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
Paddle on over and learn about canoeing. Participants will enjoy a short lesson about this beloved paddle sport and enjoy a variety of canoe and water-themed crafts and activities.
Little Acorns programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and young children to the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.
Paddle on over and learn about canoeing. Participants will enjoy a short lesson about this beloved paddle sport and enjoy a variety of canoe and water-themed crafts and activities.
Little Acorns programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and young children to the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.
Paddle on over and learn about canoeing. Participants will enjoy a short lesson about this beloved paddle sport and enjoy a variety of canoe and water-themed crafts and activities.
Little Acorns programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and young children to the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.
Explore both the water and the woods of St. Joe State Park. Participants will enjoy a 2-mile hike on Hickory Ridge Trail followed by a 1.25-mile paddle on Monsanto Lake Water Trail. Participants can experience the area’s unique and historical significance as you hike and paddle past pine tree woodlands, dolomite glades, and the Old Lead Belt. Trail conditions include unpaved trails, rough terrain, and inclines more than 10%. No water experience needed. A brief introduction on kayak safety and paddling will be given before we get on the water.
Participants will carpool from the nature center. The nature center will provide kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices.