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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.