Stand Up and Reel 'Em In: 18 Can't-Miss Missouri Lakes for SUP Fishing!

Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) while fishing is a fun way to explore Missouri's abundant lakes, rivers and streams. The stability of a SUP provides a great casting and landing platform to hook into a variety of freshwater gamefish. Here are 18 of the best places for SUP fishing in Missouri:

Key Highlights

  1. Diverse Water Bodies: Explore a variety of fishing environments, from the crystal-clear waters of Table Rock Lake to the serene expanse of Bull Shoals Lake.

  2. Target Fish Species: Detailed guide on the fish species available at each location, including tactics for largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, and trout.

  3. Best Fishing Practices: Tips on effective SUP fishing techniques, suitable baits and lures, and the optimal seasons for fishing in Missouri.

  4. Safety Guidelines: Emphasize the importance of safety while SUP fishing, including wearing life jackets and weather considerations.

  5. Conservation Efforts: Highlight the significance of practicing catch and release and other conservation measures to protect Missouri's aquatic ecosystems.

paddle board on a lake
  1. Table Rock Lake.

Known for its clear waters and rocky shorelines, Table Rock Lake in Branson is filled with largemouth bass, spotted bass, white bass and crappie. Fish the deep underwater trees in the James River arm or long tapering points all around the lake. The largemouth bass record here is over 15 pounds caught in May 2015.

  1. Bull Shoals Lake.

Known for big bass and clear waters, Bull Shoals Lake on the Arkansas border has steep, deep banks that drop into the old river channel. Jerkbaits and crankbaits catch largemouth bass suspended on underwater points and humps. The record here is over 16 pounds caught in May 2023.

  1. Stockton Lake.

Stockton Lake near Springfield is a deep, clear lake known for big bass and trout. Float a live nightcrawler below a slip bobber near bluffs and rocky banks to catch rainbow trout. Largemouth bass hit plastic worms and deep diving crankbaits fished near boat docks. The bass record here is over 14 pounds caught in April 2022.

  1. Lake Jacomo.

A small lake just outside Kansas City, Lake Jacomo holds nice sized crappie and channel catfish. Small jigs tipped with minnows or tube jigs catch slab sized crappies suspended near timber and brush piles. Chunk bait fished on the bottom works well for catfish. The crappie record here is over 4 pounds caught in May 2021.

  1. James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area.

This area on the Missouri River near Kansas City offers good catfishing from numerous backwaters and sloughs off the river. Target blue cats and channel cats with cut bait or prepared catfish baits fished on the bottom. The blue cat record here is 68 pounds caught in July 2019.

  1. Thomas Hill Reservoir.

A clear water lake near Moberly, Thomas Hill holds walleye, crappie, bass and catfish. Troll deep diving crankbaits or bottom bounce nightcrawlers to catch walleye. Plastics under a slip bobber work well for crappie near brush. The walleye record here is over 12 pounds caught in April 2022.

  1. Long Branch Lake.

Located in northwestern Missouri, Long Branch Lake is filled with largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish. Work the standing timber and shoreline cover to catch bass on soft plastic lures. Crappie congregate near deeper brush piles and can be taken on minnows. The bass record here is 8 pounds caught in June 2019.

  1. Mark Twain Lake.

Known for big flathead catfish, Mark Twain Lake near Hannibal has numerous creek channels and flooded timber to provide catfish habitat. Fresh cut shad makes great bait for flatheads; a 104 pound state record was caught here in July 2021.

  1. Pomme de Terre Lake.

    fishing sup board

Anglers flock to Pomme de Terre Lake near Springfield to catch muskies and bass. Big jerkbaits and glide baits draw vicious strikes from muskies along weed edges and rock points. Jigs and soft plastics work well for the bass near docks and wood cover. The muskie record here is over 40 pounds caught in May 2022.

  1. Blue Springs Lake.

Located inside a city park in Blue Springs, this small lake holds good numbers of largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish. The bass cruising the shorelines smack soft plastic lures and topwater poppers. Crappie congregate around the fishing dock pilings and brush piles, readily hitting jigs and minnows. Catfish take stink baits and cut bait fished on the bottom. The bass record here is 7 pounds caught in May 2020.

  1. Lake Taneycomo.

Known for its cold, clear water, Lake Taneycomo near Branson is filled with trout and bass. Drift nightcrawlers or small spoons to catch healthy rainbow and brown trout. Soft plastic worms and finesse jigs work well for smallmouth bass hiding near rocky banks and ledges. The brown trout record here is over 20 pounds caught in March 2021.

  1. Truman Reservoir.

Truman Reservoir near Warsaw is known for big populations of bass, crappie, catfish and white bass. Target standing timber in coves for both crappie and largemouth bass. Use cut bait for blue cats along channel ledges. White bass school on long points in spring, hitting small spinners and jigs. The white bass record is over 5 pounds.

  1. Smithville Lake.

Just north of Kansas City, Smithville Lake offers clear water and good populations of walleye, crappie, bass and catfish. Vertical jigging with minnows or plastics works well for suspended crappie and walleye near timber and rock piles. Cut bait or prepared dough baits catch a variety of big catfish. The walleye record here is over 12 pounds caught in March 2021.

  1. Fellows Lake.

Located near Springfield, Fellows Lake sees good numbers of largemouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Crappie tightline near standing timber in coves, hitting jigs and minnows. Walleye are found along rocky points and shoreline dropoffs. Largemouth bass go for spinnerbaits and square bill crankbaits in the back of coves and pockets. The crappie record here is over 3 pounds caught in April 2020.

  1. Lake Jacomo.

A small but productive lake near Kansas City, Lake Jacomo holds nice sized crappie, walleye, bass and channel catfish. Vertical jigging with small tube jigs or minnows around deep brush piles produces slab crappie. Walleye hit nightcrawlers near rocky points and shorelines early in the year. Largemouth bass are caught on soft plastics and bladed jigs worked around woody cover. The crappie record here is over 3 pounds caught in April 2021.

  1. Lake Wappapello.

Bass and crappie fishing shine at this large lake in southeastern Missouri. Largemouth bass cruise the shorelines and coves, hitting topwaters, plastics and spinnerbaits. Crappie school near standing timber and trolling minnows catches fish. The bass record here is over 13 pounds caught in April 2021.

  1. Lake of the Ozarks.

    Known for big bass and clear waters, Lake of the Ozarks also holds huge crappie and catfish. Jigs tipped with minnows catch slab crappie suspended near docks and brush piles in spring. Largemouth bass hit plastic worms and deep running crankbaits fished along rocky banks and bluffs. Blue cats fall for fresh cut bait fished in creek channels. The crappie record here is over 4 pounds caught in April 2019.

  2. Stockton Lake.

Stockton Lake near Springfield is a deep, clear lake known for big bass and trout. Float a live nightcrawler below a slip bobber near bluffs and rocky banks to catch rainbow trout. Largemouth bass hit plastic worms and deep diving crankbaits fished near boat docks. The bass record here is over 14 pounds caught in April 2022.

Conclusion:

Missouri's abundant waterways provide a plethora of options for SUP fishing enthusiasts. From serene rivers to expansive lakes, each location offers unique fishing experiences with the promise of diverse catches. Armed with the right lures or bait and a knowledge of the prime fishing seasons, you're poised for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you're chasing trophy bass, crappie, catfish, or trout, Missouri's SUP fishing destinations have something for every angler. As you embark on your fishing journey, remember to follow local fishing regulations and practice responsible fishing to ensure the preservation of these natural wonders for future generations.

 

Glide Paddle Boards SUP Fishing Tips. 

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Welcome to our Comprehensive Guide on paddle board fishing! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, we have a wealth of tips and information to make your SUP fishing experience a success. Glide Paddle Boards offers a wide range of paddle boards suitable for all your needs.

If you're new to SUP fishing, don't worry! We have you covered with beginner tips from Glide. Learn about fishing from a SUP and discover the best techniques for landing fish while paddle board fishing. Our article on Fishing from a Paddle Board provides valuable tips, tricks, and insights to help you make the most of your fishing adventure.

Wondering what a fishing SUP is? We've got the answer! Find everything you need to start SUP fishing, from the equipment to the techniques. Our Beginner's Guide to Spring SUP Fishing will get you started on the right foot.

For wildlife enthusiasts, we have a blog with informative articles, including the Beginner's Guide to Bird Watching. If you enjoy stand-up paddle boarding and wildlife encounters, don't miss our article on Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Wildlife Encounters.

If you're looking for the best paddle boarding spots in the United States, we've got you covered! Take a state-by-state tour of where to paddle board with Glide Paddle Boards in our article, The Best Places to Paddle Board in the United States. Explore our recommended locations and make the most of your paddle boarding adventures.

For those seeking international paddle boarding spots, we have two articles to help you out. Check out our ultimate guide on finding places to paddle board near you, which provides tips and tricks for discovering exciting new locations. And for a global perspective, don't miss our article on Epic Spots Globally To Paddle Board.

No matter your experience level or interests, our comprehensive guide has something for everyone. Get ready to embark on unforgettable paddle board fishing adventures with Glide Paddle Boards by your side!