Missouri fly fishing should be on every angler’s bucket list. With designated Red, White, and Blue Ribbon waters to fish, as well as over 400 lakes and 115,000 miles of streams and rivers, there’s no end of places to wet a line and reel in a beauty.

What to Expect

Depending which river you choose to fish, you could spend as little as two hours out on the water or the whole day. Some of the top spots to visit when fly fishing include North Fork River, the Ozarks, Lake Taneycomo, Crane Creek, and plenty more. 

Some guides are happy to teach anglers the skills required to fly fish. If you’re a beginner, head over in spring. The early season hatch of caddis, mayfly, and stonefly happens in March and the Trout are hungry for them. Match your flies to the hatch and the action will be non-stop.

Fall and winter are best for experienced anglers – you’ll need to cast further to reach the deeper hidey-holes of the fish as they move into warmer and more protected waters. You’ll need precision and skills in placing your fly just right.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect fishery and time of year to visit, you can then decide what you’d like to target… and there are plenty of options!

Missouri is known for its top-notch Trout fishing. Both Rainbow and Brown Trout can be caught throughout the year. You can even reel in a lunker or two out in the Show-Me State. Waters are stocked regularly, even daily in some months. 

For an exciting fight that will leave you tired but smiling, target Catfish. This is for experienced anglers only! Catfish run and will break your line if you’re not careful. You’ll need heavier gear paired with a 7 wt line to have any chance of reeling a Catfish in. Once you do, you’ll have complete bragging rights!

Smallmouth Bass also put up a great fight pound for pound. A Missouri native, these guys can be found in the same waters as Trout, but in warmer areas. Try fly fishing for them for a good fight. Largemouth Bass are also a lot of fun on the fly, as long as you have heavier gear to match the fish. 

What to Bring

You’ll need to buy a fishing license before your trip begins. Make sure you have a Trout stamp and check local regulations where you’re fishing for any additional tags needed. 

Although guides will provide you with quality gear, you can usually bring your own lucky rod along if you wish. When fishing for smaller fish, such as Trout, you’ll need a 2–5 wt line on a 6–8.5’ rod. For larger fish, like Catfish, Carp, or Bass, have a 6–8 wt line on a 8–10’ rod. A good all-rounder for beginners is a 9’ rod with a 6 wt line. 

Don’t forget to bring your own waders, appropriate footwear, and amber polarized sunglasses – these are perfect for seeing through the glare of the lake.

Come experience a Missouri fly fishing trip that you’ll never forget!