The 10 Best Fishing Lakes in Missouri (And the Types of Fish to Expect!)

Discover the fishing lakes of Missouri, where a blend of nature and human craftsmanship has resulted in some of the best fishing spots in the region. Missouri may lack natural lakes, but fear not, as the state has compensated with a remarkable 568 man-made lakes!

These artificial gems provide the perfect sanctuary for fishing enthusiasts, offering an abundance of diverse fish species. In this article, we will explore some of the best fishing lakes in the Show-Me State!

Lake of the Ozarks

One of the most famous and iconic lakes in Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks is a fantastic destination for fishing. This expansive lake offers a whopping 55,000 acres of water, providing a diverse range of activities to suit every taste and preference. Stretching for 92 miles and boasting over 1,150 miles of shoreline, the Lake of the Ozarks is even longer than the entire coastline of California!

Swimming is permitted throughout the lake, although many people choose to gather at the two public sandy beaches located in Lake Ozark State Park. However, the attractions of this magnificent lake extend far beyond swimming. Fishing enthusiasts will find Lake of the Ozarks to be one of Missouri’s top fishing spots. 

With its abundant population of bluegill, spotted bass, crappie, catfish, paddlefish, smallmouth bass, black bass, largemouth bass, and walleye, the lake offers a haven for anglers of all kinds. Bass fishing, in particular, is exceptional here, attracting annual tournaments and producing winners who frequently break personal and state records. For those who prefer fishing from the shore, the lake provides easy access from various points around its perimeter.

Lake of the Ozarks is also ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering abundant options for camping, picnics, and hikes. Moreover, the surrounding area has diverse choices for shopping, dining at restaurants, renting boats, exploring marinas, and finding comfortable accommodations at motels and resorts.

Stockton Lake

Situated on the western fringe of the Missouri Ozarks, Stockton Lake is a vast recreational reservoir spanning 24,900 acres. It may not be as famous as some other Missouri lakes, but it’s an excellent choice for fishing enthusiasts and anyone seeking a fun-filled aquatic adventure.

With an impressive 300 miles of shoreline, Stockton Lake is a haven for fishing. Anglers of all ages can reel in bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, and more. Around the lake, you’ll find several marinas and boat launching spots alongside accommodations, restaurants, and stores for necessities.

Even if fishing isn’t your favorite pastime, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained on this vast body of water. Embark on a leisurely boat cruise to discover the multiple hidden coves dotting the lake. If you’re seeking more adrenaline, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, and jet skiing are among the exciting options. Scuba diving is another popular activity here, with underwater visibility reaching up to 25 feet, varying with the seasons.

Around Stockton Lake, there’s an array of parks and campsites, enhancing your fishing trip with convenience and pleasure. Additional facilities like boat ramps and a swimming beach add to the park’s appeal.

Mark Twain Lake

Mark Twain Lake, located in northeastern Missouri, spans around 18,600 acres. The lake is accompanied by the beautiful Mark Twain State Park, which covers an additional 2,775 acres. Every year, Mark Twain Lake attracts over two million visitors to enjoy its recreational offerings.

With its vast expanse and 285 miles of shoreline, Mark Twain Lake provides endless opportunities for both on-water and off-water activities. You’ll find approximately 20 boat launch ramps conveniently situated around the lake, granting access to all its different areas. If you’re looking to bask in the sun, set aside some time to relax on one of the lake’s three swimming beaches.

What sets Mark Twain Lake apart is its unspoiled shoreline, free from any residential or commercial development, as well as private docks. Surrounding the lake, you’ll discover more than 36,000 acres of public land, offering horseback riding, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, biking, and hunting.

For fishing enthusiasts, Mark Twain Lake is truly a delight. The lake is famous for its “Big 3” catches, namely largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. While less common, you may also reel in white bass, walleye, and bluegill. 

Local bait shops proudly display photographs of prized catfish weighing over 50 pounds. Springtime is particularly ideal for crappie fishing, as water levels rise and the fish feast on young shad.

Truman Reservoir

With an impressive storage capacity of over 5 million acre-feet, Truman Reservoir proudly holds the title of Missouri’s largest flood control reservoir. Surprisingly, Truman Lake surpasses the popular Lake of the Ozarks in size, spanning 55,406 acres. This massive lake is situated at the convergence of the Plains and the Ozarks within the upper Osage River basin.

Truman Lake offers various activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, camping, hiking, and sightseeing. Public marinas and boat launch areas are readily available for visitors to access, making your fishing trip all the more fun.

No matter your preferred fishing style, whether it’s casting from the shoreline, maneuvering a canoe or kayak, piloting a bass boat, or enjoying the comfort of a pontoon, you’ll find a wealth of convenient access points tailored to your needs.

The reservoir’s scenic shores are flanked by several parks, lakes, and wildlife management areas. Fishing enthusiasts will find Truman Reservoir a paradise, offering excellent angling opportunities year-round. Bass, crappies, white bass, stripers, and other species are abundant, making it a favored destination for many. In fact, Truman Lake is often hailed as the best catfish lake in the entire state.

Lake Jacomo

Lake Jacomo, spanning 970 acres, is in the heart of Fleming Park. It attracts visitors with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, located about 15 miles east of Kansas City.

Fishermen are attracted to Lake Jacomo because of its abundant fishing opportunities. While many fishermen target largemouth bass, others can try their luck with walleye, hybrid striped bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and carp.

The shoreline features a 1000-foot “fishing trail” that provides plenty of space for bank fishing. This area is particularly suitable for children to enjoy. It’s important to remember that while some parts of the lake may freeze during cold winters, ice fishing is never considered safe.

If you’re a fan of boating, the South Boat Dock provides ample space for 300 boats. The marina, which is the largest boat rental facility in the Kansas City area, offers a wide range of amenities such as boating supplies, fuel, food, bait, and a boat pump-out station. For those who prefer camping overnight for their fishing trip, Lake Jacomo Campground has 57 well-equipped campsites suitable for both tent campers and RVs.

Smithville Lake

Situated in northwest Missouri, Smithville Lake is well known for recreational activities, especially fishing. With a generous expanse of nearly 7,200 surface acres of water, this scenic lake invites fishermen from all over the state.

The lake has been diligently stocked with a variety of fish, including walleye, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, blue catfish, and tiger muskie. Besides, fishing enthusiasts from far and wide showcase their skills during the numerous bass tournaments that take place annually on the lake.

At Smithville Lake, the campgrounds cater to all types of anglers that want to stay the night, offering both electric and non-electric sites. There are restrooms, dump stations, and hot showers, ensuring a comfortable camping experience. If you’re up for some more adventure, bring your bike, horse, or hiking boots, as the lake has a network of trails suitable for various other activities.

Pomme de Terre Lake

Pomme de Terre Lake, a beloved camping destination, offers a wide range of recreational and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Covering 7,800 acres in the southwestern part of the state, this stunning lake features over 100 miles of picturesque shoreline.

Whether you’re in search of a marina or a boat launching facility, Pomme de Terre Lake has you covered. From kayaks, canoes, and bass boats to pontoons, there are plenty of options to explore the lake and discover its thriving fish populations.

Thanks to steady or high lake levels during the spring season in recent years, Pomme de Terre Lake has provided excellent spawning conditions for various species. Fishing enthusiasts will find bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, muskie, and more.

Additionally, two public swimming beaches offer a refreshing escape. If you prefer staying on land, Pomme de Terre Lake offers a variety of other activities besides fishing. Take a hike along the scenic trails, find a cozy spot for a picnic, or choose from over 250 campsites located near the beautiful lake shore. The camping areas feature modern amenities such as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors.

Mozingo Lake

Mozingo Lake, situated in the state’s northwest corner, is a bass angler’s paradise. Spanning 1,000 acres, Mozingo Lake Recreation Park is renowned as one of Missouri’s top fishing destinations.

Mozingo Lake provides an excellent habitat for various fish species. With abundant weed beds, submerged brush piles, coves featuring standing timber, and a maximum depth of 40 feet, the lake offers a perfect environment for largemouth bass and crappie, the most sought-after catches. However, catfish, bluegill, and walleye are also plentiful. You can fish from any of the three paved fishing ramps or explore the 26 miles of shoreline for the perfect fishing spot.

Throughout the year, Mozingo Lake hosts numerous fishing tournaments, clinics, and children’s events, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening for fishing enthusiasts of all ages.

In addition to fishing, Mozingo Lake Recreation Park offers a wide range of recreational activities to enjoy. From boating and hiking to hunting and equestrian activities, there’s something for everyone. You can even explore the skies with a remote control airfield.

For easy access to the lake, a concrete boat launch ramp is conveniently located on the east side, just north of the golf course, on 245th Street. 

Lake Wappapello

Lake Wappapello, an expansive 8,400-acre lake located in the southeast of the state, is an ideal spot for crappie and sunfish lovers. Alongside fishing, the area offers a plethora of activities, such as boating, water skiing, sailing, camping, and hiking.

With a shoreline stretching over 175 miles, there are many spots to cast your line, providing an excellent opportunity for a fun-filled family outing. Anglers looking to fish from the shore will find numerous accessible areas around the lake.

Furthermore, fishing boats, including canoes, kayaks, and bass boats, are available for rent, even pontoon boats, for a leisurely fishing experience. The lake’s submerged brush and vegetation scattered throughout create prime targets.

Lake Wappapello offers an array of species to target. From channel catfish and flathead catfish to largemouth bass, longear sunfish, white crappie, redear sunfish, bluegill, black crappie, green sunfish, and warmouth, there’s no shortage of variety for anglers to enjoy.

Lake Taneycomo

Lake Taneycomo, stretching 23 miles along Missouri’s eastern border, is a must-visit destination for fishermen in Missouri with its impressive 2,000 surface acres. Renowned for its world-class trout fishing, including rainbows and browns, Taneycomo offers a diverse fishery that will captivate anglers of all levels.

While bank fishing is limited to public lands along the 40-plus miles of shoreline, you can start your fishing journey near the boat ramps and parks for easy access. However, having a boat provides a distinct advantage when exploring Lake Taneycomo. Even a kayak or canoe can significantly expand your fishing opportunities compared to fishing from the shore. 

Marinas, located on the water, offers comprehensive services for boats of all sizes and types, ensuring that you have everything you need for a successful fishing day on the lake.

Although Lake Taneycomo is famous for its trout, other prized species thrive in its cold and nutrient-rich waters. Catfish, crappie, bass, sunfish, and walleye are among the favorites that anglers can target and enjoy the thrill of reeling in.

When it comes to amenities, Lake Taneycomo has you covered. You can find lodging options, convenient stores, bait and tackle shops, as well as restaurants, ensuring that all your needs are met during your fishing adventure.

Summary of the Best Fishing Lakes in Missouri

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/jwdorris