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
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.
Registration required (ages 14+: ages 14-16 must have a registered adult mentor) New to paddling or just want to see somewhere nearby to paddle? We will stay local! Join us for a quick course for beginners or a refresher for those with more experience. These rivers run muddy, but the landscape can still let you escape without the driving effort. Join conservation educators to learn about a local tributary to the Missouri River, the Platte River at Platte Falls Conservation Area. Learn about reading a river, paddle strokes and equipment.
Participants may use their own kayak, or they will be provided along with paddles and lifejackets. Bring a snack and water as no food or drink will be provided. We will be meeting at the river in Platte County however, participants will be e-mailed the exact meeting location and other details prior to the event. If the river level is not adequate a still water location will be substituted. You will receive an e-mail from the instructor if weather conditions indicate a need to cancel the program. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.
Registration required (ages 14+: ages 14-16 must have a registered adult mentor) New to paddling or just want to see somewhere nearby to paddle? We will stay local! Join us for a quick course for beginners or a refresher for those with more experience. These rivers run muddy, but the landscape can still let you escape without the driving effort. Join conservation educators to learn about a local tributary to the Missouri River, the Platte River at Platte Falls Conservation Area. Learn about reading a river, paddle strokes and equipment.
Participants may use their own kayak, or they will be provided along with paddles and lifejackets. Bring a snack and water as no food or drink will be provided. We will be meeting at the river in Platte County however, participants will be e-mailed the exact meeting location and other details prior to the event. If the river level is not adequate a still water location will be substituted. You will receive an e-mail from the instructor if weather conditions indicate a need to cancel the program. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.
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.