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Fishing in Missouri

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Want trophy-size catches? These Missouri spots deliver

About Missouri fishing

Missouri offers bass-rich Ozark lakes, trout streams, and catfish in rivers. Its combination of warmwater and coldwater fishing makes it a diverse freshwater angling destination for all skill levels.

Missouri fishing license

Fishing in Missouri requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Resident and non-resident annual and short-term licenses are available online or from licensed vendors.

In Missouri, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16 or residents 65 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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Top fish species caught in Missouri

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Biggest catches in Missouri

Explore your local leaderboard—see the top catches in the app.

State records of caught fish in Missouri

SpeciesWeightRainbow trout40 lbsChannel catfish34.6 lbsLargemouth bass13.8 lbsSmallmouth bass7.1 lbsWhite crappie5.2 lbsBluegill3 lbs

Latest Missouri fishing reports

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Largemouth bass caught on Fishbrain
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Largemouth bass

Dardenne Creek

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Bluegill caught on Fishbrain
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Bluegill

Woodlands Sports Park

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Bluegill caught on Fishbrain
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Bluegill

Woodlands Sports Park

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Bluegill caught on Fishbrain
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Bluegill

Woodlands Sports Park

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Largemouth bass caught on Fishbrain
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Largemouth bass

Oaks of Edgewood Pond

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Bluegill caught on Fishbrain
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Bluegill

Woodlands Sports Park

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Bluegill caught on Fishbrain
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Bluegill

Woodlands Sports Park

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Bluegill caught on Fishbrain
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Bluegill

Woodlands Sports Park

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Largemouth bass caught on Fishbrain
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Largemouth bass

The Lake on White Road

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Bluegill caught on Fishbrain
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Bluegill

Woodlands Sports Park

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Fishing regulations in Missouri

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Missouri can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Channel catfish as of September 8th, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.

Channel catfish

Seasons

Open

Bag limit

10
Restrictions & requirements
Additional information
Bull Shoals LakeLakewide: Ozark and TaneyDaily limit:Catfish (channel, blue and flathead): 10, combined total of these three speciesFrom Powersite Dam to Highway 76: Taney Prohibited Methods: Trotlines, throwlines and limb linesFor more information please see Catfish special area restrictionsLake of the OzarksOn the lake and its tributaries:Daily limit:Do not continue to snag, snare or grab for any species after taking a daily limit of 2 paddlefish.Blue catfish: 10 fish daily and possession limit; the daily limit may not contain more than 2 blue catfish more than 34".Length limit:Blue catfish: 26" to 34" protected slot length limit; 10 fish daily and possession limit; the daily limit may not contain more than 2 blue catfish more than 34".Within 525 feet on the left descending bank and 977 feet on the right descending bank below Truman Dam in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' restricted zone:Area note: No fishing is allowed.From the downstream end of the no-fishing zone below Truman Dam to U.S. Highway 65:Prohibited methods: Trotlines, throwlines, limb lines, jug lines, snagging, snaring and grabbing are prohibited.For more information please see Catfish special area restrictionsMississippi RiverThis area encompasses the Mississippi River, including Pools 20-26, the temporary overflow waters east of the Missouri Pacific Railroad between Cape Girardeau and Scott City, and the temporary overflow waters east of the mainline and setback levees between Commerce and the Arkansas state line.Mississippi River, including Pools 20-26Daily limits:Channel catfish and blue catfish: The daily and possession limit is 20, combined total of these species.Flathead catfish: The daily and possession limit is 10 fish.Length limits:Limit of 2 poles per licensed anglerLimit of 50 hooks on a trotlineFor more information please see Catfish special area restrictionsTable Rock LakeLakewide:Daily limit: Do not continue to snag, snare or grab for any species after taking a daily limit of 2 paddlefish.Catfish (channel, blue and flathead): 10, combined total of these speciesFor more information please see Catfish special area restrictionsTruman LakeOn the lake and its tributariesDaily limit:Blue catfish: 10 fish daily and possession limit, with not more than 2 blue catfish more than 34".Size limit:Blue catfish: 26" to 34" protected slot length limit; the daily limit may not contain more than 2 blue catfish more than 34".Prohibited Methods: No person shall continue to snag, snare or grab for any species after taking a daily limit of 2 paddlefish.For more information please see Catfish special area restrictions
Edibility
Very good Catch, Clean, Cook Channel Catfish by BlueGabe
Synonyms

Ictalurus punctatus

Regulations for

38°34′22.6″N 92°11′21.4″W
Regulations in the map
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FAQ about Missouri fishing

📜 What are the fishing regulations in Missouri, United States?
Fishing regulations in Missouri, United States vary by location, species, and season. Rules may include size limits, bag limits, licensing requirements, and protected areas. Because regulations are managed locally and can change throughout the year, it's important to check the latest official guidance before fishing.

To stay up to date and avoid guesswork, use the to explore local rules, discover popular waters, and see what other anglers are catching across United States.
🐟 What are the best fish species to catch in Missouri, United States?
Some of the most popular species anglers target in Missouri, United States include Channel catfish, Largemouth bass, and Smallmouth bass. The best species often depend on season, water type, and location within the country.

For more detailed, real-time insights, the shows which species are being caught near you and what baits are working best across United States.
🌊 Where are the top fishing spots in Missouri, United States?
Some of the most popular fishing spots in Missouri, United States include Lake Of The Ozarks, Mississippi River (Cairo - Tennessee), and Table Rock Lake. Anglers across the country fish a wide range of waters, with opportunities varying by region and season.

With the , you can explore local hotspots anywhere in United States, see recent catches, and find out what's working near you.