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Fishing in Missouri
Missouri Fishing at a Glance
Missouri offers an array of excellent fishing spots for those eager to cast their line. With over 700,000 acres of pristine lakes and 92,000 miles of gushing streams, it’s pretty obvious why 1.4 million anglers make the annual pilgrimage to fish in this state.
Fish enthusiasts have a diverse selection of species to choose from; over 200 to be exact! This includes bass, trout, catfish and more. Whether you’re a novice or a master fisherman, there is something out there that will pique your interest.
Before setting off on your adventure, you’ll need to make sure you have the appropriate licenses. You can easily purchase them online or at any hunting/fishing retailer. Regulations regarding size limits and other factors vary by type of fish as well; bass must be 18 inches or above while catfish must reach 16 inches or higher. All rules can be found on the Department of Conservation website.
As far as what type of fish you should be looking for – bass leads the pack in popularity with trout, catfish and panfish following behind. Popular rivers in Missouri include the Missouri River, Mississippi River and Meramec River while excellent lakes include Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake and Truman Lake. Streams such as Roaring River and Niangua River also offer some great catch opportunities for experienced fisherman or beginners alike.
Key Insights
- Missouri has over 700,000 acres of lakes and 92,000 miles of streams, attracting 1.4 million anglers annually.
- Over 200 species of fish can be found in Missouri, including bass, trout, and catfish and panfish.
- Make sure to obtain the appropriate fishing license and check regulations regarding size limits and other factors on the Department of Conservation website.
- Some popular rivers and lakes for fishing in Missouri include the Missouri River, Mississippi River, Table Rock Lake, and Bull Shoals Lake.
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 6,154,913 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 734,200 |
| Fishing License % | 11.93% |
| Hunters Rank | 20 |
The state of Missouri is mostly private land with just 6.02% of acres considered public land -ranking #33 amongst all states.
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 44,094,700 | ||
| Public | 2,655,010 | 6.02% | 33 |
| Private | 41,439,690 | 93.98% | 16 |
| Tribal | 0 | 0.00% | no tribal land |
Missouri Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the Missouri DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
Missouri DNR
2901 W. Truman Blvd.
Jefferson City, MO 65109
- (573) 751-4115
What are the most popular freshwater fish to catch in Missouri?
Anglers flock to the Missouri River for its variety of popular fish. From Missouri River catfish, known for their size and fight, to flathead catfish, prized for their exquisite flavor, every fisherman can find the perfect challenge and reward in this river. From rainbow trout to walleye, crappie and sunfish — no matter what your tastes are, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time fishing in Missouri.
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Fishing private land in Missouri
Fishing on private land in Missouri has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Missouri or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. Current River
2. Mark Twain Lake
3. Table Rock Lake
4. Lake of the Ozarks
5. Bull Shoals Lake
Fishing private land in Missouri
Fishing on private land in Missouri has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Missouri or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.