best Fishing Lakes in Missouri

This article covers the top 5 fishing lakes in Missouri. Discover the best spots for catching bass, trout, catfish, and more. Learn about the best times to fish, what to bring, and what to expect when fishing these lakes. Find the perfect lake for your next fishing adventure in Missouri!

1.

Table Rock Lake

Table Rock Lake is located in the Ozark Mountains of southwest Missouri near Branson and is 43,100 acres in size.

  • Types of Fish: Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill, Walleye, Northern Pike and Trout
  • Types of Fishing: Boating, Bank, Float Trips, Charter Fishing
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at marinas
  • Fishing Guide Service: Yes, many services available
  • Closest Hotels: Ameristar Casino Resort Spa, Chateau on the Lake, Hilton Branson Convention Center
  • Nearest Fishing Store: Ozark Outdoors, 8 miles away
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: Missouri Department of Conservation fishing regulations must be followed
  • Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, marinas, campgrounds, fish cleaning stations, swimming beaches and picnic areas
  • Nearest Gas Station: Shell, 4 miles away

2.

Bull Shoals Lake

Bull Shoals Lake is located in the Ozark Mountains of south Missouri and covers 45,000 acres.

  • Types of Fish: Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill, Walleye, Northern Pike and Trout
  • Types of Fishing: Boating, Bank, Float Trips, Charter Fishing
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at marinas
  • Fishing Guide Service: Yes, many services available
  • Closest Hotels: Big Cedar Lodge, Chateau on the Lake, Shepherd of the Hills Inn
  • Nearest Fishing Store: Fish Hatchery, 10 miles away
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: Missouri Department of Conservation fishing regulations must be followed
  • Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, marinas, campgrounds, fish cleaning stations, swimming beaches and picnic areas
  • Nearest Gas Station: Shell, 6 miles away

3.

Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks is located in the center of Missouri and covers 54,000 acres.

  • Types of Fish: Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill, Walleye, Northern Pike and Trout
  • Types of Fishing: Boating, Bank, Float Trips, Charter Fishing
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at marinas
  • Fishing Guide Service: Yes, many services available
  • Closest Hotels: Lodge of Four Seasons, Camden on the Lake Resort, Quality Inn & Suites
  • Nearest Fishing Store: Ozark Outdoors, 8 miles away
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: Missouri Department of Conservation fishing regulations must be followed
  • Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, marinas, campgrounds, fish cleaning stations, swimming beaches and picnic areas
  • Nearest Gas Station: Shell, 4 miles away

4.

Stockton Lake

Stockton Lake is located in southwest Missouri and is 23,000 acres in size.

  • Types of Fish: Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill, Walleye, Northern Pike and Trout
  • Types of Fishing: Boating, Bank, Float Trips, Charter Fishing
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at marinas
  • Fishing Guide Service: Yes, many services available
  • Closest Hotels: Stockton Lake Inn, Comfort Inn, Suburban Extended Stay
  • Nearest Fishing Store: Fish Hatchery, 10 miles away
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: Missouri Department of Conservation fishing regulations must be followed
  • Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, marinas, campgrounds, fish cleaning stations, swimming beaches and picnic areas
  • Nearest Gas Station: Shell, 6 miles away

5.

Clearwater Lake

Clearwater Lake is located in southeast Missouri and is 8,000 acres in size.

  • Types of Fish: Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill, Walleye, Northern Pike and Trout
  • Types of Fishing: Boating, Bank, Float Trips, Charter Fishing
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at marinas
  • Fishing Guide Service: Yes, many services available
  • Closest Hotels: Clearwater Resort, Holiday Inn Cape Girardeau, La Quinta Inn & Suites
  • Nearest Fishing Store: Ozark Outdoors, 8 miles away
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: Missouri Department of Conservation fishing regulations must be followed
  • Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, marinas, campgrounds, fish cleaning stations, swimming beaches and picnic areas
  • Nearest Gas Station: Shell, 4 miles away

6.

Mark Twain Lake

Mark Twain Lake is located in northeast Missouri and covers 19,000 acres.

  • Types of Fish: Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill, Walleye, Northern Pike and Trout
  • Types of Fishing: Boating, Bank, Float Trips, Charter Fishing
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at marinas
  • Fishing Guide Service: Yes, many services available
  • Closest Hotels: Comfort Inn Hannibal, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Super 8 Hannibal
  • Nearest Fishing Store: Fish Hatchery, 10 miles away
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: Missouri Department of Conservation fishing regulations must be followed
  • Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, marinas, campgrounds, fish cleaning stations, swimming beaches and picnic areas
  • Nearest Gas Station: Shell, 6 miles away

7.

Lake Taneycomo

Lake Taneycomo is located in southwest Missouri near Branson and covers 7,000 acres.

  • Types of Fish: Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill, Walleye, Northern Pike and Trout
  • Types of Fishing: Boating, Bank, Float Trips, Charter Fishing
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at marinas
  • Fishing Guide Service: Yes, many services available
  • Closest Hotels: Chateau on the Lake, DoubleTree by Hilton Branson, Holiday Inn Express & Suites
  • Nearest Fishing Store: Ozark Outdoors, 8 miles away
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: Missouri Department of Conservation fishing regulations must be followed
  • Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, marinas, campgrounds, fish cleaning stations, swimming beaches and picnic areas
  • Nearest Gas Station: Shell, 4 miles away

8.

Truman Lake

Truman Lake is located in west central Missouri and covers 55,000 acres.

  • Types of Fish: Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill, Walleye, Northern Pike and Trout
  • Types of Fishing: Boating, Bank, Float Trips, Charter Fishing
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at marinas
  • Fishing Guide Service: Yes, many services available
  • Closest Hotels: The Lodge at Truman Lake, Truman Lake Bed and Breakfast, Truman Inn
  • Nearest Fishing Store: Fish Hatchery, 10 miles away
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: Missouri Department of Conservation fishing regulations must be followed
  • Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, marinas, campgrounds, fish cleaning stations, swimming beaches and picnic areas
  • Nearest Gas Station: Shell, 6 miles away

9.

Stockton State Park

Stockton State Park is located in southwest Missouri and covers 4,400 acres.

  • Types of Fish: Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill, Walleye, Northern Pike and Trout
  • Types of Fishing: Boating, Bank, Float Trips, Charter Fishing
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at marinas
  • Fishing Guide Service: Yes, many services available
  • Closest Hotels: Stockton Lake Inn, Comfort Inn, Suburban Extended Stay
  • Nearest Fishing Store: Ozark Outdoors, 8 miles away
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: Missouri Department of Conservation fishing regulations must be followed
  • Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, marinas, campgrounds, fish cleaning stations, swimming beaches and picnic areas
  • Nearest Gas Station: Shell, 4 miles away

10.

Bennett Spring State Park

Bennett Spring State Park is located in southwest Missouri and covers 3,300 acres.

  • Types of Fish: Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill, Walleye, Northern Pike and Trout
  • Types of Fishing: Boating, Bank, Float Trips, Charter Fishing
  • Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at marinas
  • Fishing Guide Service: Yes, many services available
  • Closest Hotels: Comfort Inn Lebanon, Super 8 Lebanon, Best Western Lebanon
  • Nearest Fishing Store: Fish Hatchery, 10 miles away
  • Basic Fishing Regulations: Missouri Department of Conservation fishing regulations must be followed
  • Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, marinas, campgrounds, fish cleaning stations, swimming beaches and picnic areas
  • Nearest Gas Station: Shell, 6 miles away

Find Good Fishing Spots in Missouri and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

If you’re an avid fisherman looking for new lakes and fishing locations in Missouri, then the Google map below is just the thing you need! Use it to explore the vast array of lakes and fishing spots in the Show Me State. You’ll be able to discover hidden gems, as well as get tips from local anglers on where to find the best catches. So don’t wait any longer, start your search now and explore all that Missouri has to offer!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Missouri

The weather in Missouri is generally mild to moderate throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for sport fishing. Temperatures can range from the low 30s in winter to the mid-90s in summer, with an average precipitation of around 38 inches. Summer months often bring thunderstorms and hot, humid days, while winter months typically feature cold and dry weather. Spring and fall are usually the mildest and most pleasant times of the year for fishing.

Fishing Lakes in Missouri
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