Places to Fish
MDC-managed areas, community lakes and stream accesses give you hundreds of great fishing spots throughout Missouri. Browse the links below and the MDC Atlas under "MDC Applications" to find detailed info.
Avoid Trespassing. Always Ask Permission.
Even if you enter a stream through a conservation area or access, please remember that the majority of Missouri’s stream frontage is privately owned. Landowners have generally accepted the passage of considerate anglers on streams that have a history of floating. As you move farther upstream into the headwaters, you may not experience the same tolerance.
The best solution is to be a good neighbor and obtain permission before wade fishing along private property that is not obviously floatable. “Obviously floatable” describes stream segments that have property maintained for the purpose of allowing public access to the stream, such as Missouri Department of Conservation access sites. Generally, landowners are very supportive of the Department’s effort to manage the fishery. They become concerned about potential trespass problems when unannounced anglers appear in streams that flow through their property. Please, always be respectful to stream landowners.
Public Fishing Areas
Search conservation fishing areas by county.
