FLY Fishing Missouri
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Ask anyone outside of the four state area (Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas) about Missouri fly fishing opportunities, especially about trout and your more than likely to get a blank stare or a horizontal head shake. At best they know about a state trout park or two or maybe they’ve heard of Taneycomo because they went to see a show in Branson awhile back. Fact is there are plenty of locations to whip a rod year round for Rainbow, Browns, Smallmouth, Largemouth, Carp, Gar, Muskie and to many pan fish to name.
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Current River
There are four State Trout Parks in Missouri, Roaring River, Bennett Spring, Montauk and Meramec Spring opening March 1st through the closing of the catch and keep season in mid October then reopening in November for Catch and release only. These are great places for beginners and fishers of all skill levels. I fished Roaring River a lot and still enjoy the catch and release seasons when there are fewer fishers on the water but If the crowds don’t bother you, give opening day a try. There will be a crowd and I do mean CROWD. As in shoulder to shoulder fishing.
If your willing to pay a little extra sometimes a lot extra for your fishing there are several private trout streams . Some better than others. I guess it’s not much different than paying for access out west.
I prefer fishing outside of the parks down stream of the boundary. Maybe see a few deer, some wild turkey or a bald eagles while your fishing. Fishing without any valet services.
There are several trout fishing streams beyond the parks, Missouri’s blue or Red ribbon streams. Most of these places are south of the 38th parallel. South of I-44 if your looking at a road map. Spring feed lime stone filtered gin clear water.
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These are places where the wild things grow. Places that you’ll measure your catch in inches rather than pounds but there is a lot of satisfaction in catching a wild Rainbow that was holding under a root wade while you cast from behind a tree or bush. Tread lightly here not only because the fish spook that easily but more because these are fragile locations that take years to recover from abusive habits or even worse not recover at all.
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Blue Ribbon Rainbow
I enjoy fishing these locations so I do my best to ensure that I can return and catch a fish or two next year. I’ve been skunked more than once on these streams and I’m sure I will be again. It’s part of why I go back, it’s not easy you earn you catch.
Lake Tanycomo, a tail water fishery pretty famous for big Rainbows and Browns. In October, there abouts anyway, Big Browns move up to span in the shallower water below Table Rock Dam. It can be pretty incredible fishing but it’s also a well know event. The area is also stocked and access is year round depending on generation for wade fishers. Many outfitters are available in the area for float trips and some of the best fishing is during these high generation times. Check out Ozark Anglers for fishing reports.
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Drifting the NFOWR
The North Fork of the White River is pretty well know for it’s Wild Brown population. If you plan a trip to the area contact Sun Burst Ranch. They offer Camping, Cabin rentals, Canoes and guide services. Justin and Amy are great folks you wont be disappointed.
This is one of my favorite rivers but it’s not to be taken lightly. High flows are the norm and the current can be very misleading. I think I’ve topped my waders every time I’ve fished it.
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Current River Rainbow
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Niangua River Brown
I fish for trout mostly in the fall, winter and early spring mostly to avoid the summer crowds. Recently I’ve turned to Smallmouth fishing to fill that summer gap. It was a good turn! Smallmouth on the end of a fly rod is a blast from the take to the net! They hit hard, fight hard and jump out of the water flipping turning and shaking before splashing back down just long enough in the water to jump again!
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Mostly I use buggers when fishing for smallmouth but big big articulated streams are the thing to throw if you have the platform to throw from, like a drift boat or personal pontoon.
Check out these site for smallmouth fishing in Missouri.
On a few rivers you can fish for trout in the upper section and smallies on the lower section. How awesome is that?
When it comes to Largemouth, there are two many lakes, rivers and ponds to list. I prefer catching them on top water patterns as they often explode on a popper. Finding a bunch of smaller ones can be awesome as the attack anything that hits the water.
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Osage River Largemouth
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Niangua Largemouth
They like buggers too.
How about Muskie. I’ve only got to do this once and I didn’t even get a hit or a follow. My buddy did and I think I can count that because I was in the boat. Pretty sure that’s one of the rules of Muskie fishing. For a list of Muskie lakes click this link.
I still enjoy fishing small poppers for Blue Gill and Greenies just a good way to spend an afternoon or summer evening. Pound for pound one of the hardest fighting fish in the water. Greenies are so aggressive that if they grew any bigger none of us would wade.
If you want to know more about the pan fish available in Missouri check out:
MDC Discover Nature field Guide
As far as locations go they are every where, really!
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Yep we have hatches. Not the huge chocking hatches of the west but we still have a good share of bugs on the water. Tricos, BWO, Caddis and Midges, all the usual suspects are here in one form or another.
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Current river Tricos caught in a web
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Hugh Niangua River Mayfly or Smallmouth crunch!
Dry fly, Nymphing and Streamer action abounds. Year round something is biting somewhere.
Plenty of opportunities for any bum, trout or otherwise. Not even talked about Carp or Gar on the fly. 2 other fish that have to date eluded me. Mostly lack of effort, to busy with trout and Smallies.
If your in the Springfield area check out
Plateau Fly Shop
2863 S Campbell Ave Springfield, MO 65807
(417) 889-6548
Tell Jim I said hello, that wont get you much but if you ask about fishing for trout, smallies, Carp or what ever, I know he can point you in the right direction and set you up with what you’ll need not what he could sale you and that’s a rare thing these days.
If you don’t have the time to figure it all out on your own contact:
Jeff Trigg over at Ozark Sweetwater he can put you on some fish for sure. Plus fishing from a drift boat is plan hard to beat and a hell of a lot of fun.