Top fish species at Willow Creek

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Willow Creek fishing reports

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Flathead catfish

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Flathead catfish

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Channel catfish

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Channel catfish

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Silver carp

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Flathead catfish

28 in · 5 lb

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General info

Willow Creek is a stream located in Ray County, Missouri, United States. It is most popular for fishing Channel catfish, Flathead catfish, and Silver carp.

Location

39°14′3.1″N 93°56′25.2″W
Directions

Fishing regulations at Willow Creek, MO

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.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Channel catfish

Channel catfish

Regulation boundaryMissouri State Waters
Bag limit10

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Restrictions & requirements

Gigging

Harvest by gigging prohibited.

Snagging

Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.

Spears

Harvest of this species by "spearing" is prohibited. Spearing includes the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body.

MO Explosives Chemicals Poison Electricity

No one may use any explosive, poison, chemical or electrical equipment to kill or stupefy fish. Such material or equipment may not be possessed on waters of the state or adjacent banks.

MO Hand Fishing

It also is illegal to attempt to take fish by hand, with or without a hook, and to intentionally leave or abandon any commonly edible portion of any fish.

MO Spearguns

Spearguns may not be possessed on unimpounded waters or adjacent banks, and spears may not be propelled by explosives.

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 restrictions Lake 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 restrictions Mississippi 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 restrictions Table 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 restrictions Truman 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
Season open: year-round
Flathead catfish

Flathead catfish

Regulation boundaryMissouri State Waters
Bag limit5

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Restrictions & requirements

Gigging

Harvest by gigging prohibited.

Snagging

Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.

Spears

Harvest of this species by "spearing" is prohibited. Spearing includes the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body.

MO Explosives Chemicals Poison Electricity

No one may use any explosive, poison, chemical or electrical equipment to kill or stupefy fish. Such material or equipment may not be possessed on waters of the state or adjacent banks.

MO Hand Fishing

It also is illegal to attempt to take fish by hand, with or without a hook, and to intentionally leave or abandon any commonly edible portion of any fish.

MO Spearguns

Spearguns may not be possessed on unimpounded waters or adjacent banks, and spears may not be propelled by explosives.

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 restrictions Lake 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 restrictions Mississippi 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 restrictions Table 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 restrictions Truman 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
Synonyms
Pylodictis olivaris
Season open: year-round
Silver carp

Silver carp

Regulation boundaryMissouri State Waters
Bag limit50

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Aggregate limit50

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Special gear

MO Gear

Seasonal Harvest Method Restrictions and Limits: Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Impounded WatersFebruary 16, 2023 - September 14, 2023Hours: Sunrise to sunsetDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Impounded WatersApril 1, 2023 - January 31, 2024February 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024 Hours: Sunrise to midnight from February 1 to March 31.Applies to bowfishing in impounded waters.Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to bowfishing in impounded waters.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Streams and Impounded WatersMarch 15, 2024 - May 15, 2024September 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024Hours: 24 HoursDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.In the Osage River downstream from U.S. Highway 54 to the Missouri River and in the Lake of the Ozarks and Harry S. Truman Reservoir, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through April 30.On the Mississippi River, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through May 15 and Sept. 15through Dec. 15.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons Nongame Fish:Snaring:Streams and Impounded WatersMarch 15, 2024 - May 15, 2024September 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024Hours: 24 HoursDaily limit: 20Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.In the Osage River downstream from U.S. Highway 54 to the Missouri River and in the Lake of the Ozarks and Harry S. Truman Reservoir,nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through April 30.On the Mississippi River, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through May 15 and Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl:Streams and Impounded WatersSeptember 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024Hours: Sunrise to midnightDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons Nongame Fish: Crossbow: Impounded Waters and Temporary OverflowJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: Sunrise to sunsetDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to crossbow fishing in impounded waters and bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Bowfishing: Mississippi, Missouri, St. Francis RiversJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: 24 HoursDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to bowfishing in portions of the Missouri, Mississippi, and St Francis rivers.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing:Temporary OverflowJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: Sunrise to sunsetDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to snagging/grabbing in bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Temporary OverflowJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: Sunrise to sunsetDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to gigging in bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons Nongame Fish: Line MethodsJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: 24 hoursDaily limit: 50, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100Possession limit: 100Applies to fishing in streams and impounded watersFor more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons

Restrictions & requirements

MO Explosives Chemicals Poison Electricity

No one may use any explosive, poison, chemical or electrical equipment to kill or stupefy fish. Such material or equipment may not be possessed on waters of the state or adjacent banks.

MO Hand Fishing

It also is illegal to attempt to take fish by hand, with or without a hook, and to intentionally leave or abandon any commonly edible portion of any fish.

MO Spearguns

Spearguns may not be possessed on unimpounded waters or adjacent banks, and spears may not be propelled by explosives.

Additional information
Daily limit: 50, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100Possession limit: 100The daily limit is the combined total of all nongame species taken by all nongame methods. If you have taken 50 nongame species using a pole and line, then you cannot take 20 nongame species using another nongame fishing method. If you have taken 20 nongame species via another nongame fishing method, then you can only take an additional 30 nongame species using a pole and line, or other line method.On the Current River from Cedar Grove downstream to the Arkansas line, only 5 hogsuckers may be included in a daily limit.Goldfish, bighead carp, common carp, grass carp, and silver carp may be possessed in any number and do not count in the daily or possession limit.Bighead carp, common carp, grass carp, and silver carp ;that jump from the water into a boat or onto land may also be taken and possessed in any number.For more information please refer to Fishing Regulations Missouri Department of Conservation Additional Seasonal Harvesting Restrictions and Limits:Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Impounded WatersFebruary 16, 2023 - September 14, 2023Hours: Sunrise to sunsetDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Impounded WatersApril 1, 2023 - January 31, 2024February 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024 Hours: Sunrise to midnight from February 1 to March 31.Applies to bowfishing in impounded waters.Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to bowfishing in impounded waters.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Streams and Impounded WatersMarch 15, 2024 - May 15, 2024September 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024Hours: 24 HoursDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.In the Osage River downstream from U.S. Highway 54 to the Missouri River and in the Lake of the Ozarks and Harry S. Truman Reservoir, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through April 30.On the Mississippi River, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through May 15 and Sept. 15through Dec. 15.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons Nongame Fish:Snaring:Streams and Impounded WatersMarch 15, 2024 - May 15, 2024September 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024Hours: 24 HoursDaily limit: 20Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.In the Osage River downstream from U.S. Highway 54 to the Missouri River and in the Lake of the Ozarks and Harry S. Truman Reservoir,nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through April 30.On the Mississippi River, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through May 15 and Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl:Streams and Impounded WatersSeptember 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024Hours: Sunrise to midnightDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons Nongame Fish: Crossbow: Impounded Waters and Temporary OverflowJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: Sunrise to sunsetDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to crossbow fishing in impounded waters and bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Bowfishing: Mississippi, Missouri, St. Francis RiversJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: 24 HoursDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to bowfishing in portions of the Missouri, Mississippi, and St Francis rivers.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing:Temporary OverflowJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: Sunrise to sunsetDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to snagging/grabbing in bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Temporary OverflowJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: Sunrise to sunsetDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to gigging in bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons Nongame Fish: Line MethodsJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: 24 hoursDaily limit: 50, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100Possession limit: 100Applies to fishing in streams and impounded watersFor more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Edibility
Very good; they have firm, flaky, white flesh, which is excellent table fare. But, they have intramuscular bones in the filets that many people find undesirable. 
Synonyms
Asian Carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
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Local laws and licenses

Missouri fishing license

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Cities nearby

Richmond

3.3 miles away

Camden

5.1 miles away

Lexington

5.3 miles away

Wellington

7.1 miles away

Orrick

10.0 miles away

Rayville

10.2 miles away

Dover

13.7 miles away

Mayview

13.8 miles away

Sibley

14.5 miles away

Buckner

15.2 miles away

Higginsville

16.3 miles away

Bates City

17.2 miles away

Excelsior Springs

17.6 miles away

Missouri City

19.4 miles away

Lake Lafayette

19.8 miles away

Lawson

20.3 miles away

Grain Valley

20.8 miles away

Elmira

22.1 miles away

Polo

22.4 miles away

Cowgill

22.6 miles away

Kearney

23.9 miles away

Independence

24.2 miles away

Liberty

25.6 miles away

Holt

26.1 miles away

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FAQ about Willow Creek fishing

📍 Where is the Willow Creek located?
the Willow Creek is a stream located in Ray County, Missouri, United States. Its coordinates are:
39°14′3.1″N 93°56′25.2″W
.
🎣 Where on the Willow Creek is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on the Willow Creek by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in the Willow Creek?
The most common species in the Willow Creek are:
📢 What are the latest Willow Creek fishing reports?
The latest Willow Creek fishing reports are:
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at the Willow Creek?

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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