In Missouri, floating down streams and paddling around lakes are fantastic ways to enjoy the state’s great outdoors. Whether your passion is angling for smallmouth or rock bass, keeping an eye out for elusive wildlife, or simply drifting downstream with the current, a day on the water will lift your spirits. Depending on the river or stream and your skill level, paddlers can travel in a variety of vessels, including kayaks, rafts, canoes, boats, and tubes.
New and experienced paddlers will appreciate MDC’s A Paddler’s Guide to Missouri, which features 58 rivers and streams. The guide is available at MDC offices, nature centers, and the Department’s online Nature Shop.
Guidelines for Paddling Missouri Streams
Wear a Properly Fitted Life Jacket
A life jacket is the most important piece of equipment you will need for canoeing. Even with a life jacket, you should be comfortable with your swimming abilities.
Protect Yourself From the Sun
Wear sunscreen and a hat and/or sunglasses the sun is hot and bright, especially when it reflects off the water. Remember, there is rarely any shade out on the water.
Bring Plenty of Drinking Water
You might work up a sweat with all of that paddling — make sure you stay hydrated.
Choose Your Stream, River, or Lake
- Choose the correct paddling location for your skill level. A Paddler’s Guide to Missouri can give you a lot of information about Missouri streams. If you are new to canoeing, try a short paddle around a local pond or conservation area lake.
- Be prepared if your boat capsizes. Knowing the weather conditions and water temperature before you go out can help prepare you in case your boat tips over.
- Check the trespassing regulations to know where you are — and are not — allowed to be.
Etiquette
Remember boat etiquette around other visitors; large boats with motors have the right of way when accessing a boat ramp.
Get Free “Stash Your Trash” Bags
Help keep Missouri streams clean and healthy while you are having fun on the water. The float outfitters listed below work with the Missouri Stream Team program to provide free “Stash Your Trash” red mesh bags. Stash your own trash, and be sure to pick up litter you encounter, too!
Missouri's streams are not only beautiful and full of life, they’re a big part of Missouri’s outdoor recreation economy. Please support the businesses that participate in the Stream Team’s Stash Your Trash program.
Stream Team Member? Get a Discount
Some of the outfitters listed below may offer a discount for Stream Team members who plan litter pickups or other Stream Team activities during their float trips. Just present your Stream Team ID. Discount types and times vary by outfitter.
Not a Stream Team member? Visit www.mostreamteam.org to join the network of thousands of volunteers who help protect Missouri streams.
Events
Float a scenic stretch of the Niangua, sharpen practical outdoor skills, and enjoy a calm day on the water. Whether you’re learning to paddle, trying fishing from a canoe for the first time, or just want a summer escape, this program blends skill, safety, and simple outdoor joy. Get out on the river for a relaxed, hands-on afternoon of canoeing and fishing. Learn basic canoe safety and paddling techniques, then practice fishing from the canoe with guided tips on casting, rigging, and landing fish. Perfect for beginners, families, and anyone who wants to combine a peaceful float with a little angling adventure.
What we’ll do:
-Quick canoe safety and paddling primer (launch, balance, re-entry, and on-water etiquette)
-Demonstration of fishing from a canoe: rod setup, casting from a seated position, and safe fish handling
-Guided practice time on the water with instructors available to coach and answer questions
Gear to bring:
-Spinning reel if you have one with fishing line no heavier than 4-lb test (recommended)
-Water, snacks, and a sack lunch
-Sunscreen and insect repellent
-Dress for the Niangua River in summer: quick-dry clothing, hat, and closed-toe shoes that can get wet
-Optional: polarized sunglasses, small tackle box, and a life jacket if you prefer your own (PFDs will be provided)
Safety and comfort
-All participants will receive a safety briefing and be fitted with a personal flotation device (PFD).
-Instructors will pair participants and supervise on the water.
Please use a current email as this is how we will communicate and give updates as needed.
Flatwater Kayaking: July 9th at the boat ramp located within Rinquelin Trail Lake Conservation Area
Join us for an evening on the water for a basic flatwater kayaking program. Participants will learn information and safety about kayaking during a ground school portion of the class, then take to the water for paddling instruction and practice. Participants aged 13 and older are welcome to register; those aged younger than 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Fishing poles will be provided if you wish to experience fishing from a kayak the later portion of the program; participants 16 and older must possess a valid fishing permit if you choose to fish.
Kayaks, paddles, and life-jackets will be provided. Close-toed shoes are required.
For questions please contact Dwight Warnke at Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov