Paddling

A family canoes down a river.
David Stonner

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.
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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.

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Two canoers put plastic containers in a "Stash Your Trash" red mesh bag.
Two canoers put plastic containers in a "Stash Your Trash" red mesh bag.
MDC
Find Canoe Outfitters and Bag Providers
Related Missouri Conservationist Stories
Birding by Canoe
Larry Rizzo shares birdwatching experiences while canoeing on Ozark streams.
MO River Camp and Float Trip
Jim Low shares his journal from a two-day Missouri River float trip.

Events

Find events near you.
Paddle Sports: Intro to Kayaking
Registration period: January 16 - May 21
Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025 10:00 am - Saturday, May 24, 2025 12:00 pm
Location: Morningside Lake
Join us for beginner kayaking and a relaxing time on the water. During this kayaking program you will learn about paddling equipment, paddling safety, and how to paddle a kayak on a lake. Life jackets, kayaks, and paddles will be provided. Bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, and closed toed shoes that can get wet. We will meet at the boat ramp area at Morningside Lake off Helm Street in Fulton. Minimum age to participate is 9 years old. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.