Missouri offers some of the best fishing in the United States. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.
The best times to fish in Missouri are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species in MO.
| Month | Missouri Fishing Location |
| January | Lake Taneycomo for rainbow and brown trout |
| February | Table Rock Lake for largemouth and smallmouth bass |
| March | Current River for rainbow trout and smallmouth bass |
| April | Lake of the Ozarks for crappie and catfish |
| May | Lake Wappapello for bluegill and redear sunfish |
| June | Missouri River for catfish and bluegill |
| July | Lake Jacomo for largemouth bass and catfish |
| August | Bull Shoals Lake for largemouth and smallmouth bass |
| September | Stockton Lake for walleye and crappie |
| October | Lake of the Ozarks for catfish and crappie |
| November | Truman Reservoir for crappie and blue catfish |
| December | Table Rock Lake for spotted and largemouth bass |
In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Missouri. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.
North Fork of the White River – March to May for rainbow and brown trout.
Meramec River – May to October for smallmouth bass and goggle-eye.
Eleven Point River – March to June for rainbow and brown trout.
Current River – March to June for rainbow and brown trout.
Niangua River – March to June for rainbow and brown trout.
Little Piney Creek – March to May for rainbow and brown trout.
Big Piney Creek – March to May for rainbow and brown trout.
Bennett Spring Branch – March to June for rainbow and brown trout.
Roaring River – March to May for rainbow and brown trout.
Little Red River – March to June for rainbow and brown trout.
Mill Creek – May to October for rainbow and brown trout.
Blue Spring Creek – March to May for rainbow and brown trout.
Barren Fork Creek – March to May for rainbow and brown trout.
Crane Creek – March to June for rainbow and brown trout.
Dry Fork Creek – March to May for rainbow and brown trout.
Lake of the Ozarks – March to May for crappie and catfish, June to September for bass, and October to December for catfish.
Table Rock Lake – March to May for bass, June to August for walleye and crappie, and September to November for bass.
Bull Shoals Lake – March to May for bass, June to August for walleye and crappie, and September to November for bass.
Truman Lake – March to May for crappie and catfish, June to August for bass and catfish, and September to November for crappie.
Stockton Lake – March to May for crappie and catfish, June to August for bass, and September to November for crappie.
Pomme de Terre Lake – March to May for crappie and catfish, June to August for bass, and September to November for crappie.
Lake Taneycomo – March to May for trout, June to August for bass, and September to November for trout.
Lake Jacomo – March to May for bass and catfish, June to August for crappie, and September to November for bass.
Mark Twain Lake – March to May for crappie and catfish, June to August for bass, and September to November for crappie.
Thomas Hill Reservoir – March to May for crappie and catfish, June to August for bass, and September to November for crappie.
Lake Springfield – March to May for bass and catfish, June to August for crappie, and September to November for bass.
Smithville Lake – March to May for crappie and catfish, June to August for bass and catfish, and September to November for crappie.
Longview Lake – March to May for bass and catfish, June to August for crappie, and September to November for bass.
Lake of the Three Fires – March to May for bass and catfish, June to August for crappie, and September to November for bass.
Fellows Lake – March to May for bass and catfish, June to August for crappie, and September to November for bass.
These MO-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
| Real Deal Guide Service | Branson, MO |
| Eric’s Elite Guide Service–Branson | Branson, MO |
| Dave’s Guide Service | Branson, MO |
| Dodson Guide Service | Branson, MO |
| Payable Guide Service | Branson, MO |
| Chartered Waters | Branson, MO |
| Catch Mo Fish Guide Service | Branson, MO |
The best time to fish for striped bass in Missouri is during the summer months, from June to August. Striped bass are most active during the early morning and late evening. Some good locations to catch striped bass in Missouri are the Lake of the Ozarks, the Osage River, and the Missouri River.
The best months to fly fish for brown trout in Missouri are March through May and September to November. Brown trout are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. The Current River, North Fork of the White River, Roaring River, and Little Piney Creek are good locations to catch brown trout.
The best times to fly fish for rainbow trout in Missouri are spring and fall, from March through May and October through November. Rainbow trout are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of Missouri’s best locations to catch rainbow trout are the Current River, the Meramec River, the Little Red River, and Montauk State Park.
The best time to fish for largemouth bass in Missouri is spring and summer, from March to August. Largemouth bass are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some good locations to catch largemouth bass in Missouri are the Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, Truman Reservoir, and the Missouri River.
The best time to fish for smallmouth bass in Missouri is spring and summer, from March to August. Smallmouth bass are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some good locations to catch smallmouth bass in Missouri are the Current River, the Meramec River, the Gasconade River, and the Niangua River.
The best time to fish for carp in Missouri is during the summer months, from June to August. Carp are most active during early morning and late evening. Some good locations to catch carp in Missouri are the Missouri River, Lake of the Ozarks, and the Meramec River.
Yellow perch fishing in Missouri is best during the winter months, from December to February, as they are more active in colder waters. Yellow perch are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some good locations to catch yellow perch in Missouri are the Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, and the Missouri River.
The best time to fish for catfish in Missouri is during the summer months, from June to August. Catfish are most active at night but can also be caught during the day. Some good locations to catch catfish in Missouri are the Missouri River, Lake of the Ozarks, and Truman Reservoir.
The best time to fish for crappie in Missouri is spring and fall, from March to May and September to November. Crappie are most active during the early morning and late afternoon when the water is cooler. Some good locations to catch crappie in Missouri are Lake of the Ozarks, Mark Twain Lake, and Table Rock Lake.
Walleye fishing in Missouri is best in spring and fall when the water temperatures are cool. The best months to fish for walleye in Missouri are March, April, May, October, and November. Walleye are usually most active at dawn and dusk, so fishing during these times can increase your chances of catching them. The best locations for walleye fishing in Missouri are Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, and Bull Shoals Lake.
Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Louisiana. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Texas. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to catch Texas bass.
