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 visit the Missouri Conservation Areas 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. Ask permission before coming ashore on private land.

Current Fishing Report

Subscribe to the Statewide Weekly Fishing Report. Updates are published from the first Thursday in April through September.

Fish Attractors Map

Find some good fishing holes with this interactive, statewide map of fish-attractor locations.

Fish Northwest Missouri

Browse maps and listings for places to pursue a wide variety of fish in northwest Missouri.

Fish St. Louis Brochure

Find the names and locations of all St. Louis-area public fishing areas and stream accesses and information about the region's many fishing opportunities.

Fishing Prospects Survey

Search for the best fishing bets in Missouri's lakes, streams and trout parks.

Free Fishing Days

Try Missouri fishing without having to buy a permit or tackle during Free Fishing Days the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June.

Kids Fishing Days

Help the special kids in your life get hooked on the thrill of fishing. Bring them to a Kids Fishing Days program scheduled at a conservation area or participating location near you.

Paddlefish Snagging Report and Advisories

The 2013 paddlefish-snagging season will open Friday, March 15, and run through Tuesday, April 30. Get the weekly snagging reports here.

Special Bass Management Areas

Browse maps of the ten Ozark streams that have special Missouri smallmouth-bass regulations apart from the statewide bass regulations.

Trout Areas

Missouri has a wealth of trout waters, including red-, white- and blue-ribbon areas. Use this page to find great trout fishing around the state and throughout the year.