Fish

Missouri is blessed with over a million acres of surface water, and most of it provides great fishing. Fly fish for trout in a spring-fed Ozark stream or trotline for monster catfish on Missouri’s Big Rivers. Our waters hold ancient paddlefish, wary bass and tasty bluegill–over 200 different species. About 40 of those fish species are the targets of anglers.

So many kinds of fish live in Missouri because our biogeography gives us so many different kinds of water areas. The prairies of the Great Plains and forests of the eastern United States meet in Missouri. Also, the Mississippi and Missouri rivers meet in the Show-me State. Some fish species are specialists, inhabiting only one type of stream, but some fish species are generalists and thus are widespread in the state. In addition to fish, Missouri’s waters are home to diverse species of mussels and crayfish, some unique to Missouri.

Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals

The largest freshwater turtle in the world and the largest salamander in North America also depend on Missouri’s waters. A native of the Bootheel region, the alligator snapping turtle grows to be a whopping 128 pounds. The Ozark region’s hellbender salamander can reach a length of 24 inches. Missouri’s other aquatic reptiles and amphibians include 23 species of frogs and toads. Birds such as eagles and ospreys hunt our big rivers, while waterfowl rely on Missourians to conserve their wetland habitat. Many of Missouri’s furbearing mammals make their homes in and around water. All are treasured members of Missouri’s web of life. The Department of Conservation’s mission is the protection of these resources for the benefit all Missourians.

Browse by Subject

Seasons and regulations
Find out about specific seasons and fishing regulations
Fish and fishing
Look here for information on fishing and the various species of fish in Missouri
Streams and watersheds
Details on streams and how to conserve them
Lakes and ponds
Information on how to manage a lake or pond
Fish hatcheries
Information on Conservation hatcheries and raising fish
Aquatic resource education
Educational resources regarding aquatic life