Best Place to Catfish in Missouri

Are you an avid catfish angler looking for the best place to reel in a big catch in Missouri? Look no further. As someone who has spent countless hours on the water searching for the perfect spot, I can confidently say that Missouri is home to some of the best catfishing spots in the country.

But with so many options, it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to go. Do you want to fish in a river or a lake? Are you looking for trophy-sized catfish or just a fun day out with friends and family? These are all important factors to consider when planning your next fishing adventure.

In this article, I will break down the top places to catfish in Missouri, taking into account not only the size and number of fish but also accessibility and amenities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these spots are sure to provide an unforgettable experience. So grab your gear and let’s hit the water!

Popular Rivers and Lakes in Missouri for Catfishing

Missouri is known for its incredible catfishing opportunities. With numerous rivers, lakes, and ponds, it’s no surprise that the state is a popular destination for anglers looking to catch trophy-sized catfish. Some of the most popular waterways to fish for catfish in Missouri include Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, Truman Reservoir, and the Mississippi River.

Lake of the Ozarks covers over 54,000 acres and has plenty of areas to target catfish. The lake is home to channel cats, blue cats, and flatheads. Table Rock Lake offers ample opportunities for catching big blues and flatheads weighing up to 100 pounds. Truman Reservoir is one of Missouri’s largest reservoirs with 55,600 acres of water available for fishing. The reservoir is home to channel cats with some reaching up to 30 pounds.

The Mississippi River provides excellent fishing opportunities throughout its length in Missouri. It’s a great place to catch big blue cats weighing over 50 pounds. Other popular rivers where anglers can find catfish include the Missouri River and Osage River.

Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks is one of Missouri’s most famous catfishing destinations because it offers a wide range of fishing opportunities all year round. This lake has both shallow and deep waters where anglers can target channel cats, blue cats or flatheads using various techniques such as drift fishing or anchoring near structure.

Table Rock Lake

Table Rock Lake is another popular destination among anglers who are looking for large blue cats or flatheads weighing more than 50 pounds. This lake also provides an opportunity to catch channel cats by targeting deeper areas near points or drop-offs.

Truman Reservoir

Truman Reservoir is a large reservoir that offers ample opportunities to catch channel cats. Anglers can target these fish in shallow bays or near structure using live bait such as worms, shad, or cut bait.

The Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is a popular destination for catfishing enthusiasts who are looking for trophy-sized fish. This river has plenty of areas where anglers can target blue cats weighing over 50 pounds. The best time to fish the Mississippi River is during the spring when water levels are high.

The Best Areas for Catfishing in Missouri’s Bodies of Water

Missouri has numerous bodies of water that offer excellent catfishing opportunities. Some of the best areas for catfish fishing in Missouri include deep holes, river bends, underwater structures, and areas with swift currents.

Deep holes are excellent spots to find channel cats and blue cats because they provide protection from predators and access to food. These holes are usually found near drop-offs or at the bottom of channels.

River bends are another great spot to find catfish because they create eddies where food accumulates. These eddies attract catfish looking for an easy meal. Anglers can use live bait or lures such as jigs or crankbaits to target these fish.

Underwater structures such as logs, rocks, and brush piles provide cover and shade for catfish and attract smaller fish that serve as prey. Anglers should focus on these structures by using live bait such as worms or shad or by fishing with jigs or soft plastics.

Areas with swift currents are also good spots to find catfish because they create oxygen-rich environments where baitfish thrive. These areas include riffles, shoals, and rapids. Anglers should use heavy tackle when fishing in these areas because of the strong currents.

Deep Holes

Deep holes are prime catfishing spots because they provide shelter and access to food. Anglers can use a variety of methods such as drifting or anchoring near the bottom to target channel cats or blue cats.

River Bends

River bends create eddies that attract catfish looking for an easy meal. Anglers can use live bait or lures such as jigs or crankbaits to target these fish in these areas.

Underwater Structures

Underwater structures such as logs, rocks, and brush piles provide cover and shade for catfish and attract smaller fish that serve as prey. Anglers should focus on these structures by using live bait such as worms or shad or by fishing with jigs or soft plastics.

Areas with Swift Currents

Areas with swift currents are also good spots to find catfish because they create oxygen-rich environments where baitfish thrive. These areas include riffles, shoals, and rapids. Anglers should use heavy tackle when fishing in these areas because of the strong currents.

Types of Catfish Found in Missouri and Where to Catch Them

Missouri is home to three species of catfish: channel cats, blue cats, and flatheads. Each species has its own habitat preference, feeding habits, and behavior patterns.

Channel cats are found throughout Missouri’s rivers and lakes. They prefer slow-moving water with adequate cover such as logs, rocks, or brush piles. Channel cats feed on a variety of food sources but prefer live baits like worms, crayfish, minnows, or cut bait.

Blue cats are found in larger rivers like the Mississippi River and Missouri River. They prefer deep waters with strong currents where they can hunt for prey. Blue cats feed on a variety of food sources including shad, herring, skipjack herring, and other small fish.

Flatheads are found in rivers and lakes with plenty of cover such as logs, rocks, or undercut banks. They prefer slow-moving water with low visibility where they can ambush their prey. Flatheads primarily feed on live baits such as sunfish, bluegill, or shad.

Channel Cats

Channel cats can be caught in Missouri’s rivers and lakes by using live bait like worms or minnows. Anglers should target areas with adequate cover such as logs, rocks, or brush piles.

Blue Cats

Blue cats can be caught in larger rivers like the Mississippi River and Missouri River by using cut bait or live bait like shad or skipjack herring. Anglers should focus on deep waters with strong currents where these fish hunt for prey.

Flatheads

Flatheads can be caught in rivers and lakes with plenty of cover by using live baits such as sunfish, bluegill, or shad. Anglers should focus on areas with low visibility and slow-moving water where these fish can ambush their prey.

Bait and Tackle Recommendations for Successful Catfishing in Missouri

Using the right bait and tackle is essential to successful catfishing in Missouri. The type of bait and tackle you use depends on the species of catfish you’re targeting, the time of year you’re fishing, and the body of water you’re fishing in.

For channel cats, anglers should use live baits like worms, crayfish, minnows or cut bait. These baits can be fished using a simple rig such as a Carolina rig or slip sinker rig.

For blue cats, anglers should use cut bait like shad or skipjack herring. These baits can be fished using a three-way rig or a slip sinker rig.

For flatheads, anglers should use live baits such as sunfish, bluegill, or shad. These baits can be fished using a simple rig such as a slip sinker rig or a Carolina rig.

Anglers should also use heavy tackle when targeting catfish in Missouri. A medium to heavy action rod with a baitcasting reel spooled with 50-80 pound test line is recommended.

Channel Cats

For catching channel cats in Missouri’s rivers and lakes, anglers should use live bait like worms or minnows. They can be fished using a simple rig such as a Carolina rig or slip sinker rig.

Blue Cats

For catching blue cats in larger rivers like the Mississippi River and Missouri River, anglers should use cut bait like shad or skipjack herring. These baits can be fished using a three-way rig or a slip sinker rig.

Flatheads

For catching flatheads in Missouri’s rivers and lakes, anglers should use live baits such as sunfish, bluegill, or shad. These baits can be fished using a simple rig such as a slip sinker rig or Carolina rig.

The Best Seasons for Catfishing in Missouri: Tips from the Pros

Catfishing season in Missouri typically runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are warmer, and catfish are more active. The best time of day to catch catfish is during low light conditions such as dawn and dusk when these fish feed most actively.

During the summer months, catfish tend to move to deeper waters where it’s cooler. Anglers should focus on deep holes, underwater structures, and areas with swift currents during this time of year.

During the fall months, catfish start moving towards shallow waters as water temperatures begin to cool down. Anglers should focus on river bends and areas with cover during this time of year.

During the winter months, catfish become less active and move to deeper waters. Anglers should focus on deep holes or areas with structure during this time of year.

Spring

Spring is an excellent time to catch catfish in Missouri because water temperatures are warming up, and these fish are starting to feed more actively. Anglers should target river bends or areas with cover using live bait like worms, minnows or cut bait.

Summer

During the summer months, catfish move to deeper waters where it’s cooler. Anglers should focus on deep holes, underwater structures, and areas with swift currents using live bait like shad or skipjack herring.

Fall

Fall is a great time to catch catfish in Missouri as water temperatures start to cool down. Anglers should target river bends or areas with cover using live bait like sunfish or bluegill.

Winter

During the winter months, catfish become less active and move to deeper waters. Anglers should focus on deep holes or areas with structure using live bait like worms or minnows.

Guided Tours and Charters Available for Catfishing Enthusiasts in Missouri

For those who want a more guided experience while catfishing in Missouri, there are several tours and charters available throughout the state. These tours offer experienced guides who know the best spots for catching trophy-sized catfish.

Some popular guided tours include Ozark Catfishin’ Expeditions located near Branson, MO which provides guided fishing trips focusing on blue cats. Another great option is Fishing Guide Service located at Truman Reservoir which offers guided fishing trips targeting channel cats.

There are also several charters available for anglers who want to fish the Missouri River or Mississippi River. These charters offer a variety of catfishing experiences including night fishing, multi-day trips, and even fly fishing.

Ozark Catfishin’ Expeditions

Ozark Catfishin’ Expeditions is located near Branson, MO and offers guided fishing trips focusing on blue cats. They provide all necessary equipment and bait for their clients.

Fishing Guide Service

Fishing Guide Service is located at Truman Reservoir and offers guided fishing trips targeting channel cats. They provide all necessary equipment and bait for their clients.

Charters

There are several charters available for anglers who want to fish the Missouri River or Mississippi River. These charters offer a variety of catfishing experiences including night fishing, multi-day trips, and even fly fishing.

Regulations and Restrictions on Catfishing in Missouri to Keep in Mind

Missouri has specific regulations and restrictions when it comes to catfishing that anglers need to be aware of before heading out on the water. These regulations include limits on the number of catfish you can keep per day based on species size limits.

For channel cats, there is a daily limit of 10 fish per angler with a minimum length limit of 12 inches. For blue cats, there is a daily limit of five fish per angler with a minimum length limit of 26 inches. There are no size or creel limits for flatheads in Missouri.

Anglers should also be aware that some bodies of water have additional regulations such as seasonal closures or special catch-and-release rules.

Channel Cats

There is a daily limit of 10 channel cats per angler with a minimum length limit of 12 inches.

Blue Cats

There is a daily limit of five blue cats per angler with a minimum length limit of 26 inches.

Flatheads

There are no size or creel limits for flatheads in Missouri.

Other Fish Species You Can Catch While Catfishing in Missouri: Techniques That Work Best

While catfishing may be the primary focus for many anglers in Missouri, there are other fish species that can be caught using similar techniques and baits. Some of these species include bass, crappie, and sunfish.

For bass, anglers should use lures such as jigs or soft plastics near underwater structures or drop-offs. For crappie, live bait such as minnows or jigs tipped with plastic grubs work best when fishing near submerged brush piles or other underwater structures. Sunfish can be caught using live bait like worms or crickets fished near shallow water with cover.

Bass

Anglers should use lures such as jigs or soft plastics near underwater structures or drop-offs to catch bass while catfishing in Missouri.

Crappie

Live bait such as minnows or jigs tipped with plastic grubs work best when fishing near submerged brush piles or other underwater structures to catch crappie.

Sunfish

Sunfish can be caught using live bait like worms or crickets fished near shallow water with cover while catfishing in Missouri.

Missouri offers some of the best places for catfishing, providing ample opportunities for anglers to enjoy their favorite pastime and catch huge catfish.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Place to Catfish in Missouri

Where are the catfish biting in Missouri?
To fish for blue catfish in Missouri, you must do so in large reservoirs and rivers or a select few small lakes. It is best to fish in areas with swift current and deep water, which can be found near the main channel close to wing dikes or downstream of locks and dams.

Where is the best place to catch catfish?
When searching for catfish during the day, it is best to focus on muddy water areas such as tributaries and outflows. Deep structures like river bends, drop-off bases, holes, and humps can also be good spots to find catfish. Additionally, catfish tend to hang around cover such as standing timber and deep weed edges.

What is the best bait for catfish in Missouri?
Baits commonly used for blue catfish include skipjack herring, which is the preferred option, and gizzard shad, which are also popular and simpler to obtain.

What time of day do catfish bite?
Catfish are generally more active during the night, especially in the summer months. However, they can still be caught during the day, especially in the early morning and late evening when they are more likely to be feeding.Apr 12, 2023

Is there a limit on catfish in Missouri?
There are daily limits for fishing certain species: For channel catfish and blue catfish, the combined daily and possession limit is 20 fish. The daily and possession limit for flathead catfish is 10 fish. Walleye and sauger have a combined daily and possession limit of 8 fish.

What is the biggest catfish bait?
Skipjack herring is a popular bait for catching big catfish among many anglers. It is slightly larger than shad and is an excellent choice when you’re trying to reel in larger fish.