Lake of the Ozarks
Another large-lake trip.
View fishing guideTRIP PLAN
Know the water.
Then pack the tackle.
Best targets: Crappie · Largemouth bass · Catfish
When: Spring crappie; warm-season bass and catfish
WHY GO
Mark Twain Lake
A big northern Missouri reservoir that rewards anglers who choose a target and section before launching.
Trip type: Long day / weekend
Targets: Crappie · Largemouth bass · Catfish
STARTER SETUPS
Pack for the target.
Not every fish.
Crappie
4–8 lb line with jigs/minnows around cover, channels and spawning areas.
4–8 lb line with jigs/minnows around cover, channels and spawning areas.
Bass
10–15 lb line
10–15 lb line; jigs, plastics and moving baits around wood and points.
Catfish
20–40+ lb line depending on target and cover
20–40+ lb line depending on target and cover; legal cut/live bait.
CURRENT NOTES
Rules that matter.
- MDC's 2026 report expects more 8–10 inch crappie in spring compared with 2025.
- Current special rules list a 15-inch minimum for black bass.
- Current special rules list a 26-inch minimum for blue and flathead catfish.
- Crappie daily limit is 15 under the current Mark Twain Lake special regulation.
OFFICIAL SOURCE
Verify before the drive.
Conditions and regulations change. Use the official agency source before a long trip.
Official fishing information