AUGUST A. BUSCH MEMORIAL CONSERVATION AREA

Pick the lake.
Know the setup.

Busch gives you a lot of choices. Use the lake selector to narrow the water, target fish, line, leader and starting presentation before you make the drive.

Choose a lakeView official map
28numbered waters in this guide
Bank-friendlymany waters suit shore fishing
Multi-speciesbass, panfish, catfish + seasonal fish
Check signsspecial rules vary by water/season
Current MDC notices: the road to Lakes 11, 12 and 30 is closed due to culvert erosion; the north portion of Lake 34 is closed for dam repairs; and the Lake 33 spillway bridge is closed to vehicle traffic but open to pedestrians. Check MDC before driving.

CHOOSE YOUR WATER

One area.
Different trips.

Start with a lake number. The panel gives you a practical first setup—not a guarantee. Conditions change, and posted rules at the water always win.

Loading lake guide…

OFFICIAL MDC AREA MAP

Overall first.
Then zoom in.

Start with the full Busch map. When you select a lake above, the second panel automatically zooms to that numbered water while keeping the official MDC map as the source.

OVERALL BUSCH

All numbered waters

Official MDC map of August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area
Scroll or pinch to zoom • Drag to move
SELECTED LAKE

Lake 3

Official map zoom

Lake 3 shown in context with nearby roads, parking and waters.

Open official MDC PDFCurrent MDC notices

Map source: Missouri Department of Conservation, last updated Nov. 17, 2022. Current closures and posted signs override the map.

FAST STARTS

Match the fish
to the tackle.

These are conservative starting points for typical Busch bank fishing. Adjust for cover, lure weight and current conditions.

BASS

Medium spinning

Start with 8–12 lb line, a soft plastic, spinnerbait or small moving bait. Add a fluorocarbon leader when using braid or when water is clear.

PANFISH

Light spinning

4–6 lb mono or fluorocarbon with a small jig, worm under a float or tiny soft plastic keeps the presentation simple.

CATFISH

Medium-heavy

12–20 lb main line with a tougher 15–25 lb leader and a simple bottom rig is a practical starting point.

TROUT

Light line

4–6 lb line with small spoons, spinners or approved bait where legal. Seasonal trout rules matter—verify before fishing.

MUSKIE

Heavy tackle

Use purpose-built heavy tackle and a bite-resistant leader. This is not a light spinning setup; verify current size/harvest rules.

LEADERS

Why use one?

A leader can reduce visibility, protect against abrasion or teeth, and let you keep braid as your main line. Match leader material to the species.

BEFORE YOU CAST

Posted rules
come first.

Busch includes waters with special or seasonal management. Use this guide to plan, then verify the sign at the lake and current Missouri regulations before fishing.

Regulations resourcesLures, line & knots