Best Fishing Spots In Missouri

Fishing boats are a great option for those seeking some fun and relaxation on the water! The Show Me State has no shortage of great lakes and rivers that draw in fishing enthusiasts from across the country. Whether you head to a man-made reservoir or a natural river, there’s a lot to explore here in your boat. 

The Ski Shack is your local fishing boat dealer in Missouri and we have created this list of the top fishing spots in the state. If you’re looking for fishing boats for sale in Springfield or Branson, get in touch with our sales department for further assistance! We welcome all our patrons from Shell Knob and Nixa!

Lake of the Ozarks (Village of Four Seasons, MO)

This is a man-made reservoir located on the Osage River, and it is one of the most prominent features of central Missouri. This has been a popular tourist destination since its creation in the 1930s. Lake of the Ozarks has a lot to offer the recreational angler. You can trailer up your boat and tow it to any one of the amazing towns along the 1,150 miles of shoreline. This lake covers over 14,000 square miles and is referred to as “The Magic Dragon” because of its serpentine shape.

Here at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can find a wide variety of fish waiting for you to cast your line. You can catch largemouth and spotted bass, black and white crappie, catfish, walleye, paddlefish and bluegill, among other species. Springtime is the best time for bass fishing. You can use one of the two boat ramps along the shore to launch your craft into the water and enjoy a full afternoon on this beautiful reservoir until you’ve filled your livewell.

Pomme de Terre Lake (Pittsburg, MO)

You don’t have to head to remote places to fish in Missouri when you can fish in Pittsburg! Pomme de Terre (French for “apple of the earth,” which translates to “potato”) Lake is also a man-made reservoir that has been stocked up with plenty of different kinds of fish. The fishing pier is located in Pittsburg, but you can angle anywhere along the lake’s 113 miles of shore length. You’ll be able to find crappie, bass, walleye and muskellunge here. Pomme de Terre Lake has one of the best catch ratios in the country!

Busch Conservation Area (St. Charles, MO)

Located just outside of the St. Louis metro area is a cache of 28 lakes that are just ideal for fishing. They cover nearly 7,000 acres, and this family-friendly area has something for everyone. Under-15 anglers who want a chance at catching a sunfish or a bluegill all on their own can use the kids-only fishing pond to try their luck. Some of the fish you can find in the many lakes here include catfish, big bass, rainbow trout and white crappie. 

Lake Taneycomo (Forsyth, MO)

This is another man-made reservoir situated just northeast of Branson. This lake was created by the Powersite Dam in 1913 and began as a warm water lake. However, the completion of Table Rock Dam in 1958 drew in water from the White River, turning it cold. Its brisk waters make it one of the best trout-fishing lakes in the country, fishable all the year round. You can seek out rainbow or big brown trout, or go for bass fishing in the lower portion of the lake near Rockaway Beach, where the water warms up. Smallmouth, largemouth and white bass can all be found there, as well as walleye, bluegill and black crappie.

Fleming Park (Blue Springs, MO)

This recreational spot grants you access to a number of small fishing ponds as well as the larger Blue Springs Lake as it has almost 8,000 acres of area to its name. Flathead catfish and hybrid striped bass are only two of the types of fish you can catch here. A disability-friendly fishing dock ensures everyone can have a great time! The boat launch lets you push your fishing boat into the water so you can explore the depths easily.

There are, of course, many other fishing spots in Missouri that are great for all kinds of angling. To find out more, you can get in touch with the leading fishing boat dealer in Springfield and Branson - The Ski Shack. If you’re looking for fishing boats for sale in Shell Knob or Nixa, our friendly staff will gladly assist you through the selection process!