51 public waters in the Southeast region — 20 lakes/reservoirs and 31 rivers. Every one is public water fishable on a Missouri licence.
See every public fishing venue in Missouri on the map, with boat ramps, camping, parking and full rules for each one.
Iron and Washington Counties, Missouri — Mark Twain National Forest (Council Bluff Lake) is a 429-acre lake, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody): A lake on a conservation area in the Ozark highlands — clear, often spring-influenced water with largemouth and some Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Longear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish. Council Bluff, Fourche, McCormack, Loggers, Noblett and the other Mark Twain National Forest lakes.
Washington County, Missouri — Sunnen Lake is a 213-acre lake, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody): Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Big River Lake, a 114-acre lake in Jefferson, St. Francois, Washington and 1 more county in Missouri, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody): A lake on a Missouri Department of Conservation area — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, managed for quality with length limits on many. Boat access is usually electric-motor-only or car-top; a few allow small outboards.
Mark Twain National Forest (Palmer Lake), a 113-acre lake in Washington County, Missouri, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody): A lake on a Missouri Department of Conservation area — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, managed for quality with length limits on many. Boat access is usually electric-motor-only or car-top; a few allow small outboards.
In Washington County, Missouri, Palmer Lake is a 91-acre lake, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody). Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
In Washington County, Missouri, Hornsey Brothers Lake is a 50-acre lake, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody). Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Washington County, Missouri — Sayersbrook Lake is a 41-acre lake, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody): Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Courtois Creek Lake (30 acres) sits in Washington, Crawford and Iron Counties, Missouri, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody). A lake on a Missouri Department of Conservation area — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, managed for quality with length limits on many. Boat access is usually electric-motor-only or car-top; a few allow small outboards.
Mark Twain National Forest (Howell Lake) (28 acres) sits in Washington County, Missouri, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody). A lake on a Missouri Department of Conservation area — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, managed for quality with length limits on many. Boat access is usually electric-motor-only or car-top; a few allow small outboards.
Washington County, Missouri — Howell Lake is a 27-acre lake, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody): Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Pea Ridge Tailings Pond (26 acres) sits in Washington County, Missouri, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody). Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Washington County, Missouri — Keyes Branch Mine Tailings Pond is a 26-acre lake, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody): Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Potosi Lake, a 25-acre lake in Washington County, Missouri, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody): Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
In Washington County, Missouri, Wing Lake is a 20-acre lake, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody). Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Washington County, Missouri — Pine Forest Lake is a 15-acre lake, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody): Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Mineral Fork Lake (11 acres) sits in Washington County, Missouri, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody). A lake on a Missouri Department of Conservation area — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, managed for quality with length limits on many. Boat access is usually electric-motor-only or car-top; a few allow small outboards.
Washington County, Missouri — Mark Twain National Forest (Timberlane Lake) is a 10-acre lake, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody): A lake on a Missouri Department of Conservation area — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, managed for quality with length limits on many. Boat access is usually electric-motor-only or car-top; a few allow small outboards.
Washington County, Missouri — Pea Ridge CA (Hi Pointe Lake) is a 2-acre lake, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody): A lake on a Missouri Department of Conservation area — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, managed for quality with length limits on many. Boat access is usually electric-motor-only or car-top; a few allow small outboards.
Mark Twain National Forest (Turner Pond C91-S33) (2 acres) sits in Washington County, Missouri, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody). A lake on a Missouri Department of Conservation area — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, managed for quality with length limits on many. Boat access is usually electric-motor-only or car-top; a few allow small outboards.
In Washington County, Missouri, Potosi (Roger Bilderback Lake) is a 1-acre lake, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation (managed public waterbody). A lake on a Missouri Department of Conservation area — Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Crappie and Channel Catfish, managed for quality with length limits on many. Boat access is usually electric-motor-only or car-top; a few allow small outboards.
In Jefferson, St. Francois, Washington and 1 more county in Missouri, Big River is a 227 km river or creek. A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Courtois Creek runs 52 km through Washington, Crawford and Iron Counties, Missouri: A classic Ozark float stream (the Current, Jacks Fork, Eleven Point, Meramec, Niangua, Gasconade, Big Piney, Black, Huzzah, Courtois) — Smallmouth Bass, Goggle-Eye (Rock Bass), Longear Sunfish, and channel and Flathead Catfish, plus stocked and wild Trout in the cold spring-fed upper reaches of several. Spring-fed, gin-clear, gravel-bar-and-bluff canoe water; the Current and Jacks Fork are the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Mineral Fork runs 27 km through Washington and Jefferson Counties, Missouri: A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
In Washington and Crawford Counties, Missouri, Lost Creek is a 20 km river or creek. A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
In Washington and Crawford Counties, Missouri, Brazil Creek is a 18 km river or creek. A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Mine a Breton Creek runs 15 km through Washington County, Missouri: A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
In Washington County, Missouri, Fourche a Renault River is a 14 km river or creek. A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Mill Creek (14 km) flows through Washington, St. Francois and Jefferson Counties, Missouri. A Missouri blue-ribbon or trophy Trout stream (Crane Creek — a wild McCloud-strain rainbow population, the upper North Fork of the White, the Current above Montauk, Blue Springs Creek, Little Piney, Mill Creek, Barren Fork) — wild and stocked rainbow and Brown Trout in cold, clear, spring-fed Ozark water. Special regulations (flies-only, artificial-only, reduced creel) apply.
Washington County, Missouri — Hazel Creek is a 13 km stream: A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Washington and Franklin Counties, Missouri — Little Indian Creek is a 13 km stream: An Ozark smallmouth stream (the upper Gasconade, Big Piney, the Meramec headwaters, Big Sugar and Elk River, the upper Osage Fork, Bryant Creek) — clear, gravel-and-bluff water with wild Smallmouth Bass ('brown bass'), spotted and Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass ('Goggle-Eye'), and Longear Sunfish. Missouri has designated Smallmouth Bass Special Management Areas on many.
In Washington and Iron Counties, Missouri, Cub Creek is a 13 km river or creek. A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Clear Creek in Washington County's central region offers a compact but productive bass fishery in a half-kilometer stretch of Missouri public water. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass inhabit the same run alongside channel and flathead catfish, with bluegill and white bass providing lighter-tackle options. The tight quarters and mixed bass population make it ideal for anglers targeting structure-oriented species.
Cedar Creek runs 12 km through Iron and Washington Counties, Missouri: A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Washington County, Missouri — Old Mines Creek is a 12 km stream: A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
The Ozarks section of Clear Creek in Washington County delivers classic Missouri stream fishing in a short, intimate setting. All three black bass species—largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted—share the creek with channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, and white bass, making it a versatile destination for anglers experimenting with different tactics in moving water.
Doss Branch (10 km) flows through Crawford and Washington Counties, Missouri. A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
In Washington County, Missouri, Little Lost Creek is a 9 km river or creek. A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Dry Branch runs 9 km through Washington County, Missouri: A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Stater Creek (9 km) flows through Crawford and Washington Counties, Missouri. A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
In Washington and Crawford Counties, Missouri, Billys Branch is a 8 km river or creek. A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Reid Creek runs 10 km through Iron and Washington Counties, Missouri: A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Three Hill Creek (8 km) flows through St. Francois and Washington Counties, Missouri. A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
In Washington County, Missouri, Swan Branch is a 6 km river or creek. A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Washington County, Missouri — Brock Creek is a 8 km stream: A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Wallen Creek (8 km) flows through Washington County, Missouri. A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
In Washington and Jefferson Counties, Missouri, Calico Creek is a 7 km river or creek. A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Little Courtois Creek runs 8 km through Washington County, Missouri: A classic Ozark float stream (the Current, Jacks Fork, Eleven Point, Meramec, Niangua, Gasconade, Big Piney, Black, Huzzah, Courtois) — Smallmouth Bass, Goggle-Eye (Rock Bass), Longear Sunfish, and channel and Flathead Catfish, plus stocked and wild Trout in the cold spring-fed upper reaches of several. Spring-fed, gin-clear, gravel-bar-and-bluff canoe water; the Current and Jacks Fork are the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Lost Creek runs 7 km through Washington County, Missouri: A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Allen Branch runs 8 km through Washington County, Missouri: A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Scott Branch (7 km) flows through Washington County, Missouri. A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Greens Creek (8 km) flows through Washington and Crawford Counties, Missouri. A warmwater Missouri river or large creek — largemouth, smallmouth and Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, channel and Flathead Catfish, Bluegill and Longear Sunfish, and White Bass on the bigger ones. Wade or float; access at MDC river accesses and bridges.
Across its mapped waters, Washington County holds 21 species on PiscaMaps, including Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Longear Sunfish, Spotted Bass, Flathead Catfish and Rock Bass.
Ramps, put-ins and species for every water — plus the carp layer no other US app has.
Open the Missouri map Join PiscaMapsOne Missouri Department of Conservation fishing permit covers every public water in the state, the Corps and MDC reservoirs included — the resident annual is about $13, the non-resident annual about $52, with 1-day and 3-day permits sold. A ~$10 trout permit is required to fish for or keep trout in addition to the fishing permit (a 1-day permit alone is enough for that day), and the four trout parks charge a separate daily trout tag. Missouri residents 65 and older, and anyone 15 or under, need no fishing permit. Buy at mdc.mo.gov.