Family Outdoors

Adair County Public Access Fishing

Big Creek Conservation Area offers fishing opportunities for bass, sunfish, and catfish. For bass, the MDC states there is a fair population in ponds 5,6, and 7. For catfish, they state a fair population resides in Pond 6. Finally, there is a fair population of bluegill in ponds 5,6, and 7.

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Driving Directions: Adjacent to the west side of the City of Kirksville, accessible via Royal Oaks Drive, Rainbow Basin Trail or West Michigan St.

Elmer A. Cook Memorial Access offers fishing access on the Chariton River 7 miles West of Kirksville on Highway 11 at the bridge. There is a good population of catfish and fair populations of carp and drum.

Driving Directions: Seven miles west of Kirksville on Highway 11 at the Chariton River bridge.

Just North of Kirksville is Hazel Creek Lake. This 530 acre lake offers quite a variety of fishing opportunities from the bank or by boat. There are good populations of muskie and bass in the lake. There are also fair populations of catfish, crappie, and carp.

Driving Directions: Three and two-tenths miles north of Kirksville on Highway 63, then 1.5 miles west on a gravel county road (look for cantilever sign).

Spur Pond is located in the SE corner of Patryla Park, right in Kirksville. This little 3.6 acre pond offers good fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish. Perhaps more interesting to local anglers is the opportunity to catch stocked trout. A catch and release winter trout fishery is open for fishing November 1 through January 31. From February 1 through October 31 anglers may catch and keep 4 trout daily. A trout permit, in addition to the prescribed fishing permit, is required to possess and transport trout. Trout are stocked every fall, but are harvested by anglers in the late winter and early spring. Trout are not present in other months.

Driving Directions: Located in the southeast corner of Patryla Park, Spur Pond is on Osteopathy Street, 0.8 miles south from the intersection of Potter and Osteopathy, or 0.4 miles north of the Northeast Regional Medical Center.

Another access fishing point to the Chariton River can be found at Mullanix Ford Access. Just like Cook Memorial Access, fishing is good for catfish, and fair for drum and carp.

Driving Directions: Six miles west of Greentop on Route K to the Chariton River bridge.

At Sugar Creek Conservation Area there is a one acre pond that has a fair population of bass and catfish.

Driving Directions: Four miles west of Kirksville on Highway 11, and .25 mile south on Route N. The pond is near Parking Lot 1 off Foghorn Trail.

The Henry Truitt Access offers one more access to the Chariton River and as do the others in Adair County, has a good population of catfish and fair populations of drum and carp.

Driving Directions: Henry Truitt Access is one mile east of Novinger on Highway 6 at the Chariton River bridge.

At Union Ridge Conservation Area there is an 11 acre pond/lake called Union Ridge Lake. This holds fair populations of bass, sunfish, crappie, and catfish. The lake is located at parking lot E. There are also 2 smaller ponds simply named ponds 1 and 2. They hold the same species as Union Ridge Lake except for there are no crappie.

Driving Directions:  Route D, two miles north of Greencastle.

Thousand Hills State Park is located very near Kirksville. Thousand Hills State Park boasts excellent fishing opportunities at the 573-acre Forest Lake, which is stocked with crappie, largemouth bass, walleye and channel catfish among others.

Andrew County Public Fishing Access

The Tom Brown Access offers access to the Missouri River and offers good fishing opportunities for flathead, channel, and blue catfish as well as fair fishing for drum and carp.

Driving Directions: Three miles northwest of Amazonia on Hwy T, then turn south on County Road 458 to area entrance.

The James D. Christie Conservation Area is an area with a couple of small ponds that hold fair populations of bass, catfish, and sunfish. This area is not managed with fishing as a primary feature, but who knows?

Driving Directions: Both areas are off Hwy 48, about 1.5 miles northeast of Rosendale.

The Eva N. Davis Memorial Conservation Area is much like Christie CA in that there is some fishing opportunities, but not great ones. There is a fair number of bass, catfish, and sunfish in a 0.3 acre pond on the property.

Driving Directions: James D. Christie Conservation Area/Eva Neely Davis Memorial Conservation Area. Both areas are off Highway 48, and 1.5 miles northeast of Rosendale. Eva Davis CA lies on the west side of the county road.

The Elrod Mill Access offers fishing access to the Platte River near Savannah. This area has a fair population of catfish.

Driving Directions: Travel 1.5 miles west of Union Star on Hwy 169, then north .50 mile on Hwy M, west two miles on County Road 221, north on County Road 216, 1 mile to area entrance.

The Hadorn Bridge Access is on the One Hundred and Two River in Andrew County, northeast of Savannah. This access to the river offers fair fishing opportunities for catfish. 

Driving Directions: Hadorn Bridge Access is five miles north of Savannah off Route C, east on County Road 182.

Happy Holler Lake Conservation Area offers good fishing prospects for bass, crappie, and sunfish as well as fair prospects for catfish. Happy Holler Lake is 67 acres in size. There is also access to the One Hundred and Two River on a separate tract of the conservation area where there is fair prospects for catfish. 

Driving Directions: Happy Holler Conservation Area is composed of three tracts with the entrance to the lake four miles east of Savannah on Route E, then six miles north off Route D.

There is walk-in fishing opportunities on the Nodaway River via Honey Creek Conservation Area. Having said this, these are primarily fair prospects for catfish. 

Driving Directions: Go north of St. Joseph on I-29 for 18 miles to the Fillmore exit (Exit 65); south off I-29 to State Route RA; east on RA to area entrance.

Midway Access offers access to the 102 River where there is fair prospects for catfish.

Driving Directions: Travel one mile west of Bolckow on Route B to the area entrance.

Monkey Mountain Conservation Area is a good spot for catfish on the Nodaway River. There is also a fair population of buffalo and carp. There is a total of 3/4 of a mile of fishing access on the Nodaway which must be walked into. Also at Monkey Mountain is access to about 2 miles of the Missouri River. Generally speaking, the Nodaway fishing prospects are greater.

Driving Directions: Go north of St. Joseph on I-29 to the first Highway 59 exit (Exit 67). Travel west on Highway 59 for four miles, then south on Highway U for 3.5 miles to the area's cantilever sign. Follow County Road 325 east for about one mile.

Nodaway Island Access is a nice place for fishing for blue catfish, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. There is also a good population of carp, buffalo, and drum.

Driving Directions: Travel north of Amazonia three miles on Route T to County Road 4412 to area entrance.

At Nodaway Valley Conservation Area there is a pond stocked periodically with catfish. There is also access to the Nodaway River. On the Nodaway there is fishing for catfish, buffalo, and carp.

Driving Directions: The Nodaway Valley Conservation Area is north of St. Joseph in Holt and Andrew counties. To reach the area, travel north from St. Joseph on I-29 to Highway 59 (Exit 67) and head west for 3.5 miles on Highway 59, then north 9 miles north on Highway B.

Rochester Falls Access offers access to the Platte River and a campground as well. The river area has a good population of flathead and channel catfish as well as a fair population of carp.

Driving Directions: Travel 10 miles north of St. Joseph on Hwy 169 to area entrance.

At the Rock Quarry Access to the 102 River there is a fair population of flathead and channel catfish. There is a fair population of carp.

Driving Directions: Rock Quarry Access is two miles north of I-29 off Business Highway 71. From 71 take the gravel road 345, which is marked with an area sign, 1.5 miles north. At the T intersection, turn north on County Road 344 and proceed .25 mile to the area entrance.

Worthwine Island Conservation Area offers access to the Missouri River. At this conservation area's access to the river, there are good populations of a variety of catfish species as well as other fish species.

Driving Directions: North of St. Joseph, from Interstate 229 take Route K north one mile, then continue three miles west on Gravel Road 396.

Atchison County Public Fishing Opportunities

Brickyard Hill Conservation Area is a conservation area featuring a 13 acre lake called Charity Lake. Charity Lake has a nice population of bass, catfish, and sunfish. It also offers added recreational opportunities such as hiking and camping.

Driving Directions: Travel east of I-29 Exit 116 on Highway B for one-eighth mile, then turn southeast on Route RA for one-eighth mile to area entrance.

At the Deroin Bend Conservation Area you can access the Missouri River and find in this area good populations of catfish, buffalo and carp.

Driving Directions:  Take Highway 111, five miles northwest of Corning, MO, then turn west on Route Z for 2.5 miles, then turn south on Golden Ave .75 mile.

At the Hoot Owl Bend Access you will find another access point to the Missouri River. As with some of the other Missouri River access points you will find good fishing for a variety of catfish species as well as carp and buffalo.

Driving Directions: Take Highway 111 west off I-29 to Route E through Langdon, turn west on Route U, then turn south on Route U, west on 280th Street then south on D Avenue to area entrance.

At the Langdon Bend Access you will find another access point to the Missouri River. As with some of the other Missouri River access points you will find good fishing for a variety of catfish species as well as carp and buffalo.

Driving Directions: Langdon Bend Access is west of I-29 on Highway 111, west on Route E through Langdon, then west on Route U, west on 270th St.

At Lower Hamburg Bend Conservation Area you will find another access point to the Missouri River. As with some of the other Missouri River access points you will find good fishing for a variety of catfish species as well as carp and buffalo. 

Driving Directions: Travel west of I-29 at Hamburg, Iowa on Route V for four miles then south one mile on Route V to County Road 100 then west .50 mile to area.

At Nishnabotna Conservation Area you have access to the Missouri River, and additionally, you have access to 4 Bleu Holes stocked during Missouri River flood events. Also, there is access to the Nishnabotna River. Throughout the area there is good fishing for catfish, buffalo, and carp in all the spots. There is fair fishing for Bluegill, Crappie, Buffalo and Carp in Bleu Holes.

Driving Directions: The Nishnabotna Conservation Area is composed of two separate tracts. The north tract is accessible only from the Missouri and Nishnabotna Rivers. The nearest river access is the Watson Access. To reach the Watson Access, travel north and west 1.5 miles on Highway BB from the town of Watson, continue west on 160th Street one mile to the boat ramp. To reach the south tract travel west two miles from Watson on Hwy A, continue west on gravel road 176th Street .50 mile then south .75 mile on Aurora Ave to the area.

The Tarkio Prairie Conservation Area offers some limited opportunities for fishing amongst its other outdoor recreational opportunities. It has fair numbers of sunfish and catfish. The catfish are stocked occasionally. These fishing spots are found in ponds 2,3,and 5.

Driving Directions: Five miles east of Westboro on Route C, then south two miles on Y Avenue.

The Watson Access to the Nishnabotna River offers good fishing for catfish, buffalo, and carp.

Driving Directions: Travel north and west 2.50 miles on Highway BB from the town of Watson, continue west on 160th Street one mile to the boat ramp.

Audrain County Public Fishing Access

At Marshall I. Diggs Conservation Area you will find good fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish. These fishing opportunities are found in Lake Whitesell and Lake Walter. These little lakes are 13 and 7 acres respectively.

Driving Directions: Go 3 miles west of Wellsville on Route ZZ, then .50 mile west on Route RA.

At Kiwanis Lake in Mexico, Missouri, there is good fishing for bass and fair fishing for catfish, crappie, catfish, sunfish, and carp. Also, there is a limited trout season as trout are stocked aroiund Nov. 1 of each year.

Driving Directions: From intersection of Highway 54 and 70, go north on Highway 54 to Mexico. Take the first Mexico exit and go west (left) on 54/Clark. Take Clark to Hendricks Drive, then west (left) on Hendricks about .25 mile to Plunkett Park.

Lakeview Park Lake in Mexico, Missouri has good fishing for bass and catfish and fair fishing for crappie and sunfish. The lake is 25 acres in size.

Driving Directions: (From I-70) Take Highway 54 north to Mexico. Take the first Mexico exit and proceed north on 54/Clark about 1 mile to Lakeview Road.

Teal Lake in Mexico, Missouri offers good fishing for catfish, crappie, sunfish, and carp and fair fishing for bass. The lake is 80 acres and there is a boat ramp if you need it. There is decent bank fishing as well.D

Driving Directions: (From Highway 54) Exit Business 54/Clark and go north to Teal Lake Road and head east to the lake.

At Robert M. White II Conservation Area, 8 miles north of Mexico, Missouri, there are a couple of public access fishing spots. One is on White Lake, which is about 15 acres in size. There is also a nameless 3 acre pond on the conservation area. The area has good numbers of bass, catfish, and sunfish. There are fair numbers for crappie.

Driving Directions: Eight miles north of Mexico on Highway 15, then 2 miles east on Route Z, and 2 miles east on Route ZZ.

Barry County Public Fishing Accesses

Through Cassville City Greenway runs a 1 mile stretch of Flat Creek where there is a fair population of bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Cassville City Greenway is east off Business Highway 37 on 14th Street, then left on 13th Street in Cassville. Parking is located at Rocky Edmonson Park.

Access to the lower portions of Flat Creek can be found at the Lower Flat Creek Access. This area has a good population of bass and fair populations of sunfish and catfish. There is a section of Flat Creek approximately 1/10 of a mile in length inside this 4 acre conservation area.

Driving Directions: Lower Flat Creek Access (four acres) is three miles east of the Highway 39/Route EE junction in Barry County.

Roaring River Conservation Area features a one mile section of the Roaring River. The Roaring River in this area has good trout fishing. This conservation area is separate from Roaring River State Park, which is described more in-depth at Roaring River State Trout Park.

Driving Directions:  Roaring River Conservation Area consists of two tracts. The main tract is two miles east of Roaring River State Park on Route F.

Roaring River State Park is one of Missouri's incredible trout parks. Some purists turn up their noses at the parks, but it's hard to beat these spots for good family fun. They are great places to get started trout fishing, and it's hard to give them up once you get started. One option often overlooked is the solitude and serenity of Winter catch-and-release fishing.

Directions to Roaring River State Park-From Springfield-Roaring River State Park is 65 miles from Springfield. Travel west on U.S. Hwy. 60 for 39 miles to Monett. Turn left/south onto Hwy. 37 and continue for 19 miles to Cassville. Take Hwy. 76/86 west through Cassville to Hwy. 112. Travel south on Hwy. 112 for seven miles to the park entrance. From Joplin-Roaring River State Park is 66 miles from Joplin. Travel east on I-44 to Exit 26/Sarcoxie. Take Hwy. 37 south for 42 miles to Cassville. Take Hwy. 76/86 east through Cassville to Hwy. 112. Travel south on Hwy. 112 for seven miles to the park entrance.From Rogers, Ark.-Roaring River State Park is 28 miles from Rogers, Ark. Travel north on U.S. Hwy. 62 for 15 miles to Garfield, Ark.; turn north onto Hwy. 37. Continue on Hwy. 37 for four miles to Seligman; turn right onto Hwy. 112. Travel nine miles east on Hwy. 112 to the park entrance. From Eureka Springs, Ark.-Roaring River State Park is 20 miles from Eureka Springs, Ark. Travel north on Hwy. 23 for 10 miles to Eagle Rock; turn west onto Hwy. 86. Continue on Hwy. 86 for six miles to Route F. Turn left onto Route F and continue west for four miles to the park entrance. From Branson-Roaring River State Park is 50 miles from Branson. Travel south on U.S. Hwy. 65 for seven miles. Turn right/west onto Hwy. 86 and continue on through Eagle Rock. Turn left onto Route F and continue west for four miles to the park entrance.

The Stubblefield Access on Flat Creek has a good populations of bass and sunfish as well as fair numbers of catfish along its 2/10 of a mile stretch within the area's boundaries.

Driving Directions: Go 2.5 miles west of the Highway 39/248 junction on Highway 248, then 2.5 miles north on Farm Road 1195.

Barton County Public Fishing Accesses

Bushwhacker Lake Conservation Area has a 5 lakes and ponds that carry good populations of bass, crappie, and sunfish. The two largest bodies of water are Bushwhacker Lake at 157 acres and Willow Lake at 29 acres. The other ponds are between 4 and 5 acres in size.

Driving Directions: Take highway 43, 2.5 miles south of Brounaugh to Zodiac Road. Go east on Zodiac road one mile.

At Dorris Creek Prairie Conservation Area there is good fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish in Pond 2 and there is a "developing" fish population in Ponds 1 and 3. Check local regs for these two ponds before fishing.

Driving Directions:Go four miles east of Highway 71 on Highway 126, and one mile south on SE 40 Lane (gravel).

At Drywood Conservation Area there are fair fishing opportunities for bass, catfish, and sunfish in the 2 acre pond.

Driving Directions: North of Joplin on Highway 43 (nine miles north of Highway 160), go four miles west on Route V, then .50 mile south on Route K.

The Lamar Access provides access to the North Fork of the Spring River. At this stage, it is still a warm water fishery with a good population of catfish and fair numbers of bass and crappie.

Driving Directions: Lamar Access is two miles north of Lamar on Northeast 15th Lane (off Truman).

At Pa Sole Prairie Conservation Area there is a small 1 acre pond with fair bass and sunfish prospects.

Driving Directions: This area is southeast of Lamar. From Highway 71, take Highway 126 west six miles, then go north on SE 50 Lane 1.25 miles.

If you visit Shawnee Trail Conservation Area, you will encounter a primitive but nice camping area next to 99 acre Pin Oak Lake. The fishing in this lake features good numbers of bass, catfish, and of course sunfish. There is a boat ramp as well.

Driving Directions  South and east of Mindenmines on Route M, one mile south of Highway 160.

Bates County Public Fishing Accesses

Butler City Lake is 71 acres in size and has fair fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish. Facilities include a boat ramp and fishing dock.

Driving Directions: Go west of Butler on Hwy 52 for 4 miles and turn north on Lake Road.

At August A. Busch Jr. Memorial Wetlands at Four Rivers Conservation Area there are 3 former coal strip mining pits that are filled with water and provide good fishing, there are 2 lakes, as well as the Marmaton, Little Osage, and Osage Rivers. The fishing prospects are good for catfish on the rivers. Additionally, there are good prospects for bass and crappie on the area ponds/ lakes. The lakes include Four Rivers Res. which is 142 acres. See area regs for additional info.

Driving Directions: The Four Rivers area headquarters lies 15 miles north of Nevada and 5 miles south of Rich Hill. A sign on US 71 and Rte TT marks the main entrance; take TT 1 mile east, then south 2 miles on gravel road 1600.

At Harmony Mission Lake Conservation Area, the lake is 96 acres and offers a boat ramp and good fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish as well as a fair population of hybrid striped bass.

Driving Directions: (Three-fourths of a mile west of Rich Hill on Route A) Go 4.25 miles southwest on Route PP. The pavement on PP ends and turns in to gravel as Bates County Rd. 10508, which continues west about 1 mile to the lake entrance.

The Old Town Access provides access to the Marais Des Cygnes River and Bates County Drainage Ditch. There is a boat ramp and good fishing for catfish as well as fair prospects for crappie.

Driving Directions: Two and one-half miles north of Rich Hill, on the west side of Highway 71.

If you visit Peabody Conservation Area, you will find 6 former coal mining strip pits that vary between 2 and 6 acres in size and offer up opportunities that are pretty decent for fishing for bass and sunfish, as well as fair prospects for catfish and crappies.

Driving Directions: Peabody Conservation Area is approximately four miles west of Rich Hill on Route A.

At Ripgut Prairie Natural Area, there is some good prospects for catfish and some fair fishing for other species. This is via the Bates County Draininage Ditch which has about 0.4 miles of its course in this conservation area.

Driving Directions: Go 0.3 mile east of Rich Hill on Route B to Ripgut Prairie sign. Turn on gravel road 515 and go north 0.5 mile, road turns east and goes 0.5 mile, then turns north and goes 0.25 mile to an unnamed gravel road that continues 0.25 mile north to the parking lot.

Settle's Ford Conservation Area is located on both sides of the South Grand River where there is good fishing for catfish as well as a fair number of crappie and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Settle's Ford Conservation Area. The main entrance is four miles west of Creighton on Route B and one mile south on Index Road.

Benton County Public Fishing Access

At Big Buffalo Creek Conservation Area the fishing primarily centers around Big Buffalo Lake which is about 6 acres in size. These fishing opportunities are mostly the good numbers of sunfish and bass, but also there is a fair number of catfish as well.

Driving Directions: From Versailles go west 10 miles on Highway 52, then south eight miles on Highway FF to the end of the blacktop, turn west on Big Buffalo Road, and watch for area signs.

At Brickley Hollow Conservation Area a one mile walk-in access to the Cole Camp Creek Arm of Lake of the Ozarks yields good opportunities for bass, crappie, and sunfish as well as a fair number of catfish. 

Driving Directions: North of Warsaw on Hwy 65, take Route H 10.7 miles east, then turn south (right) onto Heits Point Avenue (Lake Road H-25), go .30 mile to the area.

Edmonson Access offers bank access to Cole Camp Creek adjacent to the parking area. Here you will have the opportunity for good fishing for catfish and sunfish as well as fair opportunities for bass and crappie.

Driving Directions: Twenty-one miles south of Sedalia on Highway 65, turn east on Highway H for approximately 8 miles.

Harry S Truman State Park From a boat or the shore, anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including crappie, black bass, catfish and white bass as Truman Lake provides some of the best fishing opportunities in the area. The 55,600-acre lake can be accessed from the park via one of the two boat-launching ramps that are open year-round.

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Directions to Harry S Truman State Park-From St. Louis-Harry S Truman State Park is 256 miles from the St. Louis Gateway Arch; the trip will take four to four and one-half hours depending on traffic. Travel west on I-70 to the Sedalia/Marshall exit. Take U.S. Hwy. 65 south to Warsaw. At Warsaw, take Hwy. 7 west 9 miles to Route UU. Turn right and travel three miles to the state park.From Springfield-Harry S Truman State Park is approximately two hours from Springfield, depending on the traffic. Take U.S. Hwy. 65 north to Warsaw. At Warsaw, take Hwy. 7 west 9 miles to Route UU. Turn right and travel three miles to the state park.From Kansas City Metro Area-Harry S Truman State Park is approximately two to two and one-half hours depending on traffic. Take Hwy. 7 southeast through Clinton to Route UU. Turn left and travel three miles to the state park.

At Mora Conservation Area, there is a 1 acre pond accessible via a 1/4 mile walk in. Once there, you will find fair fishing for bass and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Four miles north of Cole Camp on Highway U.

The Brush Creek portion of Truman Reservoir Management Lands offers all kinds of opportunities. From the shoreline, you will find good fishing chances for bass and catfish.

Driving Directions: (From Clinton) Go east on Highway 7 to Highway C, then take Highway C to Highway T south to Highway TT.

Over at the Little Pomme de Terre portion of Truman Reservoir Management Lands you will also find some nice fishing opportunities. There is however limited shoreline access. If you are willing to make the effort, you will find good fishing chances for bass, catfish, and crappie.

Driving Directions: From Warsaw travel southwest on Highway 83 for 11 miles. Cross the bridge and turn south on Weaver Church Ave.

Bollinger County Public Fishing Access

The Castor River is accessible in Amidon Memorial Conservation Area. This area offer both fair fishing for smallmouth bass and largemouth bass as well as for sunfish.

Driving Directions: The main entrance is in Madison County east of Fredericktown on Rte J, then south on Rte W and east on County Rd 208.

If good public fishing on the Castor River is what you are after, Castor River Conservation Area is probably the better bet as opposed to Amidon. However, access to the river is a chore. There is also an 8 acre pond that holds some fish as well. Between the pond and river it can be said that there is good fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: The main tract lies 12 miles west of Marble Hill on both sides of the Hwy 34.

At Duck Creek Conservation Area you will find an assortment of ponds and "Ditch 111." There is a myriad of regulations that vary from location to location in this conservation area. We would recommend checking the regulations at the Area Regs link. The fishing in the area is good for bass and crappie and fair for catfish. There is also seasonally good fishing for chain pickerel in February and March.

Driving Directions: The main entrance is nine miles north of Puxico on Highway 51.

The Greenbrier Unit of Duck Creek Conservation Area is another good area with a variety of fish species. There is good fishing for largemouth and spotted bass and catfish. There is fair fishing for walleye, crappie, and sunfish. Sucker gigging is good in the clear waters of winter. This area also accesses the Castor River.

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Driving Directions: Greenbrier Unit is seven miles west of Advance on Route C.

The Hawn Access area gives the fisherman access to Crooked Creek where some fair fishing for smallmouth and goggle-eye can be had as well as a good number of sunfish.

Driving Directions: Hawn Access is seven miles northwest of Marble Hill on Highway 51, and 1.5 miles west on Highway OO, then 1.25 miles right on County Road 846.

The Maple Flats Access to the Castor River features good numbers of largemouth bass as well as spotted bass and catfish. There is a fair population of crappie and winter gigging for suckers is a favorite activity. There is a fair population of walleye.

Driving Directions: Maple Flats Access is .50 mile north of Zalma on Highway 51.

The Sweetgum Access to the Castor River offers opportunities for spotted bass fishing, largemouth bass fishing, catfish, and sunfish. There is fair walleye fishing and good winter sucker gigging.

Driving Directions: Sweetgum Access is north of Zalma on Highway 51 and north on Route H, then 1.5 miles west on County Road 708.

Boone County Public Fishing Access

The main feature as far as fishing goes in Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area is Bennitt Lake. This 48 acre lake offers a variety of fishing opportunities such as good bass, catfish, and crappie fishing, and fair redear and bluegill fishing. There are also camping and boating facilities available here. View the area brochure for more info.

Driving Directions:Nineteen miles north of Columbia on Highway 63; then 5 miles west on Route F; then 2.75 miles north on Route T, and then .50 mile west on County Road 2930.A.

Perry Philips Park Lake in Columbia is a 44 acre lake which can be a good spot to fish for bass and sunfish and is fair for catfish. The facility is managed by the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department.

Another nice place to fish in Columbia is Antimi Lake. There is good bass, catfish, and sunfish numbers as well as a fair number of crappie. The lake is about 2 acres.

Driving Directions: Antimi Lake is located in the Cosmo-politan Recreation Area in Columbia a mile west of I-70 on Business Loop 70 West.

Cosmo-Bethel Lake in Columbia is about 6 acres in size and offers good fishing for bass and catfish. There is a fair population of crappie and sunfish.

Driving Directions:  Cosmo-Bethel Lake in Columbia is south on Providence Road, two blocks west on Southampton, and north on Bethel Chapel Road.

Just outside of Columbia is Lake of the Woods. This is a 2 acre lake with fair fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: From I-70 in Columbia, go north on Lake of the Woods Road, then east on St. Charles Road 1 mile.

Finger Lakes State Park offers some pretty good fishing opportunities just North of Columbia. There are a variety of strip pit ponds in this area that offer decent fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie. This is a good area to visit if you are a University of Missouri student that is looking to get a break from the study grind without going too far.

Directions to Finger Lakes State Park-From Kansas City travel east on I-70 to Exit 128A/U.S. Hwy. 63 North. Take U.S. Hwy. 63 north for 10 miles, then turn right onto East Peabody Road. Continue for one and one-half miles and turn left at the park sign.From St. Louis-Travel west on I-70 to Exit 128A/U.S. Hwy. 63 North. Take U.S. Hwy. 63 north for 10 miles, then turn right onto East Peabody Road. Continue for one and one-half miles and turn left at the park sign.  From Jefferson City-Travel north on U.S. Hwy. 63 through Columbia. Turn right onto East Peabody Road and continue for one and one-half miles. Turn left at the park sign.

Stephens Park Lake in Columbia is about 10 acres in size with fair fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Stephens Park Lake is in Columbia at the intersection of Old Highway 63 and East Broadway.

Twin Lake in Columbia has fair population of bass, crappie, and sunfish, but a good population of catfish. The lake is about 18 acres in size.

Driving Directions: Twin Lakes Recreation Area is west on Stadium Boulevard in Columbia, south on Forum Boulevard, and west on Chapel Hill Road.

Just South of Columbia is Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area which pffers access to Perche Creek and the Missouri River. This area has good bank fishing for catfish and crappie fishing can be good in Perche Creek in the Spring.

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Driving Directions: (From Columbia) Go south on Providence Road (Route K) past the village of McBaine. Continue across Perche Creek and turn left on Star School Road.

At Hart Creek Conservation Area you have access to Hart Creek, Hart Creek Lake, as well as Jemerson Creek. There is good fishing for bass and sunfish and fair chances for crappie.

Driving Directions:Three-fourths of a mile northwest of Hartsburg on Jemerson Creek Road.

At Hartsburg Access there is good fishing for catfish, buffalo, carp, and drum in the Missouri River.

Driving Directions: Seventeen miles south of Columbia on Highway 63; 3.5 miles west on Route A through Hartsburg to the south end of town; then 2 miles west on River Road.

At Hinkson Woods Conservation Area near Columbia there is Hinkson Creek with fair fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: One mile southwest of the Forum Boulevard entrance to the City of Columbia MKT Nature and Fitness Trail.

At Lick Creek Conservation Area there is fishing in Lick Creek Lake (12 acres) for bass, catfish, and sunfish. The fishing for all 3 species is generally good. There is primitive camping here as well as a boat ramp.

Driving Directions: Lick Creek Conservation Area is 9 miles north of Columbia on Highway 63, then 3 miles west on Highway 124, and 1.8 miles north on Oak Grove School Road. This area is mostly forest.

The Providence Access area is another access for Perche Creek and the Missouri River. There is good fishing for catfish, buffalo and drum.

Driving Directions: Providence Access is 4 miles south of Columbia on Route K, then 2.5 miles west to the dead end of Old Plank Road.

At Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area there is a main lake that is 52 acres in size and 19 ponds between 1/4 acre and 9 acres in size. There is good fishing throughout for bass, catfish, and crappie.

Driving Directions: Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area is 7 miles north of Columbia on Highway 63 and a mile east on Peabody Road.

At Tri-City Community Lake near to Centralia, you can find good fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie. The lake is a little under 30 acres in size. There is a boat ramp as well as 6 primitive camping sites.

Driving Directions: Tri-City Community Lake is 3 miles west of Centralia on Route CC, then a mile south on Tri-City Road.

At Ashland Lake, there is a good fishery for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish on this 12 acre body of water. There is a boat ramp at the area. Driving

Directions: (From Ashland) Go 3 miles east on Route Y.

At Dairy Farm Lake #1, run by the University of Missouri, there are 2 small lakes (the larger is about 15 acres) where there is decent fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: These two small lakes are 6 miles west of Columbia on I-70, then north 2 miles on Highway 40. Turn east on Route J and go about .25 mile to the entrance to Dairy Farm Lake #1.

At Dairy Farm Lake #3 you will find a small approximately 3 acre lake with fair bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish opportunities for fishing.

Driving Directions: This small lake is 6 miles west of Columbia on I-70, then north 1.5 miles on Highway 40. Look for the parking lot along the highway.

At South Farm R-1 Lake you will find a 7 acre lake with fair fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, ande sunfish.

Driving Directions: (From Highway 63 in Columbia) Take New Haven Road east to Lenoir Street. Continue south on Lenoir, then go 0.85 mile east on Roosevelt Avenue.

The Turkey Farm Lake is a slightly larger lake at around 12 acres and it has pretty decent fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish, as well as fair fishing for crappie.

Driving Directions: Turkey Farm Lake is a mile north of I-70 on Route Z and about 1 mile east on St. Charles Road.

Buchanan County Public Fishing Access

The Agency Access for the Platte River has some good fishing for flathead and channel catfish as well as fair fishing for carp. The access is not good for canoe launching.

Driving Directions: Travel .60 mile east of Agency on Hwy H to area entrance.

Agency Conservation Area serves as another access point to the Platte River where you are likely to find decent fishing for flathead and channel cats as well as carp.

Driving Directions: From Agency, take Hwy FF/H/MM 1.5 miles south, then east .25 mile on Rock Creek Rd.

At Belcher Branch Lake Conservation Area the 55 acre lake offer good possibilities for bass and crappie, but only fair fishing for catfish and sunfish.

Driving Directions: From St. Joseph take I-29 south to Faucett east (Exit 35), proceed east on Hwy DD 3 miles to County Road SE70, proceed south .75 mile to area entrance.

The Burton Bridge Access offers good fishing access but poor canoe launching facilities. The fishing here as in many other parts of the Platte River is decent for flathead and channel cats, as well as carp.

Driving Directions: From St. Joseph take I-29 south to Faucette (Exit 35) proceed east on DD three miles to DD/MM, proceed east on DD/MM two miles to Louter Milch Road and travel .25 mile east to area entrance.

The Arthur DuPree Memorial Conservation Area offers good access to fishing on the Missouri River and there you will have good opportunities for flathead, blue, and channel catfish as well as fair prospects for carp, drum, and buffalo.

Driving Directions: Hwy 36, west across Missouri River to Airport road, go north to .75 mile on 26th road, follow to DuPree Road and go east .75 mile.

Another place to access the Missouri River in Buchanan County in Missouri is Jentell Brees Access. You should have good fishing from the bank for blue, channel, and flathead catfish, as well as carp, drum, and buffalo.

Driving Directions: Jentell Brees Access is south of St. Joseph on Highway 59, seven miles west on Route U, then west on Contrary Creek Road one mile to area entrance.

A 35 acre lake that is good for fishing can be found in Buchanan County's Anthony and Beatrice Kendzora Conservation Area. There is also 1.5 miles of Platte River frontage in this area. In the lake, find good fishing for bass and catfish. In the lake you will find fair fishing for carp and drum. In the Platte River you might find some good fishing for catfish.

Driving Directions: One and one-half miles north of Edgerton off Highway B or off the county road one mile west of Highway B.

At "Everyday Pond" on the campus of Missouri Western State University, you will find some fishing opportunities for bass, catfish, and sunfish. There is even a trout season. Check area regs for more info.

Driving Directions: Travel .25 mile south of Faraon Street on James McCarthy Drive to pond.

There is about 2/10 of a mile of access to the Platte River in Buchanan County at Saxton Access. At this section there is fair fishing for catfish and carp.

Driving Directions: Saxton Access is four miles east of St. Joseph on Highway 36, two miles south on Route C, then .50 mile west on Saxton/Easton Road.

In St. Joseph, at the French Bottom Access, fishermen can find about 0.2 miles of access for fishing on the Missouri River. There is good fishing generally for flathead, blue, and channel catfish as well as gar, buffalo, carp, and drum.

Driving Directions: French Bottom Access in St. Joseph is west of I-229, travel .25 mile on Highland to McArthur Drive then .25 mile to area.

Lewis and Clark State Park is home to Lewis and Clark Lake which is better known as Sugar Lake. The shallow areas of the lake make fertile fish grounds for bass, bluegill, channel catfish, carp, buffalo and other game and some non-game fish.

Directions to Lewis and Clark State Park. From St. Joseph, Lewis and Clark State Park is 18 miles from St. Joseph. The trip will take 20 minutes. Take U.S. Hwy. 59 south to Hwy. 45. Go south on Hwy. 45 to Hwy. 138. Travel west on Hwy. 138 until you reach the state park. From Kansas City, Lewis and Clark State Park is 58 miles from downtown Kansas City. The trip will take 1 hour 15 minutes. Take I-29 north to Hwy. 92 (Platte City). Go west on Hwy. 92 through Platte City to Hwy. 45. Travel north on Hwy. 45 to Hwy. 138. Take Hwy. 138 west until you reach the state park.

Butler County Public Fishing Accesses

The Big Cane Conservation Area offers access to Cane Creek and Cane Creek Ditch. This area has some good fishing for catfish and sunfish as well as fair fishing for some other species like bass. Camping is allowed only on parking lots in the area and canoeing is a possibility on Cane Creek.

Driving Directions: Consists of two tracts. The largest tract is east of Neelyville on Highway 142, two miles south on Route EE, continue one mile south on Co. Rd. 269, and .5 mile east on Co. Rd. 276.

At Coon Island Conservation Area there is 12 miles of access to the Black River and 3 miles of access to Switch Ditch in Butler County. The fishing is good for bass, catfish, and sunfish. The fishing for crappie is generally considered to be fair.

Driving Directions: Located southeast of Poplar Bluff on Highway 53, eight miles south on Route HH then one mile east on County Road 224.

At Dan River Access, there is 1/2 mile of fishing access on the Black River where you can do pretty well for bass and catfish, and upstream of this point, the fishing can be good in Winter months for walleye. Target the deep pools.

Driving Directions: Three and one-half miles southeast of Poplar Bluff on Highway 53, turn east on County Road 616 and north on County Road 611.

The Fisk Access offers access to the St. Francis River. The fishing is good here for primarily catfish at this point. The bass fishing here is only fair. For more smallmouth fishing info, visit, smallmouth fishing on the St. Francis River.

Driving Directions: Fisk Access is east of Fisk on Highway 51.

Harviell Access offers fishing access to Cane Creek in Butler County. The fishing here is good for bass and fair for catfish and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Harviell Access is 3.5 miles south of Poplar Bluff on Highway 67 and 2.5 miles south on County Road 321.

Hilliard Access offers access to the Black River. The fishing in this area is fair for bass, walleye, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Hilliard Access is two miles north of Poplar Bluff on Route W.

The James Clark Access is an access for fishing and boat launch area for the St. Francis River. Here you can find good fishing for catfish and fair fishing for carp, buffalo, and drum.

Driving Directions: From Fisk, U.S. Highway 60, north on Missouri Highway DD, 5.5 miles to Butler County road 569, .50 mile to Butler County road 579, 1.5 miles to entrance road of James Clark access.

The Hendrickson Access in Mark Twain National Forest is an access for the Black River. The fishing here is generally good for spotted and largemouth bass, catfish, and walleye up top 10 lbs in size. The sunfish population here is fair.

Driving Directions: Hendrickson Access is 10 miles north of Poplar Bluff where Highway 67 crosses the Black River.

The Sportsman's Park Access near Poplar Bluff offers fishing access and boat launch facilities on the Black River. The fishing is good in this area for bass, catfish, and sunfish and is fair for walleye.

Driving Directions: Sportsman's Park Access is east of Poplar Bluff two miles south of Highway 60 on Business 60 (East Pine St.).

The Ringo Ford Access offers Little Black River access in Butler County. The fishing here is fair for bass and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Ringo Ford Access is 10 miles southwest of Poplar Bluff where Highway 160 crosses the Little Black River.

Fishing access to Old St. Francis River channel can be found at Wilhelmina Conservation Area. Good fishing can be had for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: The entrance to the main tract is in Dunklin County north of Campbell on Highway 53, then 4.5 miles west on Route DD and west again on County Road 203.

Caldwell County Public Fishing Access

At Bonanza Conservation Area there are 3 ponds that together total 5 acres in size. There is fair fishing for bass, channel catfish, and sunfish. There are quite a number of small sized bass, but fewer of the larger sized fish.

Driving Directions: Two miles south of Kingston on Highway 13, then five miles east on Route F.

At Hamilton City Lake there is a nice population of bass, with some being nice sized. The numbers of catfish are fair. There are boats allowed, but only with electric motors. The lake is about 80 acres.

Driving Directions: One mile west of Hamilton on Business Highway 36, then north on NW Golf Course Drive to lake.

Callaway County Public Fishing Access

The Capitol View Access allows access to Cedar Creek near Jefferson City. There is fair numbers of bass, crappie, and sunfish and good numbers of catfish.

Driving Direction :Four miles north of Jefferson City on the west side of Hwy 63.

The Hams Prairie Access offers access to Auxvasse Creek where there is fair fishing for bass and crappie and good fishing for catfish, carp, buffalo, and drum.

Driving Directions: Hams Prairie Access is 9 miles east of Fulton on Route O, then 1.5 miles south on Route CC and 2 miles west on County Road 428.

The Carl R. Noren Access offers an access to the Missouri River right across the bridge from Jefferson City. There is good fishing in the area for catfish, carp, buffalo, and drum.

Driving Directions: (From Jefferson City)  Take Highway 54 East across the Missouri River to the Route W exit. Turn north (left) on Route W (Cedar City Drive); then west (left) on 4th Street; then south (left) on Cottonwood Drive.

Little Dixie Lake Conservation Area is a conservation area that features Little Dixie Lake, but also has some other smaller ponds/lakes where a fisherman might have some luck. There is a good population of bass, good numbers of crappie, and some good opportunities for catfish. There is also a nice fishery for redear sunfish. We suggest a perusal of the regulations before heading out. 

Driving Directions: On I-70 ten miles west of Kingdom City, take the Route J exit and go south to Route RA. The main Little Dixie Lake CA parking area is off Route RA at the junction with Route J in Millersburg.

The Mokane Access in Callaway County offers about 1/2 a mile of Missouri River fishing access and also has a short section of Middle River access as well. Camping is allowed, there is a boat ramp, and the fishing is good for catfish, carp, buffalo, and drum.

Driving Directions:  Mokane Access is south on County Road 479 off Highway 94 a mile west of Mokane.

Another access for fishing at Auxvasse Creek is Moores Mill Access. The fishing here is fair for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: In Calwood, take Route JJ south, then County Road 136 east, then County Road 139 north to the area.

In Callaway County, if you are looking for some stream fishing as well as some smaller pond-style fishing, take a look at Reform Conservation Area. The bass and sunfish fishing is only fair, but the catfish prospects are pretty good.

Driving Directions: Reform Conservation Area is 9 miles east of Fulton on Route O. Area may be closed during high (orange) homeland security level.

At McCredie Farm Lake, a University of Missouri property in Callaway County, the 12 acre fishing lake has good fishing for bass, crappie, and bluegill, and fair numbers of catfish.

Driving Directions: Take Highway 54 north from I-70 to the first outer road. Continue east on this road 2 miles.

At Whetstone Creek Conservation Area, there is a nice mix of stream fishing opportunities, as well as some good pond fishing. All together, the ponds and lakes add up to about 73 acres. The fishing is fair for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: From I-70 Williamsburg exit #161, take Route D north to the stop sign. Turn west and continue on Route D to County Road 1003. Go north 2 miles on County Road 1003 to the entrance.

Camden County Public Fishing Access

The Brown Bend Access serves as an access to the Lake of the Ozarks with a little under 0.2 miles of Lake of the Ozarks shoreline public fishing access. In this area, you can find good fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, and white bass. Walleye fishing is fair.

Driving Directions: From Climax Springs, go 3.5 miles west on Hwy 7, then 4 miles north on Route DD, then 5 miles on Route FF, and 2 miles on FF-14 to the 61.5 mile mark (Osage Arm) of Lake of the Ozarks.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of the more popular access points to Lake of the Ozarks. It offers multiple accesses for public fishing at Lake of the Ozarks. As Lake of the Ozarks is not a Corps of Engineers Lake, it is notoriously difficult to locate public fishing access. This park is certainly a viable, as well as beautiful option.

Directions to Ha Ha Tonka State Park: From south St. Louis travel west on I-44 to Exit 129 at Lebanon. At the top of the exit, turn right and travel north on Hwy. 5 for approximately 30 miles until reaching Camdenton. At the traffic light, turn left onto U.S. Hwy. 54 and travel west 2.5 miles before turning left onto Route D, which will lead into Ha Ha Tonka State Park. From north St. Louis-Travel west on I-70 to Exit 148 at Kingdom City. At the top of the exit, turn left and travel west on U.S. Hwy. 54 for approximately 86 miles until reaching Camdenton. From the traffic light in Camdenton at the junction of highways 54 and 5, continue on U.S. Hwy. 54 for 2.5 miles before turning left onto Route D, which will lead into Ha Ha Tonka State Park. From Kansas City travel east on I-70 to Exit 78 (Sedalia/U.S. Hwy. 65). Head south on U.S. Hwy. 65 for approximately 75 miles to the town of Preston. Turn left onto U.S. Hwy. 54 and travel east for approximately 30 miles. After crossing the U.S. Hwy. 54 bridge over the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, turn right onto Route D, which will lead into Ha Ha Tonka State Park. From Springfield-Travel east on I-44 to Exit 129 at Lebanon. At the top of the exit, turn left and travel north on Hwy. 5 for approximately 30 miles until reaching Camdenton. At the traffic light, turn left onto U.S. Hwy. 54 and travel west for 2.5 miles before turning left onto Route D, which will lead into Ha Ha Tonka State Park.

At Burnt Mill Cave Conservation Area, you will find Camden County access to the Little Niangua River and good fishing for bass. There is fair fishing for catfish, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: From Highway 54 at Macks Creek go north on State Highway N, 5 miles to Kolb Hollow Road. Then east (right) on Kolb Hollow Road 3.2 miles to parking area on the south side of road.

Another access to public fishing access for Lake of the Ozarks is at the Larry R. Gale Access. You will find good fishing here for bass, catfish, and crappie. There is approximately 1/2 a mile of shoreline fishing access.

Driving Directions: Larry R. Gale Access is 4 miles west of Camdenton off of Highway 54; then 2.5 miles north on Route AA. At the Fire Department Station turn east onto Koehler Road (AA 101) and go 1 mile to Larry R. Gale Road (AA-101D). Watch for signs.

At Mule Shoe Conservation Area public fishing access to the Little Niangua River as well as Starks Creek gives the angler good fishing opportunities for bass, suckers, as well as sunfish. In total, you will find 2.7 miles of Little Niangua River fishing access as well as 0.8 miles of fishing access to Starks Creek.

Driving Directions: In Hickory County go north on Route F from Highway 54 to gravel road 96, which runs east to the area.

At Shawnee Bend Access, you will find very limited public fishing access to Lake of the Ozarks. This is really a boat launch with only .05 of a mile of lake frontage.

Driving Directions: Shawnee Bend Access is near Sunrise Beach. Take Route F approximately 1 mile to Route TT, then go northeast on TT approximately 2.3 miles to the access. The access is located at the 10.9-mile mark of the Osage Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks.

At Toronto Springs Conservation Area, the springs flow at between 2 and 4 million gallons per day. The springs feed Wet Glaize Creek, and in the conservation area, the creek flows for approximately 2 miles. The fishing is usually good for bass and sunfish and fair for catfish.

Driving Directions: Toronto Springs Conservation Area is 3 miles east of Montreal on Route E, then 1.5 miles east on Route A.

Cape Girardeau County Public Fishing Access

Apple Creek Conservation Area offers fishing opportunities in several ponds which are stocked annually with channel catfish, as well as good fishing opportunities for bass, white bass, and carp. The white bass and carp are found in Apple Creek. There is a boat launch as well as undeveloped campsites at this area.

Driving Directions: North of Cape Girardeau, take the Fruitland exit off I-55, go seven miles north on Hwy 61, then six miles east on Rte CC.

The Block Hole Access offers access to the Castor River Diversion Channel. Rapids prevent boat access upstream from the Bloc Hole. This public fishing access offers good fishing for catfish and is seasonally quite good for walleye and white bass. fishing is fair for crappie and bass.

Driving Directions: On Route U, .50 mile east of the junction of Routes T, N and U.

At Cape Girardeau Conservation Campus Nature Center there is a nice children's fishing opportunity. Children 15 and younger may fish the pond for catfish, bass, crappie, and sunfish. They may keep 2 bass (15 in. min.), 2 catfish, and 20 of the sunfish/ crappie. Fishing equipment may be checked out at the front desk while the facility is open. Returns need to be made by 4:30. An adult with a current Mo fishing permit may assist children who fish. No permit is needed by adults who are not assisting. This information is current as of 10/22/2010. Check current regs prior to visit.

Driving Directions: Located within the North portion of the Cape Girardeau County Park, just east of Interstate 55 (Exit 99). Take Kingshighway (State Highway 61) .25 mile east of I-55 to the park and nature center.

The Headwaters Access is another access to the Castor River Diversion Channel. At this access, there is good fishing for catfish and crappie as well as fair fishing for bass and sunfish. The Spring can bring good white bass fishing if the water flow is adequate.

Driving Directions: Headwaters Access is east of I-55 on Highway 74/61, from Highway 74/61 turn south on Old Highway 61 at Cantalever Sign.

The Rotary Lake in Jackson has some good fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie, and even trout during the seasons when they are stocked. For info on trout stocking, call 573-290-5730. The area is owned and maintained by the City of Jackson.

Driving Directions: Rotary Lake is in the Jackson City Park off Highway 61.

At Juden Creek Conservation Area, the fishing can be good in the Spring for white bass.

Driving Directions:Take Highway 177 (Big Bend Road) north through Cape Girardeau. At the north edge of the city limits, turn east on Old Missouri Route V, and continue 125 yards.

Lake Girardeau at Lake Girardeau Conservation Area is a 162 acre lake with good public fishing opportunities for bass, crappie, sunfish, and catfish. Primitive camping is available in Lake Girardeau Camping Area. BBQ grills, picnic tables, gravel parking pads are available for campers. There are no electricity or water hook ups.

Driving Directions: Seven miles west of Jackson on Highway 34, go six miles south on Route U. Watch for signs.

There is public fishing access in Cape Girardeau County in 8 fishing ponds in Maintz Wildlife Preserve. There is a good number of catfish and sunfish and fair fishing for bass.

Driving Directions: Maintz Wildlife Preserve (804 acres) Northwest of Jackson, take Rte B north, then CR 472 west 1.5 miles to the area.

Public fishing access to the Whitewater River in Cape Girardeau County can be found for one mile at Old Plantation Access. The fishing here is good for bass, catfish, suckers, and sunfish.

Driving Directions Old Plantation Access is west of Jackson on Highway 72 and north on County Road 385.

The Red Star Access in Cape Girardeau offers access for 0.12 miles to the Mississippi River. This area can be busy with boat activity. The fishing is good for catfish, buffalo, and carp. It is fair for white bass and sauger.

Driving Directions: Red Star Access is on Second Street just north of the Cape Girardeau downtown district and one block east of Main Street.

Carroll County Public Fishing Access

If you are looking for fishing access to the Grand River in Carroll County, at Bosworth Access, you will find good fishing prospects for catfish as well as carp.

Driving Directions: Travel four miles east of Bosworth on Hwy M. Entrance is on the south side of the road.

The Bunch Hollow Conservation Area is not renowned for its fishing, but here are 9 ponds for a total of 16 acres that will offer fair fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Travel 10 miles north of Carrollton on Hwy 65, then seven miles west and north on Route Z, then two miles west on CR130 to the area.

Little Compton Lake Conservation Area offers a little bit for many different fishing interests. If you like lake fishing, albeit a small lake at 40 acres, there is Little Compton Lake. In addition to the lake, there is more opportunities on the Grand River and Hurricane Creek. Between these 3 bodies of water, you will find some good bass fishing, good catfish numbers, and fair fishing for crappie and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Take Hwy 139 south of Hale four miles, then travel three miles east on CR 140, then south to area entrance on CR 361.

EW. L. Schifferdecker Memorial Conservation Area offers just fair fishing on 2 ponds for a total of 3 acres. The fishing that does exist is for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Ten miles west of Carrollton on Hwy E to the junction of Hwy D south .50 mile to area entrance.

Carter County Public Fishing Access

Current River Conservation Area is over 25,000 acres in size and offers many and diverse fishing opportunities. The opportunities are spread through the area and some map study will help you.  If you are looking for bass fishing, first keep in mind that the regulations vary from water to water and especially between streams/rivers and impoundments. If you are fishing for lagremouth, consider Buford Pond. For smallmouth bass, consider the Current River which in stretches is very good. For additional info on this, visit our page on Current River Smallmouth Fishing. For catfish, take a look at Buford Pond.

Driving Directions: The main tract of the Current River Conservation Area is three miles west of Ellington on Highway 106. There are three entrances: one is located three miles west of Ellington on Hwy. 106. Another is located on South Road in Ellington. The other is located on Reynolds County Road 626.

Miller Community Lake is a 28 acre lake in Carter County where you will find fair fishing for bass and good fishing for catfish and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Miller Community Lake is one mile north of Highway 60 on Highway 21.

At the Van Buren Waterfront Park you will find good access to the Current River which in turn will offer you good fishing for smallmouth bass and goggle-eye. There is also a good sucker population in the Current River in this area.

Driving Directions: Take Highway 60 to Van Buren, then Business 60 to Main Street, and go west on Main Street to Riverfront Park.

Cass County Public Fishing Access

Amarugia Highlands Conservation Area is another one of those areas with a lot of diverse fishing opportunities to offer. First of all, is the diverse offerings of water types. There are the South Fork and South Grand River if stream/river fishing is your preference. Then, there is also Amarugia Lake, a 55 acres lake/pond. In the area, you will be greeted with good fishing for catfish, crappie, and sunfish, with an exceptional population of redear sunfish. There is also a fair population of bass in the area.

Driving Directions: From 71 Highway, go west of Archie on Route A 5 miles and then 4.5 miles north on Route W.

At North Lake in Harrisonville, you will find a 34 acre lake/pond with a good fishing potential for bass and sunfish as well as fair fishing for catfish and crappie. See Description for Settle's Ford Conservation Area in Bates/Cass County

Cedar County Public Fishing Access

Caplinger Mill Dam and Caplinger Mills Park offers 0.25 miles of public access fishing along the Sac River in Cedar County, Missouri. You will encounter fair fishing for bass, catfish, and walleye, but likely you will find good fishing for crappie and white bass.

Driving Directions: Just outside Caplinger Mills on the east side of the Sac River.

Part of Stockton Lake is in Cedar County, and one access option is the Stockton Lake Management Lands. This is a GREAT FISHING lake for many species! There is really good fishing for bass, white bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye. There is also access to fishing on the Little Sac River, Sac River, Turnback Creek, and Sons Creek. There are some regs you should check out when exploring fishing this area...see Stockton Management Land Regs.

Driving Directions: See Area Map as this 24,000 acre lake has many access points.

Stockton State Park: A quiet cove or secluded shoreline is not hard to find at Stockton Lake. You can expect to catch a variety of fish including bass, white bass, crappie, walleye, catfish or bluegill. Fishing is not allowed near the boat ramps or the marina area; there are no motor restrictions on the lake.

Directions to Stockton State Park-From Springfield-Stockton State Park is approximately one hour from Springfield. Travel north on Hwy. 13 to Bolivar where you will turn west onto Hwy. 32. At the square in Stockton, turn south onto Hwy. 39 and travel about four and one-half miles to Hwy. 215. Turn left at this intersection onto Hwy. 215 and travel east/southeast crossing Stockton Lake on the "mile-long" bridge. Hwy. 215 runs through the state park. From Joplin-Stockton State Park is approximately one and one-half hours from Joplin. Travel north on U.S. Hwy. 71 to Lamar; then take Hwy. 160 east to Greenfield. Turn left/north onto Hwy. 39 and continue for about 20 miles to Hwy. 215. Turn right at this intersection onto Hwy. 215 and travel east/southeast crossing Stockton Lake on the "mile-long" bridge. Hwy. 215 runs through the state park.From Kansas City-Stockton State Park is approximately two to two and one-half hours from Kansas City. Travel south on U.S. Hwy. 71 to Nevada; then take U.S. Hwy. 54 to El Dorado Springs. Turn south onto Hwy. 32 and travel to Stockton. At the four-way stop in Stockton, turn south onto Hwy. 39 and travel about four miles to Hwy. 215. Turn left at this intersection onto Hwy. 215 and travel east/southeast crossing Stockton Lake on the "mile-long" bridge. Hwy. 215 runs through the state park.

Chariton County Public Fishing Access

The Brunswick Access is a fishing access option for the Grand River and is only 3 miles from the confluence with the Missouri River. Primarily, the fishing is good here for catfish, carp and buffalo.

Driving Directions: In Brunswick one city block south of the intersection of Highway 24 and Polk to area entrance.

If you are looking in Chariton County for public fishing access to the Missouri River, Dalton Bottoms Access might be a good option.The fishing here is good also for catfish, carp, and buffalo.Driving

Directions: Five miles south of Dalton to the end of Route J, then east 1.5 miles on Namrash Road to the area entrance.

If you are looking for some decent, if not great, fishing in Keytesville, Missouri, take a look at Maxwell Taylor Park Pond. There is fair fishing for bass, catfish, and bluegill.

Driving Directions: From the Junction of 24 and Hwy 5 in Keytesville go north on Hwy 5, three city blocks, then west on Vandiver Avenue to the city park.

Are you looking for fishing access to the Little Chariton River? How about taking a look at Lewis Mill Access, where you just might find some good fishing for catfish and carp.

Driving Directions: Travel north of Glasgow on Hwy 5, 1.5 miles then west 1.5 miles on Hwy KK then south on Lewis Mill Lane to area entrance.

If you are looking for fishing around Marceline, Missouri, take a look at visiting Marceline City Lake. Bass, crappie, and bluegill fishing at this 174 acre lake are fair, but the catfishing is pretty good.

Driving Directions: Marceline City Lake is three miles south of Marceline on Highway 5, then three miles west on Route E to Marceline Lake Avenue then travel one mile north to the lake.

The 0.7 miles of public fishing access on the Chariton River at Price Bridge Access offers chances for decent catfishing.

Driving Directions: From the junction of Hwy 24 and KK travel two miles south on Hwy KK to Hwy VV then travel west two miles to the area entrance.

There is a 25 acre lake, Pine Ridge Lake, near Salisbury, Missouri that offers good fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie. There is fair fishing for sunfish.

Driving Directions: Pine Ridge Lake is located in Potts Memorial Park near Salisbury. The park entrance is two miles south of Salisbury on Highway 129 to Potts Park Road.At Sterling Price Community Lake, there is good fishing for bass, catfish, and bluegill as well as fair fishing for crappie.

Driving Directions: Travel two miles west of Salisbury on Highway 24, and one mile south on Sterling Avenue to South Lake Lane.

There is public fishing access to the Grand River at Sumner Access. The fishing here is primarily good for catfish, carp, and buffalo.

Yellow Creek Conservation Area offers 4 miles of access to Elk and Yellow Creeks. The fishing is fair for catfish and carp.

Driving Directions: Travel one mile south of Sumner on Route RA, then right on Hog Ridge Avenue, then south 3.5 miles to the area entrance.

Christian County Public Fishing Access

The James River is one of Missouri's premier smallmouth bass rivers. The Delaware Town Access offer access to the James River near Nixa, Missouri. The fishing here is good for bass and sunfish and fair for catfish.Driving Directions:Delaware Town Access is on the James River five miles west of Nixa on Highway 14, then north on Delaware Town Road.TOP OF PAGEThe Jim Turner Public Fishing Access offers fishing access in Ozark, Missouri to the Finley River. The fishing here is fair for bass and catfish and good for sunfish.Driving Directions:Go South of Springfield on Highway 65 and east on Route CC, then south on Route NN. From NN, turn east onto McCracken Road and follow the bridge across the Finley River at the Ozark mill. Turn left into the Ozark city park.TOP OF PAGEThe Shelvin Rock Access offers access to the James River. The fishing is good for bass and sunfish while only fair for catfish.Driving Directions:Shelvin Rock Access is west of Nixa on Highway 14, then four miles south on Route M and two miles west on Shelvin Rock Road.TOP OF PAGE

Clark County Public Fishing Access

At Battle of Athens State Historic Site, anglers have been successful in recent years fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, redear sunfish and channel catfish.

Directions to Battle of Athens State Historic Site:

From Jefferson CityTravel north on U.S. Hwy. 63 to Lancaster. Take U.S. Hwy. 136 east to Kahoka. Travel north on Hwy. 81 for ten miles then turn right/east onto Route CC and continue four miles to the historic site.

From Kansas CityTravel north on I-35 to Exit 54/U.S. Hwy. 36. Take U.S. Hwy. 36 east to Macon. Take U.S. Hwy. 63 north to Lancaster; turn right/east onto U.S. Hwy. 136. At Kahoka, take Hwy. 81 north for ten miles then turn right/east onto Route CC. Continue four miles to the historic site.

From IowaTake Hwy. 2 to Hwy. 81 south and continue six miles before turning east onto Route CC. Continue four miles to the historic site.

Watershed Lake is about 35 acres in size and offers some public fishing access in Clark County, Missouri. The only thing you have to be careful with in this area is the boundaries between public and private land and waters. In Clark Conservation Area, where Watershed Lake is located, some of the tracts are not even publicly accessible. However, the tract where the lake is, and where the driving directions below take you, are publicly accessible. As to the fishing, there are fair populations of bass, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: The Nixon Branch Tract is nine miles north of Kahoka on Highway 81, then 1.5 miles west on an unnamed gravel road. The Bear Creek Tract is 3.5 miles south of Wyaconda on Rte A, then 1.75 miles south on an unnamed gravel road.

If you are looking for a good public access to the Des Moines River in Clark County, you should find good catfishing as well as good fishing for drum and carp at Fort Pike Access.

Driving Directions: Area is at the north edge of St. Francisville on Route B.

At Fox Valley Lake Conservation Area in Clark County, you will find good fishing for catfish in Fox Valley Lake as well as the Fox River. There is good bass fishing in the lake.

Driving Directions: Four and three-fourths miles north of Kahoka on Highway 81 then 2.5 miles west on Route NN.

At Frost Island Conservation Area, within the approximately 1300 total acres is approximately 3 miles of access to the Des Moines River. Here you will find good fishing for catfish and carp.

Driving Directions:  Four miles north of Wayland on Route B, then one mile east on an unnamed gravel road.

The Geode Access offers a short amount of public fishing access to the Fox River in Clark County. There is good fishing for catfish and fair fishing for drum and carp.

Driving Directions: Geode Access is one mile west of Wayland on Highway 136 at the Fox River Bridge.

Almost 4 miles of public fishing access is available in Clark County at Charlie Heath Memorial Conservation Area. The fishing is fair for all of the Missouri warm water species here in the Fox River. This is bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish.Driving Directions:Located west of Kahoka on Highway 136, then north on Route K, eight miles.

At Rose Pond Conservation Area all of the decent fishing is in Honey Creek. The fishing here is good for carp and catfish and fair for bass, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Go north on Highway 61 from the Lewis/Clark County line then turn east on Route F for three miles to Route P. Take P north until the pavement ends. Continue left on the gravel road .20 of a mile. Turn right on the next gravel road.

Clay County Public Fishing Access

In Clay County in the Kansas City area, finding public access to the Missouri River can certainly include Cooley Lake Conservation Area. Cooley Lake is really a wetland and not so much a fishing destination. In the approximately 1 mile of Missouri River access, there is good fishing for catfish, carp, buffalo, gar, and sturgeon.

Driving Directions: Cooley Lake Conservation Area is 2.5 miles east of Missouri City on Highway 210.

A great public fishing access in the Kansas City area is Chaumiere Lake if you are looking for good catfishing and even seasonally good trout fishing.

Driving Directions: From I-35 take North Chouteau Trafficway south .25 mile to North Cleveland Ave. Turn south and take the first road (NE 43rd Terrace) about .25 west to the lake.

Another good lake in the Kansas City area for catfishing is Englewood Lake. It is approximately 4 acres in size.

Driving Directions: From North Oak Trfy. turn east on NE Englewood Road and travel .25 mile. You will see the lake on the south side of the road. Turn south off of NE Englewood and the road will take you along the east side of the lake.

If you are looking for a good fishing lake for catfish in the Kansas City area with perhaps the least creative name imaginable, consider Lakewood Lake. This lake is approximately 3 acres in size and is stocked during Summer months.

Driving Directions: From I-35 take Hwy 69 (NE Vivion Road) west 1 mile to North Norton Ave. Turn south on Norton and travel .50 mile to the lake which sits on the east side of the road.

A nice area with about one mile of good public access bank fishing on the Missouri River in the Kansas City area is Liberty Bend Conservation Area. As expected, the best fishing here is for catfish, and it's pretty good.

Driving Directions: Access is from LaBenite Park in Sugar Creek on the east side of Highway 291 (south of the Missouri River).

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site offers public access to fishing. Bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish are plentiful in Williams Creek Lake, which has a boat launching area with a courtesy boat dock. Boat motors used on the 100-acre lake are restricted to 10 horsepower or less. An accessible fishing dock is located near the western end of the dam. A permit must be purchased at the office for night fishing.

Directions to Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site:

From Kansas City: From I-70, take Exit 8 north onto I-435 northbound. Travel on I-435 north for 11 miles until it merges into northbound I-35. Continue north on I-35 for 15 miles, exiting at Kearney (Exit 26). Turn right onto eastbound Hwy. 92 and continue east for five miles to turn left (north) onto Route RA. The park entrance will be on the right off of Route RA.

From St. Joseph: Take U.S. Hwy. 36 east for 27 miles to Cameron. From there take I-35 south for 28 miles, exiting at Kearney (Exit 26). Turn left onto eastbound Hwy. 92 and continue east for five miles to turn left (north) onto Route RA. The park entrance will be on the right off of Route RA.

Clinton County Public Fishing Access

The Ronald and Maude Hartell Conservation Area is a conservation area in Clinton County Missouri that is managed very much for public fishing access. There are at least 5 ponds from about 2 acres in size to about 5 acres in size where some good fishing can be found. Additionally, there are some interesting management practices that might make this area even more attractive to fishermen.The regs page states that this area is by reservation by educational groups, and fish must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught except as provided by special use permit.With regard to bass and sunfish, these lakes are managed for trophy fishing. The regs call for catch and release of all fish caught. No live bait or prepared baits may be used. Only flies artificial lures and soft plastic baits (unscented) may be used. Redear and Quarry Lakes in the area is managed for trophy sized bluegill. This lake is a great option for fly fishermen. Picnic and Lunker Lakes are managed for trophy largemouth bass. It is strongly suggested that you take a look at current regs as they may change more often than does this page.

Driving Directions:Take Highway 116, three miles east of Plattsburg, then travel north two miles on Highway 33, then east .50 mile on 280 Street to area entrance.

Clinton County public fishing access on the Little Platte River can be found at Lathrop Bridge Access. The fishing for channel catfish is fair in this area. There is approximately 2/10 of a mile of stream access at this area.

Driving Directions: Lathrop Bridge Access is on the Little Platte River two miles east of Plattsburg on Highway 116.

Wallace State Park is home to the rather modest Lake Allaman. Small boats and electric motors are permitted. The lake is not stocked. Night fishing is not allowed.

Directions to Wallace State Park: From Kansas City, Wallace State Park is approximately 50 miles from the Kansas/Missouri line. Travel north on I-35 to Exit 48. Make a right turn off the exit ramp onto Hwy. 69. Turn left at Hwy. 121 and continue into the state park. The park is about two miles from I-35.From Des Moines, Iowa-Wallace State Park is approximately 68 miles from the Iowa/Missouri line. Travel south on I-35 to Exit 48. Make a left turn off the exit ramp onto Hwy. 69. Turn left at Hwy. 121 and continue into the state park. The park is about two miles from I-35.From St. Joseph-Wallace State Park is approximately 36 miles from St. Joseph. Travel east on Hwy. 36 to I-35. Proceed south on I-35 to Exit 48. Make a left turn off the exit ramp onto Hwy. 69. Turn left at Hwy. 121 and continue into the state park. The park is about two miles from I-35.

Cooper County Public Fishing Access

In Clinton County, Missouri, fishermen can find public fishing access to the Blackwater River at Blackwater Bridge Access. Here, you will find about 1/10th of a mile of access in a location where fishing is good for catfish, carp, buffalo, and drum. The fishing will likely be fair for crappie.

Driving Directions: Near Blackwater, go 3 miles north of I-70 on Highway K to the Blackwater River.

Access to the Lamine River in Clinton County can be had at De Bourgmont Access, where fishermen will find about 1/10th a mile of fishing access primarily for catfish, carp, buffalo, and drum.

Driving Directions:Located 1.5 miles north of I-70 on Highway 41.

About 1/4 of a mile of public fishing access on the Lamine River can be found just North of I-70 at Harriman Hill Access. The main species here are also carp, catfish, drum, and buffalo.

Driving Directions: Harriman Hill Access is north of I-70 on Route M.

A large public use area called Lamine River Conservation Area offers quite a large diversity of public access fishing opportunities. There are 9 ponds that total 19 acres. There are also 4 permanent streams and rivers in the area. There is 1.6 miles of access to Richland Creek, 0.4 miles of access to Flat Creek, 12 miles of access to the Lamine River, and 1.25 miles of access to Otter Creek. The fishing for catfish is good in the ponds and permanent streams. Bass fishing is fair in the ponds as it is via float fishing on the area streams. The fishing for carp, buffalo, and drum is good in the streams.

Driving Directions: Lamine River Conservation Area has five tracts. The main tract is 1 mile east of Otterville on Route A, or take Highway 50 to the Lamine River.

At Prairie Home Conservation Area you will find 3 pretty good ponds/lakes for fishing. Johnson Lake, Cattail Lake, and Church Lake are 14, 6, and 6 acres in size respectively, and have good fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Take Highway J west out of Prairie Home, then south on Highway W two miles.

A quarter of a mile of public fishing access to the Lamine River is at Roberts Bluff Access. The fishing, as in most spots on the Lamine, is good for catfish, carp, buffalo, and drum. The fishing for crappie here is fair.

Driving Directions: Roberts Bluff Access is 4.5 miles northwest of Pilot Grove on Route HH then 2 miles north on Buffalo Prairie Drive (gravel).

Another 1/4 mile of Lamine River public fishing access can be found at the Swinging Bridge Access. The fishing is good here for catfish, carp, buffalo, and drum.

Driving Directions: Swinging Bridge Access is a mile west of Clifton City on Highway 135, then 2.5 miles north on Route JJ and 1.5 miles east on Swinging Bridge Drive.

In Cooper County, public fishing access on the Missouri River can be located at Taylors Landing Access. There is about 1/2 a mile of river access here. The fishing is good for catfish, carp, buffalo, and drum.

Driving Directions: Taylors Landing Access is 12 miles west of Columbia on I-70 and 4.5 miles east on Highway 98.

Cole County Public Fishing Access

Near Jefferson City, Missouri in Cole County, one good public access fishing lake is Binder Community Lake . It is around 155 acres in size, and offers handicap accessible fishing opportunities. The angling for catfish and sunfish is pretty good while that for bass and crappie is mostly fair in nature.

Driving Directions: Take Hwy 50 west from Jefferson City to the Apache Flats/St. Martin's exit, continue west on Bus. 50, turn right (north) at South Binder Lake Rd., left (west) on Rainbow Dr., and right (north) on Binder Park Rd.

Another Cole County Lake with good public fishing access near Jefferson City is Jaycee Park Lake. This lake is run by Cole County and is 7 acres in size with handicap accessible facilities and good fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Cole County Jaycee Park Lake is west of Jefferson City just off Highway 50. From Highway 50 West, take Country Club Drive exit, then turn left on South Country Club Drive and go south approximately 1.5 miles; then turn east (left) on County Park Road.

At the Conservation Commission Headquarters, there are actually some public fishing opportunities. The fishing is catch and release as of the time of the writing of this article (October, 2010). The fishing is good for bass, catfish, and sunfish. The ponds are small.

Driving Directions: Conservation Commission Headquarters is located at 2901 West Truman Blvd, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. From Hwy 50 go north on Hwy 179 approximately two miles and then west on West Truman Blvd to the main entry.

Very near Jefferson City ( a few miles South) is Honey Creek Access to the Moreau River. Here you can find good fishing for catfish, carp, drum, and buffalo. You can also find fair fishing for bass and sunfish. There is approximately 0.3 miles of public fishing access to the Moreau River and there is also boat launch and camping facilities.

Driving Directions: Three miles south of Jefferson City on Highway 54, go 2.25 miles east on Buffalo Road.

For public fishing access right in Jefferson City, take a look at 6.5 acre Hough Park Lake. The fishing is fair for bass and sunfish but good for catfish.

Driving Directions: (In Jefferson City) Go east of Highway 54 on Ellis Boulevard, turn south on Tanner Bridge Road, then go east on Hoffman Drive, and north on Iven Road.

A similar sized lake to Hough Lake is McKay Park Lake right in Jefferson City. The fishing at this lake is fair for bass and sunfish and good for catfish. This is one of the areas that also receives a seasonal trout stocking. The trout are stocked in the Winter, and for regs information see Area Regs. 

Driving Directions: McKay Park Lake is in Jefferson City just off Highway 54. From Highway 54, go 0.4 miles north on Southwest Boulevard, then turn east (right) on Sunrise Lane.

A little over 10 miles outside of Jefferson City, you can find public fishing access to the Osage River at Mari-Osa Access. The fishing for bass and sunfish is fair and the fishing for catfish is good. There is less than 1/10 of a mile of river access here and there are boat launch and primitive camping facilities.

Driving Directions: From Jefferson City, go east on Highway 50 approxmately 10 miles to Marina Road. About 0.75 miles before you reach the Osage River bridge, turn north (left) on Marina Road, continue east toward the Osage River. At T intersection, turn south (right) under Highway 50.

The Marion Bottoms Conservation Area offers public fishing access to about 3 miles of Moniteau Creek and to about 6 miles of the Missouri River. The fishing here is good for catfish, carp, buffalo, and drum. The fishing here is fair for crappie and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Located east of Highway 179 2.5 miles north of Marion. Go east on Moniteau Creek Rd.

There is 1/4 mile of public fishing access to the Moreau River in Cole County at the Moreau 50 Access. The fishing here is good for catfish, carp, buffalo, and drum.

Driving Directions: From the eastern boundary of Jefferson City, go east on Highway 50 about 1 mile. Cross over the Moreau River, continue about 0.4 miles and then turn north (left) on North Shamrock Road. Turn west (left) immediately on Moreau River Access Road.

For another option for public fishing access on the Osage River, there is Pikes Camp Access. This access is 20 miles upstream from the mouth of the river and has good fishing for catfish, carp, buffalo, drum, and paddlefish. There is also good fishing for bass and fair fishing for sunfish.

Driving Directions: Pikes Camp Access is a mile south of Wardsville on Route W. It is located 20.4 river miles above the mouth of the Osage River.

At Scrivner Road Conservation Area you will find some public fishing access via several ponds. The fishing is rather fair in nature for bass, catfish, and sunfish. In the 2 miles of access to South Moreau Creek, you will find some catfish, carp, and buffalo.

Driving Directions: Scrivner Road Conservation Area (919 acres) is south of Russellville on Route AA then east on Scrivner Road. Turn north on Scott Road and continue 1 mile.

At the confluence of the Osage and Missouri Rivers, you will find Smoky Waters Conservation Area. This area offers public fishing access to 2 miles of the Osage River and 4 miles of the Missouri River. The fishing is good for catfish, carp, buffalo, and drum. There is camping facilities only for float-in campers.

Driving Directions: Smoky Waters Conservation Area is 2 miles east of Osage City on Engineer Road.

The St. Thomas Ferry Access offer a very short span of public fishing access to the Osage River. The fishing is good here for catfish, carp, buffalo, and drum and fair for bass, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: From Jefferson City, go south on Highway B approximately 10 miles and turn west (right) on Old Ferry Road just before the Osage River Bridge.

The Stringtown Bridge Access offers a public fishing access to North Moreau Creek. The fishing in this spot is good for catfish, carp, buffalo, and drum. It is fair for bass and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Stringtown Bridge Access is five miles west of Jefferson City on Route C and a mile west on Hemstreet Road.

The Taos Countryside Park Lake is in the Jefferson City, Missouri area - not New Mexico! The 2 acre pond offers fair fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Take Highway 50/63 east out of Jefferson City to Taos exit. Take Highway M south approximately .25 mile and turn east on Countryside Park Road.

Crawford County Public Fishing Access

Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area offers access to the Meramec River and Blue Springs Creek.

In the Mereamec, the fishing for smallmouth bass is pretty good. For a thorough rundown on smallmouth bass fishing on the Meramec, we have a page dedicated just to this. We suggest visiting Meramec Smallmouth Bass Fishing for a full description of methods, areas, etc. There is some trout fishing on the upper Meramec as well, and for this, visit Meramec Trout Fishing.

On the subject of trout fishing, we have a thorough article on trout fishing in Blue Springs Creek as well. This little creek is considered only fair for trout, but the little rainbows you catch are briliiantly wild fish, and very beautiful. Don't come to this creek with the intention of coming home with a stringer full of trout. That won't happen. There may also be some bass closer to where Blue Springs Creek enters the Meramec.

Driving Directions: Two and-one-half miles south of Bourbon on Route N to Blue Springs Road.

The Campbell Bridge Access to the Meramec River is a nice public fishing access point for smallmouth bass. The access is about a tenth of a mile total.

Driving Directions: Ten miles south of Bourbon on Route N.

The Bird's Nest Access to the Meramec River is in a smallmouth bass management area. Please consult regs before fishing here. The fishing is good here for smallmouth bass.

Driving Directions: One mile north of Steelville on Highway 19, then southeast on Bird's Nest Road to the Meramec River.

Huzzah Conservation Area offers access to Huzzah Creek and the Meramec River which are good for smallmouth bass.

Driving Directions: Cross the Meramec River at the end of Route H at Onondaga Cave State Park or go northeast of Steelville on Route E and cross the low-water bridge at Huzzah Creek.

Dillard Mill State Historic Site: Huzzah Creek offers various sunfish, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass.

Directions to Dillard Mill State Historic Site: From St. Louis - Dillard Mill State Historic Site is approximately one and one-half to two hours from St. Louis. Travel west on I-44 and take the Cuba exit. Turn left onto Hwy. 19; pass through Cuba and continue to Steelville. At the Steelville stop sign, turn right to stay on Hwy. 19. Travel about ten miles to Cherryville; turn left onto Hwy. 49. Turn right about five miles later to stay on Hwy. 49. After another five miles, turn right onto Dillard Mill Road. Once the road turns to gravel, the historic site is one mile farther. From Springfield/Rolla-Dillard Mill State Historic Site is approximately two and one-half to three hours from Springfield, and 60 miles from Rolla. Travel east on I-44 to the Cuba exit. Turn right onto Hwy. 19; pass through Cuba and continue to Steelville. At the Steelville stop sign, turn right to stay on Hwy. 19. Travel about ten miles to Cherryville; turn left onto Hwy. 49. Turn right about five miles later to stay on Hwy. 49. After another five miles, turn right onto Dillard Mill Road. Once the road turns to gravel, the historic site is one mile farther. From Jefferson City Dillard Mill State Historic Site is approximately one and one-half to two hours from Jefferson City. Travel south on U.S. Hwy. 63 to Exit 186; take I-44 east to the Cuba exit. Turn right onto Hwy. 19; pass through Cuba and continue to Steelville. At the Steelville stop sign, turn right to stay on Hwy. 19. Travel about ten miles to Cherryville; turn left onto Hwy. 49. Turn right about five miles later to stay on Hwy. 49. After another five miles, turn right onto Dillard Mill Road. Once the road turns to gravel, the historic site is one mile farther.

Maramec Spring Park is one of the most popular fishing spots in Eastern Missouri. We have detailed information on the trout fishing here at Trout Park Fishing in Missouri. Driving Directions: Six miles southeast of St. James on Highway 8. Both areas are inside Maramec Spring Park.

The Mint Spring Access offers some access to the Bourbeuse River. There are places on the Bourbeuse where the smallmouth bass fishing is quite good, and there are some here, but here you will do better targeting catfish.

Driving Directions: Mint Spring Access is 9.5 miles south of Owensville on Route EE.

Another 1/10th of a mile of access to the Meramec River is available at the Riverview Access. The fishing at this area is good for bass.

Driving Directions: Riverview Access is 1.5 miles south of Cuba on Highway 19, then west four miles on Route O, continue .25 mile past the end of state maintenance.

Onondaga Cave State Park-Cast your line in the Meramec River or an oxbow lake. The word Meramec comes from an Indian word for catfish. Along with catfish, there are bluegill, crappie, drum and smallmouth bass. Gigging for hogsuckers is a popular activity on fall evenings. Fishing licenses and bait are not available at the park.

Directions to Onondaga Cave State Park: From St. Louis-Onondaga Cave State Park is 90 miles from the St. Louis Arch; the trip will take about one and one-half hours depending on traffic. Go west on I-44 to Exit 214 (Leasburg). Head south on Route H for seven miles. You will pass through the town of Leasburg. The paved section of Route H ends in Onondaga Cave State Park just before the visitor center. Do not cross the Meramec River.From Jefferson CityAllow one-and-one-half to two hours for the trip. Go south on U.S. Hwy. 63 to Rolla. Turn east on I-44 to Exit 214 (Leasburg). Head south on Route H for seven miles. You will pass through the town of Leasburg. The paved section of Route H ends in Onondaga Cave State Park just before the visitor center. Do not cross the Meramec River. From Springfield/Rolla-Onondaga Cave State Park is approximately 130 miles from Springfield and should take about two hours. The trip from Rolla is about 45 miles and 45 minutes. From both, go east on I-44 to Exit 214 (Leasburg). Head south on Route H for seven miles. You will pass through the town of Leasburg. The paved section of Route H ends in Onondaga Cave State Park just before the visitor center. Do not cross the Meramec River.

The Sappington Bridge Access to the Meramec River offers good fishing for bass.

Driving Directions: Sappington Bridge Access is 4.5 miles south of Sullivan on Route D, then east on Sappington Bridge Road.

The Scotts Ford Access to the Meramec River offers about one tenth of a mile of access in an area where there is good populations and fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, and trout. There are special regs in effect here, so review them before going.

Driving Directions: Scotts Ford Access is four miles west of Steelville on Highway 8 and two miles north on Thurman Lake Road.At Woodson K.

Woods Memorial Conservation Area, the primary fishing is on the Meramec River. There is good fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, and trout.

Driving Directions: Southeast of St. James on Highway 8.