Missouri Fishing Charters
Missouri fishing charters cover everything from shallow Ozark lakes to Mississippi River catfish runs and tailwater trout drifts below the big dams.
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Top Rated Charters in Missouri
Missouri Fishing Guide
Missouri’s got a wide spread of fishing options, but what makes it stand out is how close you can get to big bites without needing to run far. You’ve got the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers for heavy freshwater action, trout-rich tailwaters like below Lake Taneycomo or Table Rock Dam, and huge bass lakes like Truman and Lake of the Ozarks. Most charters here focus on freshwater—guided lake trips, river floats, and walk-in access for trout and panfish.
Lake of the Ozarks is the big one—massive surface area, tons of coves, and solid populations of largemouth bass, crappie, and even the occasional hybrid striper. Truman’s not far behind, especially for crappie and catfish. Down south, Table Rock has clear water and deep structure that sets up nice for smallmouth and spotted bass. You’ll also find solid striper and walleye fishing at Bull Shoals, especially near the Arkansas line. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways—Current and Jacks Fork Rivers—are known for float fishing trips chasing smallmouths with ultralight tackle and soft plastics.
In the trout zones, below Taneycomo Dam and in the Eleven Point and North Fork, you’ll get drift or wade trips, often with fly rods or light spinning setups using jigs, scuds, or live bait like nightcrawlers. For catfish on the Missouri River, guides tend to run heavy gear with cut bait and big sinkers, anchoring near deep current seams or behind wing dikes. Plenty of ramps make DIY possible, but if you don’t know the backwaters, booking a local guide saves time and fuel.
Regional Fishing Highlights
Lake of the Ozarks
Most trips target largemouth bass, crappie, and blue catfish. Bass bite best around docks and brush piles, with soft plastics and spinnerbaits being the go-to. Crappie stack up on deep brush, especially in winter and spring. Catfish guys anchor up on main lake flats and channels with fresh shad. Full-day trips help cover more arms of the lake, but half-days are common too.
Missouri River
This is catfish country. Blue cats and flatheads run big here—20, 30, even 50-pounders aren’t rare. Charters typically use big rods with cut bait, fishing deep holes, dike edges, or flooded timber. The current’s strong, so knowing where to anchor is everything. Day and night trips are both productive, especially midsummer.
Table Rock Lake
Clear water makes this a finesse lake. Guides here focus on smallmouth and spotted bass with drop shots, Ned rigs, and swimbaits. Some also target walleye and paddlefish in deeper areas. Winter can be lights-out for deep vertical jigging. Spring’s the best bet if you want surface action and bigger fish shallow.
Taneycomo Tailwater
Year-round trout fishery fed from Table Rock Dam. You’ll get rainbows daily, with browns mixed in during fall. Most guides offer half-day drift trips using light spinning gear, tiny jigs, and live worms. The current’s manageable, but wind and boat traffic can get tricky—mornings are best.
Current River
A gem for smallmouth float trips. Canoes or light rafts drift the deeper bends and rocky runs, working topwater early and switching to tubes or grubs midday. No motors here—just quiet water, hungry bronzebacks, and plenty of shade. Late spring through early fall is peak season.
Fishing Seasons in Missouri
Spring
Crappie move shallow by April, especially in Truman and Ozark lakes. Bass are spawning, and a well-placed jig or lizard gets slammed. On rivers, smallmouth wake up and take topwater early. Trout below the dams are active on small jigs and live bait. Walleye start staging on gravel points.
Summer
Deep bite sets in. Bass pull offshore, so structure fishing with crankbaits and jigs is key. Catfish heat up hard on rivers—cut bait after dark is a killer setup. Trout bite stays steady but shifts to early morning or late evening. Paddlefish season wraps up, but some big ones still get caught deep.
Fall
Bass and crappie come back shallow. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and swim jigs work best. Brown trout run in Taneycomo, so it’s prime time for big males on jerkbaits. Smallmouth fire off again in rivers as water cools. Catfish are still feeding before the winter slow-down.
Winter
Crappie stack up on deep brush in Truman and Ozarks. Bass slow down but are catchable on spoons and jigs in deeper channels. Trout are steady below Taneycomo, even in freezing temps. Most river trips slow down, but some hardcore guys still float for smallmouth on warmer days.
Most Popular Gamefish in Missouri
- Largemouth Bass – 1–6 lbs. Found in all major reservoirs. Target with jigs, spinnerbaits, or plastics around docks and brush.
- Smallmouth Bass – 1–4 lbs. Rivers like the Current and Eleven Point. Use tubes, grubs, or small topwaters around rocks and runs.
- Spotted Bass – 1–3 lbs. Clearwater lakes like Table Rock. Drop shots, Ned rigs, and shaky heads around gravel banks.
- Crappie – 0.5–2 lbs. Deep brush piles in Truman and Ozarks. Minnows or jigs under a float or vertical.
- Blue Catfish – 10–60 lbs. Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Cut bait fished deep near structure.
- Flathead Catfish – 5–40 lbs. Slow water with timber or rock. Use live bait near cover at night.
- Brown Trout – 2–10 lbs. Taneycomo and Eleven Point in fall. Big browns take jerkbaits or streamers.
- Rainbow Trout – 1–3 lbs. Cold tailwaters like Taneycomo. Jig heads, worms, and drifting flies.
- Walleye – 2–8 lbs. Bull Shoals, Truman. Trolling crankbaits or bottom bouncing rigs on deep breaks.
- Paddlefish – 30–100 lbs. Spring snagging in Table Rock and Osage River arms. Heavy gear only.
Missouri Fishing FAQs
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Missouri?
Yes, anyone over 15 needs a valid Missouri fishing permit. There are also trout permits required if you fish certain areas like Taneycomo or the Current River.
What’s the best lake for bass fishing in Missouri?
Lake of the Ozarks gets the most attention, but Table Rock is better if you’re after clear water and smallmouth bass.
Can I book a trout fishing charter near Branson?
Yes, most trout guides operate out of Branson and run trips on Lake Taneycomo. These are usually half-day trips using light spinning gear.
What bait works best for Missouri catfish?
Cut shad or skipjack herring is the top choice for big blues. Flatheads prefer live bait like perch or goldfish.
Are there guided river fishing trips in Missouri?
Plenty—especially on the Current, Jacks Fork, and Eleven Point Rivers. Most use rafts or drift boats for smallmouth.
Is winter fishing worth it in Missouri?
If you’re targeting trout or crappie, absolutely. Tailwaters stay productive year-round, and crappie school tight on brush in deeper lakes.
What gear should I bring on a Missouri fishing charter?
Most guides provide everything, but it helps to dress in layers and bring your own drinks, snacks, and sun protection.
Are Missouri fishing trips good for kids?
Yes, especially crappie or trout trips. Calm waters, steady bites, and short travel time make them great for families.
How far do guides run on Missouri River catfish trips?
Not far. Most anchor within a few miles of the ramp, focusing on key holes and dike edges depending on river flow.