Missouri

Show-Me State — Ozark Bass, Crappie & Catfish

Fishing in Missouri

Missouri offers exceptional fishing in the Ozarks with world-class bass, crappie, and catfish. Table Rock, Lake of the Ozarks, and Stockton are premier destinations. The state also has excellent trout fishing in spring-fed streams.

Tournament Scene

Table Rock Lake hosts major national events. Lake of the Ozarks and Stockton are active tournament waters.

Local Tips

Table Rock Lake is a spotted bass paradise. Lake of the Ozarks for largemouth. Stockton for walleye. Bennett Spring for trout.

Major Trails

B.A.S.S.FLWMLF

Local Circuits

Missouri Bass FederationOzark Bass TrailTable Rock Bass Trail

Public Access

Excellent access on Corps of Engineers lakes and state waters.

Species in Missouri

What you can target and when

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Table Rock Lake · Lake of the Ozarks · Stockton Lake

JigCrankbaitSpinnerbaitDrop shot
Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Current River · Eleven Point River · Meramec River

Inline spinnerSmall spoonFly

Top Waters in Missouri

Lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal fisheries

Lake of the Ozarks

lakePublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

54,000-acre reservoir with 1,150 miles of shoreline.

Top Species

Largemouth BassCrappieCatfish

Best: Spring/Fall

Table Rock Lake

lakePublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

43,000-acre Ozark reservoir hosting major national bass tournaments.

Top Species

Largemouth BassSpotted BassWhite Bass

Best: Spring/Fall

Upcoming Tournaments in Missouri

46 tournaments found

Walleye
Freshwater

Super Springfield Walleye Classic

Springfield, Missouri
Mar 30, 2026 – Mar 31, 2026
Walleye
$25Details
Spotted Bass
Freshwater

Masters Mark Twain Bass Smackdown

Mark Twain, Missouri
Apr 1, 2026 – Apr 2, 2026
Spotted Bass
$250Details
Largemouth Bass
Youth

Fire Smithville Bass Open

Smithville, Missouri
Apr 3, 2026 – Apr 6, 2026
Largemouth Bass
$50Details
Smallmouth Bass
Open

Legends Mark Twain Bass Shootout

Mark Twain, Missouri
Apr 13, 2026 – Apr 14, 2026
Smallmouth Bass
$30Details
Walleye
Charity
3 days

Spring Bull Shoals Walleye Gauntlet

Bull Shoals, Missouri
Apr 19, 2026 – Apr 20, 2026
Walleye
$150Details
Largemouth Bass
Freshwater
3 weeks

Mega Springfield Bass Fest

Springfield, Missouri
May 1, 2026 – May 3, 2026
Largemouth Bass
$200Details

Fishing Licenses & Regulations

Resident License

Annual Resident: $12.

Non-Resident License

Annual Non-Resident: $49. 14-Day: $42. 3-Day: $14.

Short-Term License

3-Day and 14-Day licenses available.

Youth & Senior

Free for residents under 16 and over 65.

Boat Registration

Required for motorized vessels.

Tournament Permit

Permits required for organized events.

Regulations Overview

6 bass daily limit. 12-inch minimum on most waters. Special regulations on trophy waters.

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