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  4. Catfish fishing in Missouri

Catfish fishing in Missouri

Missouri provides strong freshwater fishing opportunities for catfish. Lakes, rivers, and reservoirs across the state offer reliable action for anglers.

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Biggest Catfish catches

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Latest Catfish fishing reports in Missouri

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Channel catfish

Wyndgate Pond

15 in · 2 lb

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Channel catfish

Lake Of The Ozarks

length · weight

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Channel catfish

New Ballwin Park

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Simpson Park Lake

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Smithville Spillway

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Lake Springfield

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Lake Springfield

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Veterans Tribute Park

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Little Niangua Arm

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Veterans Tribute Park

length · weight

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Regulations for Catfish 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 August 5th, 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°18′16.9″N 92°26′10.5″W
Regulations in the map
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FAQ

🎣 What Catfish species can you catch in Missouri?
Anglers in Missouri commonly catch several Catfish species, including Channel catfish, Blue catfish, and Flathead catfish, according to reports from Fishbrain members.

These species can be found in many lakes, rivers and streams throughout the area. If you are targeting a specific species, you can use the to filter catches by species and see where anglers are catching them and which baits they are using.
📍 Where are the best places to catch Catfish in Missouri?
Catfish are caught in lakes, rivers and streams throughout Missouri. Popular fishing waters reported by Fishbrain members include Lake Of The Ozarks, Mississippi River (Cairo - Tennessee), and Table Rock Lake.

The allows anglers to see exact catch locations shared by other members, helping you discover productive fishing spots where Catfish have recently been caught.