Dade County Public Fishing Access

Fiddlers Ford Access is a spot in Dade County, Missouri where fishermen can access Turnback Creek, which is a stream offering fair fishing for black and white bass species as well as good fishing for catfish. The white bass opportunities are concentrated during the Spring spawning runs.

Driving Directions: Two miles east of Greenfield on Highway 160, three miles south on Route O, then one mile west on County Road 621, south one mile on County Road 540, across old iron bridge to the area.

At Dr. O. E. and Eloise Sloan Conservation Area there is one small pond where public fishing access is available. This pond offers fair fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving DirectionsL On Highway 160, three miles east of Lockwood.

Part of Stockton Lake is in Dade 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.

Daviess County Public Fishing Access

An access for the Grand River in Daviess County is the Green Access. This access grants a little under 1/10th of a mile of public fishing access and the fisherman will find fair fishing for catfish.

Driving Directions: Green Access is three miles south of Pattonsburg on Highway 69.

About 1/2 a mile of access to the Grand River is available at Holmes Bend Access. The fishing is fair for flathead and channel catfish.

Driving Directions: Holmes Bend Access is two miles south of Gallatin on Highway 13, then one mile east on Ridge Ave, then one mile north on 248th St. to area entrance.

The Jamesport Community Lake features a 30 acre lake that is good fishing for bass and fair fishing for catfish. There is also good fishing for bluegill and redear sunfish.

Driving Directions: Jamesport Community Lake is .50 mile northwest of Jamesport on Hwy 190, then west two miles on Route RA to the area entrance.

Another option in Daviess County is Jamesport City Lake. This lake 18 acre lake is good for bass, crappie, and bluegill.

Driving Directions: Travel .50 mile north of Jamesport on Hwy 190 then .75 mile west on Route RA then .50 mile south on 314th St. to the area entrance.

The Newman Memorial Access for the Grand River is a quarter mile section of public fishing access on this river. The fishing is fair for channel catfish and flathead catfish. The fishing is also fair for carp and suckers.

Driving Directions: Newman Memorial Access is five miles east of Gallatin on Highway 6 then 6.5 miles south on Route V. A Missouri Department of Conservation cantilever sign marks the access road (300 Street).

The Savage Access to the Grand River offers 2/10ths of a mile of public fishing access to this river in Daviess County. As in most stretches of this stream, the fishing is fair for channel and flathead catfish as well as carp and suckers.

Driving Directions: Travel south on Hwy 69, two miles south of Pattonsburg, then 3.5 miles west on Route Z, then north .15 mile to area entrance.

The Wabash Crossing Access to the Grand River offers a very short stretch (less than 1/10th of a mile) of stream access for fair flathead and channel cats, as well as carp and suckers.

Driving Directions: Travel one mile northeast of Gallatin on Highway 6, then north .16 mile on 239th Street to area entrance.

Dallas County Public Fishing Access

At Barclay Conservation Area, there are a couple of interesting features as it relates to fishing. First, there is over 1.5 miles of access to the Niangua River. Also, there are several other features, namely Barclay Spring and Barclay Spring Branch. Anyway, amonsgst these nice features you will find bass, sunfish, trout, and suckers. For additional information on the Niangua River, visit Niangua River Fishing or Niangua River Smallmouth.

Driving Directions: Barclay Conservation Area is 3.7 miles west of Bennett Spring State Park on Highway 64, then north onto Corkery Road for three miles, then east on Barclay Springs Road.

At the Bennett Spring Access you will be in the area where there is some awesome trout fishing, although you will often have plenty of company! The Fishing in this area is primarily great for trout, but is also good for bass and sunfish. There are brown troiut and rainbow trout stocked in the Niangua River in the area.

Driving Directions: Bennett Spring Access is 12 miles west of Lebanon on Highway 64 across the Niangua River Bridge.

The Big John Access to the Niangua River is primarily a good section for bass. The fishing is also good for sunfish and suckers.

Driving Directions: Two miles east of Buffalo on Highway 32, then one mile north on Engle Lane, then .25 mile east on Steelman Rd. to the Niangua River.

The Charity Access is another access to the primarily bass portion of the Niangua River. The Niangua here has good fishing for bass, suckers, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Two miles east of Buffalo on Hwy 32, then eight miles south on Rte H, and 2.75 miles east on Route M to Niangua River.

At Lead Mine Conservation Area, there are ponds, springs, creeks, and the Niangua River. There are 2 quarter acre ponds in this conservation area. Between the various public access fishing options, the fishing is good for bass, suckers, and sunfish. It is fair for catfish.

Driving Directions: West of Plad on Highway 64, then north on Route T and .50 mile east on Route YY to access the southwest portion of the area. From Lebanon, go north on Hwy 5 to Route E. Route E will become Bluff Trail at end of pavement, follow Berry Bluff Trail .25 mile to access the northeast portion of the area.

At Moon Valley Access, there is about 1/4 of a mile of access to the Niangua River in an area where the river is best for black bass. There is also good opportunities for suckers and sunfish. 

Driving Directions: Moon Valley Access is 1.5 miles south of Bennett Spring State Park on Route OO, then west 1.5 miles on Moon Valley Road just across a low-water bridge.

About 1/2 a mile of access to the Niangua River is available at Williams Ford Access. This is another one of the accesses where the best fishing is for black bass, suckers, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Williams Ford Access is two miles west of Windyville on Route MM and left on Indian Creek Loop, then on Benton Branch Road to area signs.

Dekalb County Public Fishing Access

Grindstone Reservoir in Dekalb County is a 208 acre reservoir that offers good fishing opportunities for bass and channel catfish, as well as fair fishing for crappie and carp. The facilities at Grindstone include boat ramp and ADA compliant fishing facilities.

Driving Directions: Also known as Cameron City Reservoir No. 4. Travel west of Cameron on Hwy. 36, two miles to County Road Southeast Locust Road, then north one mile to the main boat ramp.

Cameron Reservoir #1 is a 25 acre lake with good fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish. There is a boat ramp and please keep in mind that only electric motors are permitted here.

Driving Directions: Travel west of Cameron on Hwy 36, .50 mile to Reservoir Road, then north .50 mile to the lake.

Cameron Reservoir #2 is a 35 acre lake with good fishing for smaller bass and fair fishing for larger bass and channel catfish.

Driving Directions: From Highway 36 in Cameron, take Highway 69 north .2 miles. Turn west (left) on Mcelwain Drive and follow until it runs into SE Harris Road. North on SE Harris Road .2 miles, then go west (left) on SE Summit Road.

The largest of the Cameron City Reservoirs at 96 acres is Cameron Reservoir #3. This medium sized impoundment has a fair population of bass but really features some good catfishing. There are good fishing opportunities for channel catfish as well as flathead catfish. The flathead cats can reach 40 lbs., so come ready to tackle the big ones! There is also a triennial stocking program for hybrid bass. These fighters can reach 10 lbs. here. The same regulations apply as the other local reservoirs- electric motors only.

Driving Directions: One mile west of Cameron on Highway 36, then 1.50 miles north on Route C, then approximately one mile on SE Rogers Road to the lake entrance.

At King Lake Conservation Area there are several public fishing access options. Of course, the largest is King Lake at 231 acres. There are also 2 smaller ponds with decent fishing opportunities (located in the western portion of the area) as well as Lost Creek, a permanent stream with 1 mile of area access. There are fair fishing chances for bass in the 2 smaller ponds. In each of the areas there are fair numbers of channel cats and carp. The catfish run to the smaller end of the spectrum. There is a boat ramp for King Lake as well as some limited camping facilities.

Driving Directions: Five miles east of King City on Hwy Z, then south one mile on 500 Road to the area.

Just outside of Maysville in Dekalb County, Missouri, is Willow Brook Lake. This 100 acre lake offers area residents as well as visitors the opportunity to catch some nice sized largemouth bass, though the numbers are not great. If channel catfish are more your speed, you should find the public fishing chances here much to your satisfaction! There are boat ramp and dock facilities at this lake that is owned by the city of Maysville.

Driving Directions: Maysville City Lake is .10 mile west of Maysville on Highway 6, from Highway 6 turn south on SW Water Street Road, then west on SW Davis Road, travel .25 mile to junctions of SW Davis Road and NW Lakeside Road to lake entrance.

At historically significant Pony Express Lake Conservation Area, there are numerous ponds and lakes, about a dozen of which hold populations of game fish. Why not enjoy a day of exploration and historical education by visiting this interesting area in Dekalb County, Missouri. In Pony Express Lake you will have potential encounters with large bass, though their numbers are limited.If you prefer to fill your line with a more, if less sizeable largemouth bass, Buffalo Bill Lake may be more to your liking. The reverse of this trend hold with regard to crappie fishing. Buffalo Bill Lake has fewer crappie, but they are truly slab-sized. Pony Express Lake has numerous smaller ones. When it comes to catfish, Pony Express Lake has a really nice population of both channel catfish and blue catfish.

Driving Directions: Travel six miles west of Cameron on Hwy 36, then north two miles on Highway 33, then 1.5 miles on Route RA to area entrance.

Dent County Public Fishing Access

You will not likely visit the Gerhild and Graham Brown Conservation Area just for the fishing, but if you do want to try your luck, there is Dry Fork Creek which has a fair number of sunfish.

Driving Directions: From Highway 72 in Salem, go west 3.5 miles on Highway H, then north three miles on Highway DD.

One interesting place to consider trying out in Dent County is Indian Trail Conservation Area. This 13,000 acre conservation area is home to several fishing features. First of all, consider Blackwell Lake, a 35 acre where you will find some good bass fishing as well as fair numbers of chain pickerel.

Driving Directions: Twelve miles northeast of Salem on Highway 19.

Here is a good public fishing access in Dent County! Shawnee Mac Lakes Conservation Area is home to 17 acre Turner Lake and also 35 acre Zisk Lake. There is a trail around each of the two lakes. The trail around Ziske Lake is approximately 1.5 miles. It is a hard packed gravel trail The trail around Turner Lake is approximately 1.0 mile. It is all grass and is mowed once or twice a year. These small lakes have good populations of catfish and sunfish. They have fair populations of bass and crappie.

Driving Directions: Shawnee Mac Lakes Conservation Area is two miles east of Salem on County Road 4110. In Salem, from the stop light at Highway 32 Highway 19 junction go north approximately one mile to 10th Street. Go east approximately two miles on 10th street which turns into County Road 4110 to entrance.

At Short Bend Access to the Meramec River, you will find fair fishing for bass, suckers, and sunfish.Driving

Directions: Short Bend Access is on Highway 19 about nine miles northeast of Salem.

At the White River Trace Conservation Area, there are several fishing opportunities. There are 3 fishing ponds that comprise a total of a little over 7 acres. In these ponds, there are fair number of bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: (From Highway 72 in Salem) Take H Highway west approximately nine miles to Dent County Road 253. Headquarters is approximately 1.3 miles south on Dent County Road 253.

Douglas County Public Fishing Access

The Hebron Access offers some good smallmouth bass fishing as well as sunfish opportunities along the North Fork of the White River in Douglas County.

Driving Directions: Hebron Access is 17 miles west of the junction of Highways 14 and 63. From Highway 14 turn north two miles on County Road 279.

At Rippee Conservation Area in Douglas County, there is some decent public access fishing for bass and sunfish on Bryant Creek as well as Rippee Creek. 

Driving Directions: Rippee Conservation Area is 11 miles east of Ava on Highway 14 and 1.5 miles south on County Road 328.

The Vera Cruz Access offers public access fishing to Bryant Creek and Hunter Creek. The fishing in this area is fair for bass and sunfish.

Driving Di

rections: Vera Cruz Access is in Douglas County three miles north of Highway 14 on Route AB.

Dunklin County Public Fishing Access

The Ben Cash Memorial Conservation Area is a great public fishing resource in Missouri's Dunklin County. The St. Francis River runs through this area for 4 miles. There is also a ditch which is accessible via boat during high water. There is excellent fishing for spotted bass. The fishing for catfish, buffalo, and carp is also good while the fishing for crappie is fair.

Driving Directions: Southwest of Kennett on Highway 412, turn west on Route A, then turn west onto County Road 516 at the MDC cantilever sign, and continue over the St. Francis River levee to the parking area.

There is one mile of access to the St. Francis River at Chalk Bluff Trail Access. The fishing here is good for bass, catfish, carp, and buffalo.

Driving Directions: Take Hwy 62 south from Campbell, then east three miles on Co. Rd 232, and east 1.25 miles on Co. Rd 228 to St. Francis River.

The Hornersville Access offers access to floodway ditches 1, 66, 81, and 259. The fishing here, as you might expect, is good for catfish, buffalo, and carp. It is only fair for bass and crappie.

Driving Directions: East of Hornersville on the old railroad line off Highway 164. East of Hornersville on the old railroad line off Highway 164. Go south of Caruth on Highway 164 to the north side of Hornersville. Watch for the cantilever sign pointing south to Pecan Street. Turn east on the non-named paved road just past North B Tinn Street.

Fishing at Hornersville Swamp Conservation Area also offers public fishing access in Dunklin County, Missouri in floodway ditches 1, 66, 81, and 259. Like Hornersville Access, the fishing, is good for catfish, buffalo, and carp. It is only fair for bass and crappie.

Driving Directions: Go south of Caruth on Highway 164 to the north side of Hornersville. Watch for the cantilever sign pointing south to Pecan Street. Turn east on the non-named paved road just past North B Tinn Street.

At Little River Conservation Area, there are several attractive fishing options. There is Jerry P. Combs Lake, a 150 acre lake good for bass, catfish, and crappie. Then, there is a floodway ditch that is primarily good for carp.

Driving Directions: Four miles east of Kennett on Highway 412.

The Wilhelmina Conservation Area has a stretch of the Old St. Francis River channel . The fishing here is generally pretty good 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.

Franklin County Public Fishing Areas

At Catawissa Conservation Area there are a couple of different options. One of these options is the Meramec River. Also, there are some gravel pits that offer fishing prospects. As stated by the MDC Website, "There are ten gravel pits created by gravel mining that range in size from .5 to 20 acres that hold water. The levels are regulated by river stages and although they can be fished, fishing opportunities can vary and they are not managed or stocked."Otherwise, the fishing here is fair for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. It is good for carp.

Driving Directions: North of Catawissa on Rte N, then east on Frisco Dr.

Public fishing access at the confluence of the Bourbeuse River and the Meramec River can be found at Chouteau Claim Access. The fishing here is fair for bass, catfish, suckers, and sunfish. 

Driving Directions: In Franklin Co., south on Rte AH off I-44 to St. Mary's Road, to the confluence of the Meramec and Bourbeuse rivers.

The Colter's Landing Access offers public fishing access in Franklin County, Missouri for Boeuf Creek. This creek flows down to the Missouri River. The fishing in this stream is fair for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Seven miles west of Washington on Highway 100.

The Mayers Landing Access offers about 1/10th of a mile of direct access to the Bourbeuse River. Though there is such a short amount of direct public fishing access, the opportunities for wading extend this length quite a bit. The fishing here is good for bass, sunfish, and suckers (gigging) and fair for catfish.

Driving Directions: One mile west of Union on Highway 50, then south on Route UU. There is a sign.

At Meramec Conservation Area there is nearly 5 miles of public fishing access for the Meramec River. The fishing here is fair for bass, catfish, sunfish, and suckers.

Driving Directions: (From I-44 near Sullivan) Take Highway 185 south five miles to cantilever sign.

The Mill Rock Access for the Bourbeuse River is a beautiful area and offers 1/2 mile of access to good fishing for bass, suckers, and sunfish as well as fair fishing for catfish.

Driving Directions: Mill Rock Access is north of Sullivan on Highway 185, then 10 miles north on Route H to Mill Rock Road. The area is about three miles down this road.

The New Haven Access offers about 1/4 mile of public fishing access to the Missouri River. There is good fishing in the area for a variety of catfish species as well as for carp, drum, and sturgeon.

Driving Directions: New Haven Access is in downtown New Haven on Miller Street off Highway 100.

Port Hudson Lake Conservation Area is an approximately 255 acre conservation area that contains 55 acre Port Hudson Community Lake. This lake is good for bass, catfish, and sunfish and fair for crappie.

Driving Directions: Located on Bald Hill Road off of Route C, north of Port Hudson.

The Redhorse Access offers about 1/2 mile of access to the Meramec River. The fishing here is fair for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: South on Route K from St.Clair, after crossing the Meramec River bridge turn east on Old Route K. Proceed on Old K across Indian Creek and turn north on Project Road, access is about .75 miles.

Reiker Ford Access offers access to the Bourbeuse River and is a popular float trip launch point. The fishing here is bass, suckers, and sunfish and fair for catfish.

Driving Directions: (On Highway 50 west of Union) Take Route UU south to Snake Hill Road. Then, turn east on Reiker Ford Road and continue to the area.

River 'Round Conservation Area has a little less than 4 miles of public fishing access to the Meramec River. There is fair fishing for bass, catfish, sunfish, and suckers.

Driving Directions: Take Route TT east from St. Clair to the junction of Mill Hill Road and turn east. Proceed about .25 mile and turn north on Old Cove Road, and then go east on River Round Road.

At the Sand Ford Access, you will find 3/10 of a mile of public fishing access to the Meramec River in Franklin County, Missouri. The fishing in the area of the Meramec is fair for bass, catfish, suckers, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Sand Ford Access is south of Stanton on Route W.

The Dr. Henry A. and Amalia Uhlemeyer Access offers 0.2 miles of public fishing access to the Bourbeuse River in Franklin County, Missouri. The river here is fair for bass, catfish, suckers, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Exit I-44 at Route 0. Go south, access is immediately to the west.

Another access to the Bourbeuse River can be found at the Union Access. There is only about a tenth of a mile of public fishing access here, but the fishing is good for bass, suckers, and sunfish. It is fair for catfish.

Driving Directions: Off of Highway 50, near the intersection of Highway 47, adjacent to the Quick Trip in Union.

At the Washington City Access, there is about 1/4 of a mile of public fishing access to the Missouri River right in the town of Washington, Missouri. There is quite a bit of recreational activity around this access, including boating and a walking trail. The fishing in this area is good for catfish, carp, drum, and sturgeon.

Driving Directions: Take Highway 47 to 3rd Street (Go West) to Elm Street (Go North) to the access.

The Wenkel Ford Access offers approximately a quarter mile of public fishing access in Franklin County on the Bourbeuse River. The fishing here is good for bass, suckers, and sunfish. It is fair for catfish.

Driving Directions: North of Spring Bluff on Highway 185, then four miles north and west on Wenkel Ford Road.

Gasconade Public Fishing Access

The Fredericksburg Ferry Access offers a bit over 1/10th of a mile of public fishing access to the Gasconade River. The fishing here is fair for bass, but it is good for catfish, drum, carp, and buffalo.

Driving Directions: East of Linn 3 miles on Hwy 50, north 3.5 miles on Hwy 89, east 6 miles on Rte J, north 4 miles on routes J and N, east 2 miles on Rte J, and 1 mile on Old Ferry Rd to the Gasconade River.

In Gasconade, the Gasconade Park Access offers about 1/4 of a mile of access to the Gasconade River. The fishing here is good for catfish, carp, buffalo, and drum. 

Driving Directions: Gasconade Park Access is in the community of Gasconade. From Highway 100, turn north onto Main Street, then east (right) on Oak Street to the end of the street.

The Helds Island Access offers only about 1/10 of a mile of access to the Gasconade River, but there are also several campsites available as well. The fishing here is bass and sunfish and good for catfish and suckers.

Driving Directions: (From Highway 50) Take Route K four miles north until it turns into a gravel road. Continue 2 miles to the Access entrance, which is marked by a cantilever sign.

The Hermann Riverfront Park offers Missouri River public fishing access right in Herman, Missouri. There is a little in excess of 1/10th of a mile of access to the river. The fishing is good for catfish, carp, drum, and buffalo.

Driving Directions: Hermann Riverfront Park is in downtown Hermann along the Missouri River.

If you are looking for access to the Bourbeuse River in Gasconade County, Mint Spring Access may be what you are looking for. This area has fair fishing prospects for bass and sunfish, but good prospects for catfish and suckers.

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

The Tea Access would be one of the other options for accessing the Bourbeuse River in Gasconade County. The here is also good for catfish and suckers. It is fair for bass and sunfish.

Driving Directions: From Owensville take Route 19 south two miles to Route V, then east five miles to Route T and south four miles to Tea Road.

Gentry County Public Fishing Access

In Gentry County, Missouri, one access point to the Grand River is the Andy Denton Access. This access offers 1/4 of a mile of public fishing access in an area where the fishing is fair for catfish, carp, and other "big river" type species.

Driving Directions: Travel east of King City on Hwy Z to Berlin, then go three miles north Hwy H to area entrance.

At Elam Bend Conservation Area, there is good access to the Grand River as well as several ponds. This area has good fishing for bass and catfish in the ponds and the river, and there are also good numbers of sunfish in the ponds. The river has good carp fishing.

Driving Directions: Travel south of Albany 10.5 miles on Route A, then 1.5 miles east on 430th Street to the area entrance.

At King Lake Conservation Area there is public fishing access to ponds, a lake, and a stream. The lake is about 255 acres and the 2 ponds total 3 acres. There is about 1 mile of access to Lost Creek. The fishing is fair for bass in the 2 ponds. Fishing for catfish is also fair. The numbers are good, but the sizes are small. There is also a fair number of carp.

Driving Directions: Five miles east of King City on Hwy Z, then south one mile on 500 Road to the area.

The fishing at Limpp Community Lake is best on the west side near the dam. The rest of the 29 acre lake is pretty shallow. There is good fishing for bass. The fishing for catfish, crappie, and sunfish is fair. Try the submerged brushpiles for crappie.

Driving Directions: One mile west of King City on Highway 48, and .50 mile north on Route CC.

At Emmett and Leah Seat Memorial Conservation Area, there are 16 ponds totaling 13 acres and 1 stream with 1.50 miles of access (Little Muddy Creek). There is good fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish on the area's ponds.

Driving Directions: Four miles east of Denver on Route M.

Greene County Public Fishing Access

The Joe Crighton Access in Gentry County, Missouri offers about 3/4 of a mile of public fishing access to the James River. In this section of river, the fishing tends to be good for catfish but only fair for sunfish and bass.

Driving Directions: South of Springfield, go east on Battlefield Road off Highway 65 to FR-164. Area is north on FR-193.

Phenix Access offers about one mile of public fishing access to Clear Creek in an abundantly beautiful area. The fishing here is fair for bass and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Phenix Access is three miles north of Ash Grove on Route V, then east .33 mile on FR-33.

At Fellows Lake just outside of Springfield, Missouri, is an 820 acre lake with good fishing for bass, catfish, and muskie. The fishing is fair for crappie and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Four miles north of Springfield on Highway 65, .50 mile west on Route AA, then north on FR-197.

Lake Springfield is a 318 acre lake with good fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish as well as fair fishing for crappie. Two accesses are located on the lake. Henshaw Access is located on the west end and Southwood Access is located at the east end of the lake. Both accesses are owned and maintained by City Utilities of Springfield. Springfield-Greene County Park Board provides additional recreational activities at Lake Springfield Park which is located on the north side of the lake. City Utilities of Springfield enforces a 6-HP motor limit on Lake Springfield.

Driving Directions: On Highway 65, go west on James River Expressway to National Avenue and turn south. At Briar Street, turn east and continue as Briar becomes Kissick Avenue and tracks south to the dam.

Clay Henshaw Memorial Access (on the west side of Lake Springfield) is just past the dam on the left. To reach Southwood Access (on the east side of Lake Springfield just west of the Highway 65 Bridge), take the Evans Road exit off Highway 65; go west on Evans, then north on Southwood.

Tailwaters Access provides access to the James River, just below Lake Springfield Dam. Anglers primarily fish for channel catfish at this location. Other species present include largemouth bass and a variety of sunfish.

Driving Directions: Located below Lake Springfield dam on the James River. From Highway 65, go west on James River Expressway to National Avenue and turn south. At Briar Street, turn left and continue east as Briar turns into Kissick Ave and continues south across the dam; look for the access road on the right (next to the James River power plant).

The Missouri Department of Conservation does not have a plethora of management areas in Grundy County, Missouri. One area at which they do have a public access for fishing is Mockingbird Hill Access. This access offers 3/10 of a mile of access to the Thompson River. The fishing here is fair for catfish.

Driving Directions: Travel .5 mile west of Trenton on Highway 6, then north on SW 30th Avenue. After approximately .25 mile, SW 30th Avenue becomes NW 30th street. Continue another .5 mile to NW 3rd Street/Crowder Street. Travel .25 mile east on NW 3rd Street/Crowder Street and watch for area signs.

An additional option for public fishing access in Grundy County is Poosey Conservation Area. This area has an 18 acre lake (Pikes Lake), 9 ponds with a total of 45 acres of water, and Indian Creek Lake (192 acres). This area has good fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and redear.

Driving Directions: From Chillicothe, travel west five miles on Hwy 190 to Hwy A. Travel five miles north to the Hwy W junction. Continue on Hwy A, one mile west to the area entrance.

Harrison County Public Fishing Access

The North Bethany City Reservoir is about 70 acres in size. It has a variety of facilities including a boat ramp, restrooms, and primitive campsites. Common fish species include channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and common carp.

Driving Directions: Travel approximately two miles north of Bethany on Highway 69, then west .25 mile on W 280th Street to area entrance.

Old Bethany City Lake is a 16 acre lake with channel catfish regularly stocked in the lake by MDC. Other common fish species include largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, and common carp.

Driving Directions: One and one-half miles north of Bethany on Highway 69.

Grand Trace Conservation Area has 2 ponds with a total area just over 3 acres. There is fair fishing for catfish, bass, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: From the west end of Main Street in Bethany, take Route W north 2.5 miles, then west on Rt. F, 5.5 miles to the west entrance of the area.

Harrison County Lake is a 280 acre lake that has very good fishing for panfish, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.

Driving Directions: From Bethany travel 10 miles north on Rt. W, then .50 mile west on W222 Street to the area.

The Wayne Helton Memorial Wildlife Area has 12 ponds with a total of 16 acres of water in which to fish. The fishing in this area is fair for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Nine miles east of Bethany on Hwy 136 to Route CC. Turn south (right) on Rt. CC, and go three miles to the Area.

There are 3 ponds with a total of 2 acres of fishing at Pawnee Prairie Natural Area. The fishing here is fair for bass and catfish.

Driving Directions: One-half a mile south of Hatfield on West 140th Avenue.

Henry County Public Fishing Access

Chapel View Prairie Conservation Area has 2 ponds with a total of 3 acres. There is fair fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Two and one-half miles west of Deepwater on Hwy 52, then 2 miles south on Rte F, and .50 mile west on Co. Road SW 1000.

At the Connor O. Fewel Conservation Area, there are 3 ponds covering 19 acres of fishable water. The fishing in this area is good for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Connor O. Fewel Wildlife Area. The main tract is 4 miles north of Highway 52 on Route AC.

At Ladue Bottoms Conservation Area, there is Deepwater Creek. In this area you will find fair fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: The main tract is 1.5 miles east of Ladue on Route T, then .50 mile south on County Road SW 501.

At Montrose Conservation Area you will find 1500 acre Montrose Lake as well as Camp Branch Creek, Deepwater Creek , and Grandaddy Creek.  Montrose Lake, with its flow of warm water from a generating plant, offers good fishing especially for catfish.

Driving Directions: Twelve miles west of Clinton on Highway 18, then four miles south on Route RA.

At Haysler A. Poague Conservation Area there are approximately 80 acres of former coal mine strip mine ponds. The fishing is good in these ponds for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Located four miles west of Clinton on Highway 7.

At Truman Reservoir Management Lands (Bethlehem), there is a variety of fishing options. Of course Truman Lake is one of these options. There are also several smaller ponds that can be fished. Between all the options, the fishing is good for bass, catfish, walleye, sunfish, and several other species. We suggest visiting the area regs page for more regulation info and more details on species availability.

Driving Directions(In Clinton) Take Highway 7 east 3 miles to Highway AA, then turn south to Bethlehem WMA.

The Brownington portion of Truman Reservoir Management Lands offers 2.5 miles of Truman Lake public fishing access as well as 1.8 miles of fishing access on Cooper Creek. From a boat or the shore, you 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. In the area there hybrid bass, largemouth bass, white bass, bluegill, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, and walleye amongst others.

Driving Directions: (In Clinton) Take Highway 13 south to Highway Z, then east to Highway BB, and north to County Road SE171 to Brownington WMA.

The Deepwater Creek portion of Truman Reservoir Management Lands has an amazing variety of public access fishing opportunities! There is 10 miles of access to Truman Lake to begin. If this does not suit your needs, why not consider 10 acre Whitaker Lake or one of several smaller fishing ponds in the area. Finally, there are Deepwater Creek and Marshalls Creek in the area. From a boat or the shore, you 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. In the area there hybrid bass, largemouth bass, white bass, bluegill, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, and walleye amongst others.

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Driving Directions: (In Clinton) Take Highway 13 south to Highway 52, then west to SW 401.

Deepwater Creek WMA is east and north of SW 401.

At the Gouge Eye portion of Truman Reservoir Management Lands, you will find about 1.5 miles of shoreline public fishing access o the lake and about 1 mile of access to Pretty Bob Creek. From a boat or the shore, you 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. In the area there hybrid bass, largemouth bass, white bass, bluegill, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, and walleye amongst others.

Driving Directions: Truman Reservoir ML (Gouge Eye) is Highway seven east from Clinton to Highway W, then south on Highway W to County Road SE550, then east approximately a half-mile to the cable gate.

At the Grand River Bottoms portion of Truman Reservoir Management Lands, there is limited access to the lake. Though there is 9 miles of shoreline in the area, you will have to find it at the end of numerous dead-end dirt roads. The South Grand River also runs through this area in about a 9 mile stretch. Finally, you will find smaller Fields Creek (about 2 miles). From a boat or the shore, you 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. In the area there hybrid bass, largemouth bass, white bass, bluegill, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, and walleye amongst others.

Driving Directions: South of Clinton on Highway 13, turn west on SW 450 to Highway T, go west on T to SW 351 and turn north. Past SW 300, Grand River Bottoms is on both sides of SW 351.

At the Leesville portion of Truman Reservoir Management Lands there is plenty of public fishing access. From a boat or the shore, you 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. In the area there hybrid bass, largemouth bass, white bass, bluegill, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, and walleye amongst others.

Driving Directions: (On Highway 7 between Clinton and Warsaw) Take Highway PP north to SE80 east. Leesville WMA is at the end of SE80 road.

The Upper Tebo Creek portion of Truman Reservoir Management Lands offers a variety of nice options. Naturally, there is public fishing access for Truman Reservoir - plenty of it! There are also several ponds and streams with nice public access fishing opportunities. Amongst the permanent streams are Sand Creek, Tebo Creek, Nelson Creek, and Barker Creek. From a boat or the shore, you 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. In the area there hybrid bass, largemouth bass, white bass, bluegill, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, and walleye amongst others.

Driving Directions: (From Clinton) Go east on Highway 7 to NE 681, then north on NE 681 to end of road.

The Urich Access offers about 1/10th of a mile of direct public fishing access to the South Grand River. There is a boat ramp and good fishing for catfish, carp, and rough fish. There is fair fishing for bass and crappie.

Driving Directions: Urich Access is .25 mile south of Urich on Route K.

There is a 15 acre lake called Farrington Park Lake near Windsor, Missouri. This little lake has good fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish as well as fair fishing for crappie. Additional features are oat ramp,a boat dock, improved and primitive camping, picnic areas, four pavilions, hiking trail, and seven fishing jetties.

Driving Directions: Farrington Park is one mile south of County Line Road off Highway 52 near Windsor.

Hickory County Public Fishing Access

Cross Timbers Access allows for about 1/10th of a mile of direct public fishing access to the Pomme De Terre River in Hickory County, Missouri. There is usually good fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie right in this area. There is a boat ramp at the access as well as camping allowed (no amenities).

Driving Directions: Cross Timbers Access is two miles north of Highway 54 on Route B, 5.5 miles east on Route Y until the pavement ends, then .75 mile south on County Road 281.

Another access to the Pomme De Terre River is the Hermitage Access. This access offers another 1/10th of a mile of direct public fishing access. There is usually good fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie right in this area.

Driving Directions: Hermitage Access is .25 mile south of Hermitage on Highway 254.

Mule Shoe Conservation Area in Hickory County offers two public access fishing options. They are the Little Niangua River and Starks Creek. Altogether you will find about 3 1/2 miles of stream access between these two streams. There are also a couple of small ponds, each about one acre in size. The fishing between these bodies of water is good for bass, sunfish, and suckers.

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

At Pomme De Terre Lake Management Lands you will find about 2 miles of public fishing access to the lake. Because the lake is a corps of engineers lake, the access is not really an issue. Keep in mind that though there are campgrounds near the lake, you may not camp at this site. There is also some access to Lindey Creek, but in the upper portions this access is limited. The fishing is good for bass, catfish, and crappie.

At the Cross Timbers portion of Truman Reservoir Management Lands, you will find numerous miles of public fishing access to the lake plus one smaller pond on the property (Sapps Pond). There are seasonal opportunities (March - April) for walleye and white bass. The fishing is also good for bass, catfish, and crappie.

Driving Directions(From Highway 54 in Hermitage) Go east one mile to Highway U. Go north on Highway U for two miles to county road 281. Cross the iron bridge into the Cross Timbers Wildlife Management Area.

Holt County Public Fishing Access

The Bob Brown Conservation Area was named for the late Robert A. Brown, a St. Joseph conservationist, and consists of 3,302 acres of bottomland and is bounded by the Missouri River for three miles. There is good fishing for catfish, carp, drum, and buffalo.

Driving Directions: Two and one-half miles west of Forest City on Old Highway 111.

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 Maitland Access, there is a pretty short section of direct access to public fishing on the Nodaway River . There is also a boat ramp. The fishing here is fair for catfish, buffalo, and carp.

Driving Directions: Travel east of Maitland on Route A, the access is on the south side of the road at the Nodaway River Bridge.

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.

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.

The Payne Landing Access offers public fishing access as well as other amenities such as boat ramp on the Missouri River in Holt, County Missouri. The fishing prospects are good for catfish, buffalo, and carp.

Driving Directions: Two and one-quarter miles west of Oregon on Highway 111, then 2.5 miles south on Route T, and 2.5 miles right on Omaha road.

The Riverbreaks Conservation Area in Holt County has 3 permanent named creeks that wind through the area. In addition there are 3 small fishable ponds which have been stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. The fishing is fair for these three fish species.

Driving Directions: Two tracts: To reach the east tract, from I-29 North take Highway 59 (to Oregon) to Route O, then go south 3.25 miles to the cantilever sign. To reach the west tract, continue south on Route O to Route T, then turn west and go 1.5 miles to the cantilever sign.

At Rush Bottoms Conservation Area, the area is managed for a wide variety of game and non-game fish and wildlife species, according to the MDC (mdc.mo.gov). There is a 4 acre scour hole stocked when the Missouri River floods. There is also 2.5 miles of Missouri River frontage. The fishing is fair for catfish, buffalo, and carp on the Missouri River. In the scour hole the fishing can be fair for crappie.

Driving Directions: East .25 mile from Rulo, NE on Hwy 159, turn north on entry road which goes beneath RR bridge to parking lot.

At H. F. Thurnau Conservation Area, there is good fishing for catfish, carp, and buffalo. These fish can be caught in the public access fishing created in the area's 2 miles of access to the Missouri River.

Driving Directions: West of Craig four miles on Highway 111, and south .50 mile on Annapalis Road.

Wolf Creek Bend Conservation Area offers 4.5 miles of access for the public to fish along the Missouri River. The fishing is usually good for catfish, carp, and buffalo.

Driving Directions: Two and one-quarter miles west of Oregon on Highway 111; then 2.5 miles south on Route T; and 2.5 miles west on 310 and south on Memphis Road. Area is also accessible by foot from Payne Landing.

Howard 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 red ear and bluegill fishing. There are also camping and boating facilities available here.

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.

At Davisdale Conservation Area, there are over 20 small fishing ponds that hold good numbers of bass, catfish, and sunfish. While there are no additional amenities provided, camping is permitted in the area.

Driving Directions: (From Columbia) Take I-70 west to Highway 40, continue west on 40 for 12 miles and watch for area sign.

Diana Bend Conservation Area offers good public fishing access in Howard County to several streams and the Missouri River. Cat-fishing along banks of the river can be good at certain times of the year. Carp, buffalo, and drum can be caught in scour holes and along banks of the Missouri River. Fishing for bass and crappie is fair in the area.

Driving Directions: Diana Bend Conservation Area is 3 miles west of Rocheport on Highway 40.

Near Fayette, Missouri, you will find public fishing access at D. C. Rogers Lake. The lake is 185 acres and has fair fishing for bass and sunfish, but good fishing for catfish. The Department of Conservation and the City of Fayette cooperate to provide D.C. Rogers Lake along with a boat ramp, two disabled-accessible privies, a disabled-accessible fishing jetty and a courtesy dock. Fayette also provides camping, a hiking trail, picnic tables, a pavilion, and archery and firearm ranges.

Driving Directions: Go west of Fayette on Route E 1 mile to D.C. Rogers Lake (185 acres) and 3.5 miles to Peters Lake (80 acres).

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Peters Lake is another lake in Howard County with some decent public fishing access. The lake itself is 80 acres in size. It has good fishing for catfish and fair fishing for bass and sunfish. The area is open daily from sunrise to midnight but fishing, hunting, and camping is permitted anytime.

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Driving Directions: Go west of Fayette on Route E 1 mile to D.C. Rogers Lake (185 acres) and 3.5 miles to Peters Lake (80 acres).

Franklin Island Conservation Area is a great public fishing access for the Missouri River as well as Bonne Femme Creek. Fishing for catfish is good in both Bonne Femme Creek as well as the Missouri River. Fishing for bass, crappie, and sunfish is fair.

Driving Directions: Franklin Island Conservation Area is 2 miles east of New Franklin on Highway 40.

Moniteau Creek Conservation Area offers good public fishing access in both a pond setting as well as on Moniteau Creek. The fishing is good for catfish in the pond and Moniteau Creek. The fishing for bass and crappie is fair in the stream. Fishing for sunfish is good in the stream.

Driving Directions: From Columbia, take I-70 west to Highway 40, from 40 turn north on Route J, and west on Route EE. From EE, take Route A to the area.

At Stump Island Park Access there is good public fishing access to the Missouri River. The fishing is good in the Missouri River here for catfish, carp, drum, and buffalo.

Driving Directions: Stump Island Park Access. Take Highway 87 north to Glasgow. Turn south at the sand plant on Old Highway 87 before reaching the Highway 240 Missouri River Bridge. Take Old Highway 87 to Stump Island Park.

Howell County Public Fishing Access

Carrick W. Davidson - Robert G. Paris Wildlife Area is a conservation area with a 3 acre fishing pond where the fishing is good for sunfish and fair for bass and catfish. The pond is about 3 acres in size.

Driving Directions: Five and one-half miles northeast of West Plains on Highway 17 and east .75 mile on Highway EE to County Road 3010.

At Dean Davis Conservation Area in Howell County, there is a small fishing area called Dean Davis Lake. In this pond, there is fair fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Dean Davis Conservation Area is 10 miles north of West Plains on Highway 63 and .50 mile east on County Road 2420.

At Sims Valley Community Lake, you will find a 41 acre lake with good fishing for bass, catfish, sunfish, carp, and pickerel.

Driving Directions: Sims Valley Community Lake is seven miles east of Willow Springs on Highway 60, then 2.5 miles north (left) on Route RA.

In the Archie and Gracie Vanderhoef Memorial State Forest on the South Fork of the Spring River, you will find some stretches of fair fishing for bass and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Archie and Gracie VanDerhoef Memorial State Forest. Go three miles west of West Plains on Highway 160. Turn eight miles south on Route JJ, then .50 mile east on County Road 9620, and .50 mile south on County Road 8110.

At White Ranch Conservation Area you will find some good fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish in the South Fork of the Spring River as well as 6 acre White Ranch Lake.

Driving Directions: White Ranch Conservation Area consists of 3 tracts. The main tract is 7.5 miles south of West Plains on Highway 17, then five miles south on County Road 8390.

Iron County Public Fishing Access

At Bismarck Conservation Area, there is DiSalvo Lake, which serves as the headwaters of the St. Francis River, which contains good numbers of bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappies. The Department provides a boat ramp, parking areas, and disabled accessible facilities, including a fishing dock.

Driving Directions: Go south on Route N from Bismarck in St. Francois Co., turn west on Grider Rd. to Lakeview Rd., which leads to the area.

Jackson County Public Fishing Access

Lake Remembrance is a 54 acre body of water that offers both good public fishing access as well as good fishing prospects for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: From I-70 east of Blue Springs, take the Adams Dairy Parkway exit north to the frontage road (NE Jefferson Street), and turn east to the lake.

Jackson County's Alex George Lake is an 8 acre body of water with fair fishing for bass, crappie, and sunfish. It also has good fishing for catfish. Also, trout are stocked in November, February and March.

Driving Directions: Go south on Highway 71 (off I-435), turn west on Red Bridge Road, then go north on Blue River Road.

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Jackson County's Blue Springs Lake is a 720 acre lake with great public fishing access for catfish and carp, as well as fair fishing for sunfish, bass, and crappie. There is also a fair population of hybrid striped bass and white bass.

Driving Directions: On Hwy 291 south of I-70, take the Lakewood/Bowlin Rd. exit, turn east, follow Bowlin Rd. until it ends at the lake and marina.

The Bowlin Road Pond in Jackson County is a 4 acre pond with fair fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: From I-70, take Hwy 291 south to the Lakewood/Bowlin Road exit, east on Bowlin for .33 mile to First Campground Road, north to the parking lot.

At the Brown Athletic Field Access in Jackson County, one can find some public fishing access to the Blue River. The fishing will likely be fair for bass and sunfish, but good for catfish and carp.

Driving Directions: (From Highway 71) Go west on Blue Ridge Road 3.8 miles.

The Fort Osage County Park offers Jackson County public fishing access to the Missouri River. As might be expected, there is potential to catch large channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish. There are also large buffalo, carp, sturgeon, and drum.

Driving Directions: At Buckner, go north on Buckner-Tarsney Road, west on Chicago street, then north on Sante Fe, and follow it to the river (watch for the river access signs).

Lake Jacomo is a 970 acre lake in Jackson County with good fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, white bass, and walleye.

Driving Directions: (From Highway 470) Go east on Woods Chapel Road 1.5 miles.

Prairie Lee Lake is a 150 acre lake in Jackson County. It has good fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie. There is fair fishing for white bass and sunfish.

Driving Directions: (From Colbern Road) Go 1 mile south on Blackwell road, .8 mile west on Scruggs Road and .25 mile north on Park Road to the entrance.

Scherer Lake is a 15 acre lake or pond with fair fishing for bass, crappie, and sunfish. Scherer Lake also has good fishing for catfish.

Driving Directions: Scherer Lake is south of Highway 470 on Raytown Road, then 3 miles east on Scherer Road.

Tarsney Lake is a 17 acre lake with good fishing for bass and sunfish. It also has fair fishing for catfish and crappie.

Driving Directions: Tarsney Lake and Woods Lake are 4 miles south of I-70 on Route BB, then east on Tarsney Road.

Wood Lake in Jackson County is an 8 acre lake/pond with good fishing for bass and sunfish. as well as fair fishing for catfish and crappie.

Driving Directions: Four miles south of I-70 off Buckner-Tarsney Road, east on Beach Drive to Tarsney Lake, continue left on Hillside Drive and stay left all the way to Wood Lake.

Wyatt Lake is a 3 acre pond with fair fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: From I-70 at Grain Valley, go 2 miles north on Route BB to Pink Hill Road, then 1 mile west on Pink Hill to Dillingham Road. Continue 1 mile north on Dillingham to Argo Road. Take Argo .3 mile west to the area.

Blue Valley Lake is a 3 acre pond in Kansas City with good fishing for catfish.

Driving Directions: From I-435 take 78 Hwy (East 23 Street) west approximately 1.25 miles to Topping Ave. Turn south on Topping and travel .25 mile to the lake which is on the east side of Topping.

Lake of the Woods in the Kansas City area has good public fishing access for catfish and fair fishing for sunfish. It is a 7 acre pond.

Driving Directions:From I-435 take East Gregory Blvd. (KC Zoo exit) west .75 mile to Lake of the Woods.

Migliazzo Lake is a 2 acre pond with a good population of channel catfish. The fishing is kept good through periodic stocking by the MDC.

Driving Directions: From Wornall Road take West Minor Drive southwest .50 mile to Pennsylvania Ave. Turn south and travel .25 to the lake which sits on the west side of the road.

North Terrace Lake in Kansas City is a small 2 acre pond with good fishing for channel catfish.

Driving Directions: Take Independence Ave. (Highway 29) east of I-29 to Chestnut Ave. Take Chestnut Ave. north to Cliff Drive.

Penn Valley Lake is another 2 acre pond with good fishing for channel catfish in the Kansas City area.

Driving Directions: From the intersection of I-35 and SW Trfwy go east .12 mile. Take the first road south (Penn Drive). The lake sits just east of Penn Drive.

Smith Lake is yet another 2 acre pond in Kansas City with a good channel catfish population.

Driving Directions: From Holmes Road, go east 0.75 miles on 139th Street. The entrance is on the north side of the road.

Troost Lake is a 3 acre pond in the Kansas City area with good fishing for channel catfish.

Driving Directions: Take The Paseo to 27th Street. Go east on 27th street and take the first road south (Vine Street). Go .12 mile south and the lake sits on the west side of the road.

At the Kansas City Riverfront Park Access, there is about 1/10th of a mile of public fishing access to the Missouri River. The fishing is good for catfish as well as carp, buffalo, drum, and sturgeon.

Driving Directions: Park sits on the south bank of the Missouri River just west of Chouteau Trafficway. Exit I-435 on Front street and go west to Chouteau Trafficway. Just before crossing the river, take the Levee Road west, which will take you to the park entrance.

At Lone Jack Lake Conservation Area, you can try your luck at 35 acre Lone Jack Lake for good numbers of sunfish and catfish as well as a fair shot at bass.

Driving Directions: Lone Jack Lake Conservation Area is east of Kansas City on Highway 50, .25 mile north on Buckner-Tarsney Road, one mile east on Lone Jack-Lee's Summit Road, and .75 mile north on Brown Road.

At James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area, there are a number of fish species worth targeting. There is consistently good fishing for bass and catfish as well as trout during the Winter. There are also fair populations of hybrid stripers and crappie.

Driving Directions: One mile east of Lee's Summit on Ranson Road and 1.5 miles south of Highway 50.

At LaBenite Park, public access for fishing in the Missouri River can be had. There is good fishing for catfish, buffalo, carp, and sturgeon.

Driving Directions: La Benite Access sits on the south bank of the Missouri River, just east of Highway 291. Approximately one mile south of the river on Highway 291, take the river access road which parallels the highway on the east side (watch for the river access sign).

Jasper County Public Fishing Access

Try Carl Junction Access for access to fishing on Center Creek in Jasper County, Missouri. The fishing tends to be fair for bass, catfish, and sunfish. If suckers are your targeted species of fish, you will likely find the fishing to be good. There is a boat ramp.

Driving Directions: South of Carl Junction on Route JJ at Center Creek.

In Carthage, Missouri, you will find Kellogg Lake, a 25 acre lake with fair fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish as well as various rough fish. The crappie population isn't bad, but they run to the small side.

Driving Directions: Located off Highway 96 near the Carthage eastern city limits.

Access to the Spring River in Jasper County, Missouri can be found at La Russell Access. Here you will find good bass fishing and fair fishing for catfish and sunfish as well as various rough fish.

Driving Directions: La Russell Access (one acre) is one mile north of La Russell on Route U.

The Stones Corner Access is another access to Center Creek. The fishing is good here for suckers but fair for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Two and one-half miles north of the junction of Highways 43 and 171 on Highway 43, west on County Lane 251 in Jasper County.

Jefferson County Public Fishing Access

The Brown's Ford Access offers public fishing access to the Big River in Jefferson County, Missouri. This access has a concrete boat ramp and is in a special management area for smallmouth bass. Please visit mdc.mo.gov to get specific regs for the area. There is also good fishing for channel and flathead catfish. Additionally, you will find good populations of suckers and sunfish and a fair population of crappie.

Driving Directions: Southwest of Cedar Hill, take Highway 30 west to Route Y, turn south, then west on Brown's Ford Road.

The Flamm City Access offers access to the Meramec River where you can find a fair population of spotted and largemouth bass mixed with good numbers of catfish, paddlefish, carp, white bass, and suckers. There is fair fishing for crappie.

Driving Directions: Access to the Meramec River at Highway 231.

The Mammoth Access to the Big River offers good fishing in the special management section for smallmouth bass. There's also good fishing for catfish as well as rock bass (goggle-eye). The fishing is usually fair for crappie and suckers (gigging method). As always, but especially here in the special management section, visit mdc.mo.gov for additional regs info.

Driving Directions: Mammoth Access is west of De Soto on Route H, then 1.5 miles south on Mammoth Road.

The Merrill Horse Access is also in the black bass special mgmt. area of the Big River. There is good fishing here for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, rock bass, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Merrill Horse Access is five miles west of De Soto on Route H.

Pacific Palisades Conservation Area offers public fishing access to the Meramec River. There is a good fishing here for largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass as well as catfish. There is also a fair population of walleye, drum, suckers, carp, crappie, and sunfish. Pacific Palisades Conservation Area is located in Jefferson and St. Louis Counties. The river access is located east of the Meramec River and is completely in St. Louis County. The rest of the Conservation Area is located west and south of the Meremac River and is predominately in Jefferson County. For questions about the river access contact Gus Raeker at 636-458-2236, ext. 227.

Teszars Woods Conservation Area is a conservation area in Jefferson County with about 1 mile of access to the Meramec River. The best fishing in this section of the river will be for channel catfish and flathead catfish. There is also a good population of carp, suckers, paddlefish, drum, and white bass.

Driving Directions: East of Arnold on Telegraph Road (off of Highway 61/67), then east on Rockwood Drive.

Truman Access in Jefferson County offers access to the Mississippi River. The fishing in this section is good for bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, carp, and drum. Truman Access road and ramp are subject to flooding in times of high water. The area is closed to the public when water, heavy mud and debris are on the road and ramp. The area is often cleared and then floods again in the same week.

Driving Directions: Truman Access is south of Crystal City. To get there, take Hwy 61 south for 6.8 miles. Turn left (east) on AA and continue for 0.2 miles. Turn right (south)on Big Hollow Road and continue for 0.6 miles. Turn left (east) to stay on Big Hollow Rd for 1.9 miles. Continue across the railroad tracks to the river and access, which is adjacent to the Rush Island Power Plant.

Young Conservation Area offers about 1 mile of access to LaBarque Creek as well as several ponds. The fishing here seems to be good for bass and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Young CA is located in Jefferson County. To get there, go south on Route W off I-44, then three miles west on Route FF.

Johnson County Public Fishing Access

Hazel Hill Lake is a 50 acre lake near Warrensburg, Missouri with good fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. The area features disabled-accessible fishing, parking, and toilets. A boat ramp is located on the lake.

Driving Directions: Five miles northwest of Warrensburg on Highway 13, go 3 miles west on Route OO.

Holden City Lake is a 380 acre lake near Holden, Missouri in Johnson County. There is fair fishing here for bass, catfish, crappie, and white bass. Anglers are encouraged to harvest crappie of ALL sizes up to 30 fish/day.

Driving Directions: Holden City Lake is 3.25 miles west of Holden on Highway 58, then north on County Road SW1521. Look for the cantilever sign.

J. N. Turkey Kearn Memorial Wildlife Area near Knob Knoster, Missouri in Johnson County, has several ponds that are perhaps worth checking out. The fishing here is fair for bass, catfish, and bluegill.

Driving Directions: Seven miles southeast of Knob Noster on Highway 23, then 2 miles east on County Road SE600 which turns south onto the 1201 RD.

At Ralph and Martha Perry Memorial Conservation Area, there are several ponds with decent fishing, but there is also access to 6 miles of the Blackwater River. The Conservation Department stocks area waters with catfish, bass, and bluegill. Fishing access is provided to the Blackwater River at two locations.

Driving Directions: This area consists of two tracts. The largest tract is in Johnson County five miles south of Concordia on Highway 23. The second tract lies in northwest Pettis and southwest Saline counties seven miles southeast of Concordia.

Lions Lake (Warrensburg) is a 9 acre lake with fair fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. Boats are allowed with trolling motors or no motors.

Driving Directions: Lions Lake is in Warrensburg off Highway 13, three-fourths mile west on Hale Lake Road and one-third mile north on Rotary Road.

Knox County Public Fishing Access

Henry Sever Lake Conservation Area's Henry Sever Lake (158 acres) offers good fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, and even muskie. The lake is periodically stocked with channel catfish and is home to 1 of only 2 muskellunge populations in northeastern Missouri. Camping is allowed in the 84 site campground. All have a nearby privy, potable water, parking pads and many have fire rings. There is also a boat ramp.

Driving Directions: One mile north of Newark on Highway KK. The west side of the area can be accessed by traveling east of Newark on Highway 156, and north one mile on Highway E.

The White Oak Bend Access offers access to about 7/10ths of a mile of the South Fabius River in Knox County, Missouri. This area offers good fishing for catfish. It also is fair for bass, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Three miles west of Newark on Highway 156, then one mile north on an unnamed gravel road.

Laclede County Public Fishing Access

The Anna M. Adams Access offers approximately 1/4 mile of access to the Gasconade River. This section of the river is good fishing for bass, suckers, and sunfish and fair for catfish.

Driving Directions: Eighteen miles east of Lebanon on Hwy 32, then three miles north on Rte K, and three miles east on Dawn Road to the Gasconade River.

The Davis Ford Access to the Osage Fork River in Laclede County offers good bass fishing in the special management section of the stream (see mdc.mo.gov for additional regs). There is also good fishing for suckers and goggle-eye (also under special management rules). Steep drop off at end of boat ramp.

Driving Directions: Davis Ford Access is six miles east of Lebanon on Highway 32, 1.5 miles north on Highway N, and 1.5 miles down Route AC.

The Drynob Access is another access for the Osage Fork River. It offers good bass fishing in the special management section of the stream (see mdc.mo.gov for additional regs). There is also good fishing for suckers and goggle-eye (also under special management rules).

Driving Directions: Fifteen miles east of Lebanon on Highway 32.

The Hazelgreen Access offers a nice access to the Gasconade River. The fishing on this 1/4 mile stretch is usually good for bass, catfish, sunfish, and suckers.

Driving Directions: Hazelgreen Access is 13 miles east of Lebanon on I-44, then east on Route N (exit 140) and two miles east on South Outer Road.

The Hull Ford Access offers fishing access to the Osage Fork of the Gasconade River. It offers good bass fishing in the special management section of the stream (see mdc.mo.gov for additional regs). There is also good fishing for suckers and goggle-eye (also under special management rules).

Driving Directions: Hull Ford Access is six miles east of Lebanon on Highway 32, then four miles north on Route N.

Another access to the Osage Fork of the Gasconade River is Long Ford Access. It offers good bass fishing in the special management section of the stream (see mdc.mo.gov for additional regs). There is also good fishing for suckers and goggle-eye (also under special management rules).

Driving Directions: From Lebanon take Highway 32 East five miles, then turn south on Highway B for 6.8 miles to access on downstream side of Osage Fork River Bridge.

The Prosperine Access offers good public fishing access to the Niangua River. For more specific information on trout fishing here, visit Niangua Trout Fishing. For more specific information on smallmouth bass fishing the Niangua River, visit Niangua River Smallmouth Fishing. The fishing is good here as well for suckers and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Prosperine Access is 12 miles northwest of Lebanon, go two miles west of Lebanon on Highway 64 to Route AA. Take AA until the blacktop ends. Turn west 4.5 miles on Kinfolk Road and watch for cantilever sign.

Lafayette County Public Fishing

Edwin A. Pape Lake just outside of Concordia, Missouri is a 245 acre lake that is good fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish. This area includes a boat ramp and dock, picnic areas, pavilions, and a fishing jetty and dock.

Driving Directions: Edwin A. Pape Lake is 2 miles south of Concordia on Highway 23, then west on Concordia Lake Road for about .50 mile.

Higginsville City Lake has a total of 190 acres of public fishing access. The fishing is fair for bass, crappie, and sunfish and is good for catfish. There is a boat ramp, dock, and picnic areas.

Driving Directions: Higginsville City Lake is 2.4 miles east on Route AA from the intersection of Business Highway 13 and Highway AA in Higginsville. Turn south onto Airport Road.

Lexington Riverfront Park offers public fishing access to the Missouri River. The fishing is good for catfish, carp, buffalo and sturgeon.

Driving Directions: (In Lexington) Take 10th Street north, cross the railroad tracks and follow the access signs to the Missouri River (less than one mile).

Maple Leaf Lake Conservation Area is an area in Lafayette County with several fishing ponds and lakes varying in size from 1 acre to Maple Leaf Lake at 140 acres. This beautiful area offers good fishing for bass and fair fishing for catfish, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: From the junction of Highway 13 and I-70, go three miles west on the South I-70 Outer Access Road.

Lake Venita near Odessa, Missouri is a 19 acre lake with good fishing for catfish and fair fishing for bass and sunfish.

Driving Directions: (West of Odessa) Exit I-70 and take the frontage road east toward town to 4th street, then south two blocks. The lake sits just west of 4th street.

Upper Odessa City Lake is a 15 acre lake with fair fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Go south of Odessa on Highway 131, then three miles west on Route OO and turn south (left) on Odessa Lake Road.

Odessa City Lake offers about 100 acres of fishing access. It is good for bass and sunfish. It is fair for catfish and crappie.

Driving Directions: Go south of Odessa on Highway 131, then three miles west on Route OO and turn left on Odessa Lake Road.

Sni-A-Bar Conservation Area has about 6/10ths of a mile of access to Sni-A-Bar Creek. This area fair fishing for catfish and various "rough" fish species depending on stream flow.

Driving Directions: Sni-A-Bar Conservation Area is two miles north of I-70 on Route D, west 1.5 miles on Happy Hollow Road and north .75 mile on Gillespie Road.

Lawrence County Public Fishing Access

Williams Creek Park Lake near Mt. Vernon, Missouri in Lawrence County is a 3 acre lake/pond. The area also has about 1/3 of a mile of access to Williams Creek. The area has good fishing for bass as well as catfish. There is also fair fishing for sunfish.

Driving Directions: One-quarter mile north of the Mt. Vernon square on the east side of Main Street along Williams Creek.

Paris Springs Access offers stream access to twp permanent streams- Turnback and Johnson Creeks. Turnback Creek is floatable seasonally with take out points downstream. There is good fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Paris Springs Access is three miles west of Halltown on Highway 266.

Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area has ponds and lakes plus access to the Spring River. The fishing is good for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Near Mt. Vernon on Highway 96, one mile east of the Highway 97 junction.

Lewis County Public Fishing Access

Canton Ferry Access provides public fishing access to the Mississippi River in Northeast Missouri's Lewis County. The fishing here is good for catfish, walleye, sauger, drum, and carp.

Driving Directions: Access is marked with a sign at the north edge of the City of Canton, east of Main Street.

The Deer Ridge Conservation Area has several opportunities for fishing. There are access points to the North Fabius River, Middle Fabius River, as well as Cooper Branch. Then, additionally there is lake fishing at Deer Ridge Lake, which is about 48 acres in size. If you are after bass, your best bet for fishing is the lake. There are catfish in the streams and the lake. Crappie and sunfish opportunities are good in the lake.

Driving Directions: Consists of three tracts. The main tract is 5.5 miles north of Lewistown on Route H, and two miles west on Route Y.

LaBelle Lake Conservation Area is 112 acres in size and has good fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: LaBelle Lake is two miles south of LaBelle on Highway D, then .6 of a mile east on gravel road 212.

The Sunnyside School Access offers nearly one mile of access to the Wyaconda River. There is fair fishing for bass, crappie, and sunfish. There is good fishing for catfish.

Driving Directions: Two miles south of Canton on Highway B, then west 1.5 miles on Sunflower Road.

Tolona Access offers about 1.3 miles of access to the Middle Fabius River. The area has good fishing for catfish and fair fishing for bass, sunfish, and crappie.

Driving Directions: Take Highway C north from Ewing. Continue north on Route BB, then turn west on County Road 508, and go approximately one mile.

Fenway Landing Access offers 1/10th of a mile of access to the Mississippi River. The fishing here is good for catfish, carp, and drum.

Driving Directions: Four and one-half mile north of Canton on Highway 61, then one mile east on gravel road 464.

Wyaconda Crossing Conservation Area offers about 1.5 miles of access to the Wyaconda River. The area is a good spot to fish for catfish and fair for bass, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Four and one-half miles northwest of Canton on Highway 81, and 1.25 miles west on County Road 145 ST.

Lincoln County Public Fishing Access

The R. H. Crouch Access has 0.25 miles of access to the Cuivre River. The fishing on this part of the Cuivre River is fair for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Crouch Access is four miles north of Troy at the Route H bridge over the West Fork of the Cuivre River.

Cuivre Island Conservation Area has access for the Mississippi River and to the Mississippi River/Cuivre Slough. This is a gravel boat ramp into Cuivre Slough and provides indirect access to the Mississippi River. The fishing in this area is good for bass, catfish, crappie, carp, and drum.

Driving Directions: To reach Cuivre Island Conservation Area, take Highway 79 north from O'Fallon to Dalbow Road, then follow Dalbow Road five miles east to the area entrance.

At William R. Logan Conservation Area there are a number of ponds with decent fishing opportunities. The fishing tends to the fair side for bass and catfish but could be considered to be good for sunfish.

Driving Directions: William R. Logan Conservation Area consists of two tracts. The largest tract is 10 miles north of Troy on Highway 61, .25 mile west on Route E, then three miles north on Route RA.

The Millsap Bridge Access offers a short stretch of access to the West Fork of the Cuivre River. The fishing here is fair for sunfish and catfish.

Driving Directions: This five acre access is 0.3 miles east of Truxton on Highway A, and then three miles north on Beck Road.

Prairie Slough Conservation Area makes available for public use approximately 3/4 miles of frontage on Prairie Slough and another 3/4 miles of frontage on Deer Slough. The fishing is good for catfish, crappie, and carp.

Driving Directions: Five miles northeast of Elsberry on Highway P.

Sandy Island Conservation Area offers a couple of miles of public fishing access to the Mississippi River in Lincoln County, Missouri. There is fair fishing for bass, catfish, sunfish, and crappie.

Driving Directions: Take Route N east from Highway 79 to Lock and Dam #25. Visitors must then walk 300 yards north to reach the area.

William G. and Erma Parke White Memorial Wildlife Area offers fishing access to Lakeside Pond (25 acres). The fishing is usually good for bass and sunfish while only fair for catfish and crappie. The lake is stocked with bass, bluegill, and channel catfish.

Driving Directions: (From Troy) Go 14 miles north on Highway 61, then take Route Z, one mile to Whiteside.

Linn County Public Fishing Access

Brookfield City Lake is a little over 100 acres and has good fishing for bass and crappie. The fishing is fair for catfish and sunfish. There is a boat ramp as well as handicap access fishing facilities. 

Driving Directions: Marked by a cantilever sign on Highway 11, two miles east of Brookfield.

At Fountain Grove Conservation Area there is 160 acre Cheru Lake and Shelby Lake (30 acres) as well as other smaller ponds totaling 36 acres. Also, the Grand River forms the southern boundary of the area. The fishing is good in the lakes and ponds for bass. Fishing for catfish is good in area lakes, ponds, the Grand River, as well as Locust Creek. Crappie fishing is good in Che-Ru Lake and Shelby Lake. The fishing is good for carp, buffalo, and white bass on Che-Ru Lake. Carp and buffalo fishing is good on the Grand River.

Driving Directions: At Meadville, go south five miles on Highway W, then continue south .25 mile on Blackhorn Drive to the area headquarters.

Mussel Fork Conservation Area has 4 ponds with a little over 4 acres of fishing water as well as Mussel Fork Creek. The fishing is fair for bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: Ten miles east of Brookfield on the south side of Highway 36.

Livingston County Public Fishing Access

Coval Gann - Chillicothe Access offers access to the Grand River. The fishing here is good for catfish as well as being usually good for carp.

Driving Directions: Chillicothe Access is 1.25 miles south of Chillicothe on Highway 65 (east of Highway 65, north of the Grand River).

At Fountain Grove Conservation Area there is 160 acre Cheru Lake and Shelby Lake (30 acres) as well as other smaller ponds totaling 36 acres. Also, the Grand River forms the southern boundary of the area. The fishing is good in the lakes and ponds for bass. Fishing for catfish is good in area lakes, ponds, the Grand River, as well as Locust Creek. Crappie fishing is good in Che-Ru Lake and Shelby Lake. The fishing is good for carp, buffalo, and white bass on Che-Ru Lake. Carp and buffalo fishing is good on the Grand River.

Driving Directions: At Meadville, go south five miles on Highway W, then continue south .25 mile on Blackhorn Drive to the area headquarters.

Poosey Conservation Area is an area with 9 small lakes/ponds totalling 45 acres, Pikes Lake (18 acres), and 192 acre Indian Creek Lake. The area fishing is good for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish.

Driving Directions: From Chillicothe, travel west five miles on Hwy 190 to Hwy A. Travel five miles north to the Hwy W junction. Continue on Hwy A, one mile west to the area entrance.