Missouri Fishing Forecast | Week of November 2, 2026
Week of November 2, 2026 · Freshwater · Missouri
The Missouri fishing forecast for the week of November 2, 2026 covers largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, crappie, channel catfish, white bass, blue catfish, and walleye. Open your region for a 7-day read on Table Rock, Lake of the Ozarks, Mississippi River, and Smithville Lake, and the other waters people actually fish.
Each day shows whether the bite looks worth the drive, plus the best window and the wind. It is a planning guide, not a promise of fish.
Missouri fishing regions
Click a region to open its forecast.
Ozarks fishing
Ozarks fishing forecast
Anglers searching for fishing in the Ozarks will discover a wealth of opportunities across its iconic waters. Many people choose to fish the renowned lake names like Table Rock, Bull Shoals, and the unique cold-water fishery of Taneycomo, all part of the expansive White River system, for where to fish. Here, you can target robust Largemouth Bass and feisty Smallmouth Bass throughout the warmer reservoirs, while Crappie provide consistent action in various depths. For those pursuing Rainbow Trout, the tailwaters of the White River, particularly below Taneycomo, offer exceptional opportunities. While not the primary focus, some anglers also appreciate the peacefulness of their surroundings.
Where to fish: Table Rock, Bull Shoals, Taneycomo, White River.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:37 AM and 5:14 PM. With the mercury at 9.5 degrees and the pressure dropping, Table Rock gave up some nice largemouth today, the southeast breeze and heavy sky making the creek arms prime spots before the snow or rain hit.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:38 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The 9. 6-degree water on Bull Shoals was a grind today, a moderate south wind and light drizzle making the bass finicky despite the steady pressure, keeping us searching the bluff ends for any takers , but we remained optimistic.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:39 AM and 5:12 PM. Fair largemouth bass fishing if you put in at Taneycomo. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water.
Light wind.
Use the first light at 6:40 AM, or the last hour before 5:11 PM. Put in at White River for largemouth bass. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:41 AM or 5:10 PM. largemouth bass at Table Rock: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Bull Shoals if largemouth bass is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Smallmouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (5:14 PM). On Table Rock, the falling pressure and a moderate southeast breeze, along with that 9.5 degree water and the promise of more moisture, made for a solid bite on the main lake points.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Dawn (6:38 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (5:13 PM). Bull Shoals was a tough chew today; despite the fairly warm 9.6 degree water and moderate southerly wind, those smallmouth stayed tight to structure under a steady pressure and light rain.
Water is too cold for bass.
Skip the bright middle of the day. The bite is the hour around 5:12 PM. The smallmouth bass.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
If you get one window, take the one ending at 5:11 PM. Put in at White River for smallmouth bass. The day rates poor. Fish rock points. Pause the bait on the rock. Cold smallmouth eat on the sit, not the hop.
Water is too cold for bass and pressure is rising.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (5:10 PM). smallmouth bass at Table Rock: a poor day if you fish the right water. Fish rock points. Stay tight to the bank early, then work out to the first drop.
Water is too cold for bass and light wind.
Dawn (6:42 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (5:09 PM). Start at Bull Shoals if smallmouth bass is the target. Poor day. Fish rock points. One good rock point is enough. Do not race the whole shoreline.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on smallmouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Rainbow Trout fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:37 AM and 5:14 PM. On Table Rock Monday, the falling pressure and dull skies with a southeast breeze meant the trout were likely active near points, especially with the water holding at 9.5 degrees.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:38 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Tuesday on Bull Shoals was a tough grind; the steady pressure and light rain seemed to keep the fish hunkered down, making us work hard for every nibble even with the water hovering around 9.6 degrees.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:39 AM and 5:12 PM. A fair bite greeted us on Taneycomo Wednesday, where the steady pressure and gray sky with a west wind made working the current seams with a slow drift a solid strategy for trout in the 7.3 degree flow.
Light wind.
Use the first light at 6:40 AM, or the last hour before 5:11 PM. Over on the White River Thursday, the bright, open skies and gentle west breeze meant a more subtle approach was needed, as the 7.2-degree water and steady pressure kept the rainbows wary.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:41 AM or 5:10 PM. Friday found the Table Rock trout tight-lipped under a clear sky and rising pressure, with the cold 6. 4-degree Celsius.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Bull Shoals if rainbow trout is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on rainbow trout days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Crappie fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:37 AM and 5:14 PM. On Table Rock, the crappie were biting well today, likely pushed by the moderate southeast wind and falling pressure, so we hit the wind-blown points where the water was a decent 9.5 degrees, even with the dreary sky threatening precipitation.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:38 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Bull Shoals was a grind, with a light drizzle and steady air pressure making the fish lethargic; we tried probing brush piles in 9. 6 feet under.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:39 AM and 5:12 PM. Fair crappie fishing if you put in at Taneycomo. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water.
Light wind.
Use the first light at 6:40 AM, or the last hour before 5:11 PM. Put in at White River for crappie. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:41 AM or 5:10 PM. crappie at Table Rock: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Bull Shoals if crappie is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on crappie days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Lake of the Ozarks / Central fishing
Lake of the Ozarks / Central fishing forecast
For anglers searching for walleye fishing or pike fishing, or specifically looking for lake names in the Lake of the Ozarks region, you will find abundant opportunities. When considering where to fish, the vast waters of Lake of the Ozarks itself are prime for Largemouth Bass, while Truman Lake provides excellent Crappie action. The Osage River and Niangua River are known for robust Channel Catfish populations, and White Bass often school in their lower reaches. These central Missouri waters hold a variety of popular sport fish for local and visiting anglers.
This week brings cold, clear conditions with a consistent wind across the water. Such cold typically slows the metabolism of fish, meaning a slower retrieve often triggers the best bite. The clear water might make fish more skittish, so longer casts and lighter lines could prove beneficial. Strong winds can position baitfish, concentrating predators like bass and crappie in sheltered coves or along wind-blown points.
Where to fish: Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, Osage River, Niangua River.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:37 AM and 5:09 PM. On this promising Monday at Lake of the Ozarks, with a falling glass and a warm southerly breeze pushing into the coves, the bass were active in the stained water, readily hitting spinnerbaits near submerged brush.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:38 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Despite a steady gauge and a gentle rain on Truman Lake, the largemouth were sluggish, requiring slow presentations of jigs around deeper timber where they sought refuge from the persistent drizzle.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. A challenging Wednesday on the Osage River saw the cold seven-degree water and a brisk westerly blow making the bass hard to tempt, holding tight to cover on rocky points and refusing fast-moving lures.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Use the first light at 6:41 AM, or the last hour before 5:06 PM. The clear skies and chilly seven-degree water on the Niangua River prompted us to target deeper bends and drop-offs, where a few quality bass were coaxed into biting slow-rolled swimbaits despite the steady conditions.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:42 AM or 5:05 PM. A tough Friday on Lake of the Ozarks saw the rising air pressure and plummeting water temperatures, now barely above six degrees, push the bass deep into brush piles, making them finicky even under the gray sky.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. With the water dipping below six degrees and a light north wind chilling the air, Truman Lake proved a challenge, as the largemouth were hunkered down in the coldest depths, requiring extreme patience and finesse jigs to even draw a look.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Crappie fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:37 AM and 5:09 PM. On Lake of the Ozarks, with the pressure dropping and a steady south wind under a gray sky, the crappie were active in the 9.4 C water, so we hit the brush piles for a good haul.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:38 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Truman Lake proved challenging; a light rain and steady pressure under a dull sky kept the crappie tight-lipped, even with a south breeze and 9.5 C water, making us work hard for each nibble.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Slow crappie fishing if you put in at Osage River. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Use the first light at 6:41 AM, or the last hour before 5:06 PM. Put in at Niangua River for crappie. The day rates fair. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:42 AM or 5:05 PM. crappie at Lake of the Ozarks: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Truman Lake if crappie is the target. Slow day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on crappie days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Channel Catfish fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:37 AM and 5:09 PM. On Lake of the Ozarks, those big channel cats were hitting hard with the southerly breeze and dropping glass, making for a prime bite near the main lake points where the water was a balmy 9.4 degrees Celsius.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:38 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The catfish in Truman Lake were a bit finicky today, barely nudging the lines despite the gentle rain and steady air, keeping us working hard in the 9.5-degree Celsius water.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Working the Osage River was a grind; the west wind and cooler 7.5-degree Celsius water made those channel cats hesitant to feed, even under the gray sky.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Use the first light at 6:41 AM, or the last hour before 5:06 PM. A clear sky over the Niangua River meant a fair but challenging bite; we had to really finesse the bait in the 7.0-degree Celsius flow to entice any channel cats out of their holding spots.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:42 AM or 5:05 PM. Lake of the Ozarks was a tough nut to crack as the air pushed up and the water dipped to 6.4 degrees Celsius, making the channel catfish incredibly passive in the light northwesterly breeze.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. With Truman Lake’s water dropping to a chilly 5.9 degrees Celsius and a light northerly air current, the channel cats were hunkered down, requiring patience and precise presentations to get a nibble.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on channel catfish days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
White Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:37 AM and 5:09 PM. On Lake of the Ozarks, the falling pressure and a steady south breeze had those white bass chasing shad in the morning, making for a solid start to the week.
Enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:38 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Truman Lake was a tough bite today; even with a gentle rain, those whites were holding tight to structure, requiring a careful jig presentation.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Working the Osage River proved challenging as the cooler water and a persistent west wind kept the white bass hunkered down, demanding slow retrieves near current breaks.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Use the first light at 6:41 AM, or the last hour before 5:06 PM. The Niangua River offered a fair bite, but the clear skies meant pitching smaller jigs into deeper holes was key to tempting the more wary fish.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:42 AM or 5:05 PM. A rising air column and the cooling water on Lake of the Ozarks really put the brakes on the white bass, forcing us to thoroughly work any suspected deep-water congregation.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Truman Lake was a grind with the frigid water and a subtle north air movement, making it crucial to locate the deepest thermal refuge for any potential schooling action.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on white bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
St. Louis / east fishing
St. Louis / east fishing forecast
For anglers searching for fishing in the St. Louis / east region, the mighty Mississippi River and the expansive Missouri River offer diverse opportunities. If you’re wondering where to fish for trophy Largemouth Bass, Mark Twain Lake is a prime destination, known among lake names for its excellent sportfishing. The Cuivre River also provides good spots for Channel Catfish, and many local anglers find the best bite for Crappie around submerged structures. While walleye fishing and pike fishing might not be the primary focus in these waters compared to other species, dedicated anglers can still pursue them in certain stretches. Blue Catfish are another popular target, especially in the deeper channels of the larger rivers.
This week’s conditions suggest a clear sky with a brisk wind picking up, which means anglers should consider sheltered coves and downstream bends for the best bite. The air is cold, but no significant snow is in the forecast, allowing for comfortable days on the water for those prepared. Water temperatures remain chilly, encouraging fish to hold to deeper structure, so where to fish effectively will involve vertical presentations or slower retrieves. This cold, clear weather often concentrates baitfish, which in turn can make predator fish more predictable in their feeding patterns.
Where to fish: Mississippi River, Missouri River, Mark Twain Lake, Cuivre River.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:28 AM and 4:59 PM. A good push on the Mississippi River today, with that falling pressure and southerly breeze making those wind-swept eddy lines prime targets for an active bite in the 8.5 degree water.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:30 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The Missouri River offered a fair bite; the rising water temperature to 9.6 degrees and persistent southerly air movement suggested focusing on submerged timber where bass might ambush in the impending wet conditions.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:31 AM and 4:57 PM. A tough grind on Mark ‘s patience.
Pressure is rising.
Use the first light at 6:32 AM, or the last hour before 4:56 PM. Put in at Cuivre River for largemouth bass. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:33 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. largemouth bass at Mississippi River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Missouri River if largemouth bass is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Channel Catfish fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:28 AM and 4:59 PM. On the Mississippi River, with the sky a uniform gray and a steady south breeze, the falling air pressure meant the cats were likely active in the shallower backwater eddies, making for a solid bite.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:30 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The Missouri River offered a decent bite today as the continued drop in atmospheric weight and a warm southerly blow, despite the sleet starting to fall, had the channel cats holding near current breaks, ready to feed.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:31 AM and 4:57 PM. Fishing Mark Twain Lake was tough; the skies were leaden and the shift to a rising air mass with a brisk west wind, coupled with the wet weather, pushed the catfish deep into submerged timber, making them lethargic.
Pressure is rising.
Use the first light at 6:32 AM, or the last hour before 4:56 PM. The Cuivre River was particularly challenging; under a bright, cloudless sky and a steady west wind, the steadily increasing air density following the cold snap kept the channel cats hunkered down in the deepest holes, refusing most offerings.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:33 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. On the Mississippi River, with the atmosphere thickening and a light northwest breeze under a low, uniform sky, the dropping water temperature had the catfish extremely finicky, requiring a patient presentation near structure.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Despite the consistent atmospheric conditions and a gentle northwest airflow over the Missouri River, the consistently cool water meant the active catfish were found in sun-warmed shallows, offering a moderate but rewarding catch.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on channel catfish days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Crappie fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:28 AM and 4:59 PM. Falling pressure and moderate S wind often push crappie shallower; I’ll start by jigging the eddy lines near submerged timber on the Mississippi River, hoping for an aggressive bite.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:30 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. With that sustained southerly breeze and the water warming up slightly on the Missouri River, I’ll be targeting brush piles in shallower depths, expecting the crappie to be active despite the impending weather.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:31 AM and 4:57 PM. The rising pressure and western wind usually make for a tough bite on Mark Twain Lake, so I’ll be searching deeper creek channels with a slow retrieve, trying to coax a few reluctant slabs.
Pressure is rising.
Use the first light at 6:32 AM, or the last hour before 4:56 PM. A clear sky and rising pressure on the Cuivre River usually means the crappie are hunkered down, so I’ll be meticulously working main channel bends with a tiny jig, hoping to find a concentration.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:33 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The dropping water temperature and light northwest wind on the Mississippi River will likely push the crappie tight to cover, requiring precise presentations around laydowns to entice a strike.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Despite the steady pressure and chilly water on the Missouri River, a gentle northwest breeze might position crappie on the leeward side of structures, making them accessible with patient vertical jigging.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on crappie days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Blue Catfish fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:28 AM and 4:59 PM. The dropping air pressure and a steady south breeze on the Mississippi River had the blue cats hitting hard in the deep bends, with the water temp a decent 8.5 degrees and no rain.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:30 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Despite the wet weather and a continued drop in the air, the Missouri River offered fair action in the scour holes, as a south push kept the water at a respectable 9.6 degrees.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:31 AM and 4:57 PM. The Mark Twain Lake bite was excellent.
Pressure is rising.
Use the first light at 6:32 AM, or the last hour before 4:56 PM. Put in at Cuivre River for blue catfish. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:33 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. blue catfish at Mississippi River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Start at Missouri River if blue catfish is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on blue catfish days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Kansas City / west fishing
Kansas City / west fishing forecast
For anglers searching for where to fish near Kansas City, numerous lake names offer diverse opportunities. Smithville Lake, Lake Jacomo, and Longview Lake are popular choices for Largemouth Bass and Crappie, providing excellent sport. Many people enjoy walleye fishing in these larger reservoirs, though Walleye can be more elusive depending on the season. The mighty Missouri River provides excellent chances for Channel Catfish, presenting a different challenge for those seeking a strong fight, and while pike fishing isn’t a primary focus in these specific waters, the variety of game fish ensures there’s something for every angler.
This week’s conditions suggest a strategic approach will yield the best bite. The air is cold, and recent snow has left the landscape white, though the skies are currently clear. Strong winds are a factor, making boat control challenging on open water. Anglers should anticipate fish moving to deeper, more sheltered areas to escape the wind and seek stable temperatures. A slower presentation near structure or drop-offs will likely be more effective as fish activity levels are reduced in these cooler, windy conditions.
Where to fish: Smithville Lake, Lake Jacomo, Missouri River, Longview Lake.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:47 AM and 5:15 PM. At Smithville Lake, with light rain and a moderate south wind pushing in, the falling pressure had some bass looking up in the shallow cover, though the 9.3 C water kept the bite from being red hot.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:48 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Lake Jacomo proved tough with the light rain and rising pressure, as the 8.3 C water had largemouth hunkered down on deep structure, making them incredibly reluctant to chase anything.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. The Missouri River bite was sluggish under the overcast sky and moderate west wind, with the 6.9 C water holding bass tight to current seams and deep eddies where they just weren’t very aggressive.
Pressure is rising.
Use the first light at 6:50 AM, or the last hour before 5:12 PM. At Longview Lake, the rising pressure and frigid 6.2 C water made for a lethargic bite under the overcast sky, with fish suspended deep over structure or buried in thick brush piles.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:51 AM or 5:11 PM. Smithville Lake was a real grind under the clear sky and light west wind, as the continued rising pressure and a bitter 5.8 C water temperature kept bass glued to the very bottom, barely moving.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:52 AM and 5:10 PM. Despite the brutal 4.7 C water at Lake Jacomo, the steady pressure and scattered clouds with a light southeast wind actually coaxed a few bass out of the deepest holes, especially near sun-warmed rock banks.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Crappie fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:47 AM and 5:15 PM. On Smithville Lake, with light rain and a moderate south wind pushing in, the falling pressure might have those crappie tucked tight to brush piles in about 15 feet of water.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:48 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Lake Jacomo’s crappie might be a tough bite with the pressure on the rise and a moderate southwest wind, so I’ll slow roll jigs around standing timber where the water’s a tad warmer.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. On the table.
Pressure is rising.
Use the first light at 6:50 AM, or the last hour before 5:12 PM. Put in at Longview Lake for crappie. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:51 AM or 5:11 PM. crappie at Smithville Lake: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:52 AM and 5:10 PM. Start at Lake Jacomo if crappie is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on crappie days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Channel Catfish fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:47 AM and 5:15 PM. On Smithville Lake, with the south wind and a dropping glass, the catfish should be cruising the warmer shallows despite the light drizzle, making the main lake points a good starting spot.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:48 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The rising atmospheric weight and a cool southwest breeze made for a tough bite on Lake Jacomo, suggesting the deeper channel edges might hold some sluggish cats away from the light precipitation.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Fishing the mighty Missouri River today, the steady air and chilly water temperatures with a west wind meant anchoring near current breaks or submerged timber offered the best chance for a reluctant channel cat.
Pressure is rising.
Use the first light at 6:50 AM, or the last hour before 5:12 PM. Longview Lake was quiet with the light westerly breeze stirring reeds softly.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:51 AM or 5:11 PM. channel catfish at Smithville Lake: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:52 AM and 5:10 PM. Start at Lake Jacomo if channel catfish is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on channel catfish days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Walleye fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (5:15 PM). Despite the light rain, Smithville Lake’s falling pressure and moderate south wind had me optimistic for a decent walleye bite, especially working those main lake points where the water held at 9.3 degrees Celsius.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Dawn (6:48 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (5:14 PM). The rising pressure at Lake Jacomo, coupled with the cooling 8.3-degree Celsius water and a moderate southwest wind, made for a challenging day, demanding patient jigging on the deeper structure.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Skip the bright middle of the day. The bite is the hour around 5:13 PM. Slow walleye fishing if you put in at Missouri River. Fish points and inside turns. A slow drag along the inside turn beats a fast retrieve on a still evening.
Pressure is rising.
If you get one window, take the one ending at 5:12 PM. Put in at Longview Lake for walleye. The day rates slow. Fish points and inside turns. If the first point is empty, move. Walleye rarely sit on every point the same night.
Pressure is rising.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (5:11 PM). walleye at Smithville Lake: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish points and inside turns. Keep the bait near bottom on the break. They are not chasing far this week.
Light wind.
Dawn (6:52 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (5:10 PM). Start at Lake Jacomo if walleye is the target. Fair day. Fish points and inside turns. Give each spot twenty minutes, then leave. Cover water until one point loads up.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on walleye days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Northern Missouri fishing
Northern Missouri fishing forecast
While some anglers might be searching for fishing in Saskatchewan, the Northern Missouri region provides outstanding freshwater action worth exploring. For those wondering where to fish, excellent lake names to consider include Mark Twain Lake, Thomas Hill, and Thousand Hills, along with the flowing waters of the Salt River. These diverse waters are home to healthy populations of Largemouth Bass, abundant Crappie, and hard- fighting Walleye.
Where to fish: Mark Twain Lake, Thomas Hill, Thousand Hills, Salt River.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:41 AM and 5:05 PM. Mark Twain Lake’s hard south wind and falling pressure, with that light rain starting, had me looking for active bass tucked tight to flooded timber, hoping they’d feed before the big front hit.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:42 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Over on Thomas Hill, the continued dip in the mercury and a steady south blow pointed us towards the main lake points, where those 8.7 C waters might keep the bass chasing a jig or a crankbait.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. Slow largemouth bass fishing if you put in at Thousand Hills. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water.
Pressure is rising.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:44 AM and 5:02 PM. Put in at Salt River for largemouth bass. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:45 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. largemouth bass at Mark Twain Lake: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:46 AM and 5:00 PM. Start at Thomas Hill if largemouth bass is the target. Fair day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Crappie fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:41 AM and 5:05 PM. With a hard southerly blow and falling conditions at Mark Twain Lake, crappie were likely hunkered down in deeper timber, demanding a slow troll with minnows to tempt a bite.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:42 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The moderate south wind at Thomas Hill, coupled with the plummeting glass, suggested crappie might be staging in brush piles off windy points, requiring a sensitive feel for light takes.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. A steady glass and moderate west breeze at Thousand Hills made for a tough bite, so I probed creek channels with a slow-moving jig, hoping to intercept a few lethargic slabs.
Pressure is rising.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:44 AM and 5:02 PM. Despite the moderate southwest wind and the improving glass at Salt River, the crappie bite remained sluggish, forcing me to meticulously work submerged timber with a tiny jig to coax any interest.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:45 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. The biting north wind and continued rising glass at Mark Twain Lake sent the crappie deep into the main lake’s standing timber, necessitating a vertical presentation with slow-falling plastics.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:46 AM and 5:00 PM. A gentle north whisper and stable glass at Thomas Hill, combined with the frigid water, meant crappie were likely nestled tight to the warmest deep-water structure, requiring patience and a subtle live-bait offering.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on crappie days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Channel Catfish fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:41 AM and 5:05 PM. Falling pressure and a hard south wind often push catfish to shallower, warmer spots, but that light rain mixed with potential snow makes me think the bite on Mark Twain Lake will be a tough grind, probably best to start on wind-blown points.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:42 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. With a falling glass and a steady south breeze on Thomas Hill, I’m expecting the channel cats to be active in the warmer discharge areas, even with that sleet in the air, so I’ll hit the warm water arm first.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Cloud cover keeps the shallow bite alive past mid-morning. A slow bite is expected on Thousand Hills today with that steady pressure and cool 6.6C water, so I’ll be targeting deeper structure where the moderate west wind might be pushing baitfish.
Pressure is rising.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:44 AM and 5:02 PM. The rising pressure and cooler 6.5C water on Salt River suggest a challenging bite, making me want to focus on current breaks and deeper holes, hoping the moderate southwest wind concentrates them.
Pressure is rising.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:45 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. After yesterday’s rise, this cold front with a moderate north wind and dropping water temps to 5.7C on Mark Twain Lake will likely put the catfish in a funk, so I’m thinking main lake humps and channel bends.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:46 AM and 5:00 PM. With the water temperature dipping to a frigid 4.8C and a light north breeze on Thomas Hill, a steady glass might mean a few active fish near the power plant discharge, but I’m not holding my breath for a hot bite.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on channel catfish days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Walleye fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (5:05 PM). On Mark Twain Lake, with a hard south blow and the glass dropping, we worked the main lake points where the bait was getting pushed, hoping the rain would spark a bite in that 8.3-degree water.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
Dawn (6:42 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (5:04 PM). The moderate south wind on Thomas Hill, coupled with a steady pressure drop and 8.7-degree water, had us jigging the rip-rap banks where warmer water pockets might hold feeding fish.
Steady weather, no strong push either way.
Skip the bright middle of the day. The bite is the hour around 5:03 PM. A west wind kept the bite tough on Thousand Hills, where the steady air and overcast sky didn’t quite make up for the 6.6-degree chill, so we dragged jigs slowly on the deeper breaks.
Pressure is rising.
If you get one window, take the one ending at 5:02 PM. We picked at a few on Salt River, where the rising air and moderate southwest breeze meant the 6.5-degree water required a finesse approach, targeting subtle structure changes off the main channel.
Pressure is rising.
Be on the spot for the last hour before sunset (5:01 PM). The bite was definitely off on Mark Twain Lake today; a stiff north wind and the pressure climbing, combined with the 5.7-degree water, had us searching for any active fish near submerged timber.
Light wind.
Dawn (6:46 AM) is the backup if you cannot stay for sunset (5:00 PM). On Thomas Hill, despite the water dropping to 4.8 degrees, a light north breeze and steady air offered a fair opportunity to find lethargic walleye tucked into protected coves, responding to slow-rolled plastics.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on walleye days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Southeast fishing
Southeast fishing forecast
Anglers keen on walleye fishing or pike fishing in Southeast Saskatchewan often look for specific lake names and where to fish, perhaps imagining pursuits like catching Largemouth Bass in warmer waters or Crappie from the Mississippi River or Wappapello. Here, the focus shifts to robust northern pike and plentiful walleye, which thrive across numerous local lakes and reservoirs. Many also find excellent opportunities.
Where to fish: Mississippi River, Wappapello, Clearwater Lake, Castor River.
Largemouth Bass fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:24 AM and 4:58 PM. On Boundary Dam Reservoir, a falling glass and a south breeze had the big girls biting shallow, especially near the warm water discharge.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:25 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Fishing Alameda Reservoir with a stiff south wind and sleet meant hugging the protected banks, where a jig-and-pig might tempt a few lethargic bass from the deeper cover.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:26 AM and 4:56 PM. Rafferty Reservoir was a grind today; with the air chilling and the water dropping to eight degrees, fishing proved quite difficult.
Light wind.
Use the first light at 6:27 AM, or the last hour before 4:55 PM. Put in at Castor River for largemouth bass. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:28 AM or 4:54 PM. largemouth bass at Mississippi River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:29 AM and 4:53 PM. Start at Wappapello if largemouth bass is the target. Slow day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on largemouth bass days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Crappie fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:24 AM and 4:58 PM. On Mississippi River, the falling air and a steady south breeze had the crappie biting strong near the submerged timber, a real good start to the week.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:25 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Wappapello was a grind with that fierce south wind and wet weather, but working the lee side of the main points eventually turned up a fair number of crappie holding tight to cover.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:26 AM and 4:56 PM. The crappie on Clearwater Lake were real sluggish today, with that rising atmospheric pressure and chilly rain making them hug the deeper brush piles.
Light wind.
Use the first light at 6:27 AM, or the last hour before 4:55 PM. Castor River proved tough under the clear sky and steady air, forcing us to probe the deepest creek channels to coax any bites from the cold-stunned crappie.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:28 AM or 4:54 PM. Back on Mississippi River, the rising air and a cold northwest puff kept the crappie tight-lipped, making us search the warmest, most protected pockets for a few nibblers.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:29 AM and 4:53 PM. Wappapello was a real grind with that icy water and bright sun, the crappie hunkered down in the deepest structure, barely moving despite our best efforts.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on crappie days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Channel Catfish fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:24 AM and 4:58 PM. On the Mississippi River, the good bite was on, with falling pressure and a moderate south breeze pushing baitfish right into our spot.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:25 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. Wappapello was a fair day despite the hard south wind and falling pressure, as a bit of snow and rain seemed to keep the channels somewhat active near the submerged timber.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:26 AM and 4:56 PM. Clearwater Lake proved tough going, with the rising pressure and cooler 8-degree water making the catfish sluggish, even with a moderate southwest wind stirring things up.
Light wind.
Use the first light at 6:27 AM, or the last hour before 4:55 PM. Fishing the Castor River was a slow grind under a clear sky and light west wind, as the frigid 7.2 C water had those whiskers hunkered down deep on a steady pressure system.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:28 AM or 4:54 PM. Back on the Mississippi River, the bite was minimal; the cold 6.7 C water combined with a rising pressure trend and a gentle northwest air movement just shut them down completely.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:29 AM and 4:53 PM. Wappapello delivered another challenging outing, as the extremely cold 5.3 C water temperature and clear conditions meant we had to work every inch of the bottom for a single strike.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on channel catfish days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Blue Catfish fishing — 7-day forecast
Pressure is falling.
Overcast lets you fish through the day, with a bump at 6:24 AM and 4:58 PM. Good bite today, we found the channel cats active in the deeper cuts of Alameda Reservoir, especially with those heavy skies and a steady south breeze stirring things up, and the falling air pressure seemed to really get them moving off the bottom in that 8.6-degree water.
Pressure is falling and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
No need to race the sun. Start near 6:25 AM and stay as long as the sky stays grey. It was a fair go at Rafferty Reservoir, despite the dull conditions and a real stiff southerly pushing us around; the cats were holding tight to structures near shore, making them tough targets.
Pressure is rising and enough rain or snow to dirty inflows.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:26 AM and 4:56 PM. Slow blue catfish fishing if you put in at Clearwater Lake. Fish the first break. If the first spot is quiet, move. Do not grind an empty piece of water. Runoff may dirty the inflows, so start off the mouth.
Light wind.
Use the first light at 6:27 AM, or the last hour before 4:55 PM. Put in at Castor River for blue catfish. The day rates slow. Fish the first break. Fish the windward side only if you can hold the boat. Otherwise take the lee.
Pressure is rising.
Midday is the slow stretch. Plan around 6:28 AM or 4:54 PM. blue catfish at Mississippi River: a slow day if you fish the right water. Fish the first break. Give the spot time, then leave. Covering water finds the school.
Light wind.
The useful hours bookend the day: 6:29 AM and 4:53 PM. Start at Wappapello if blue catfish is the target. Slow day. Fish the first break. Once you contact fish, stay on that contour for the rest of the hour.
Time of day: dawn and dusk are the default windows. Solunar peaks sit near moonrise, moonset, and the two moon-transit times on blue catfish days marked Good or Fair. Water clarity is estimated from rain and wind, not a live gauge.
Missouri fishing forecast questions
Where should I fish in Missouri this week?
Start with the region closest to you. This page covers Ozarks, Lake of the Ozarks, St. Louis, Kansas City. Named waters include Table Rock, Bull Shoals, Taneycomo, White River. Open that region for the 7-day read.
What are people fishing for in Missouri?
The forecast is written for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout. Each region names the water to start on, including Table Rock.
When is the best time of day to fish in Missouri?
Use the day card, not a fixed hour. Walleye and smallmouth often bite in the hour before sunset. Lake trout are a midday fish in deep water. Table Rock prints sunrise, sunset, and the solunar periods in local time.
How do I read the Missouri fishing forecast?
Each day shows the bite label, wind, pressure trend, cloud, and precipitation. A falling barometer is marked because it often pulls fish up. A wind over 30 km/h means fish the lee shore.
Which Missouri water should I start on?
If you are near Ozarks, start at Table Rock. The next named water on this page is Bull Shoals. Open the region for the 7-day bite, not a guess from the map.
Do I need to worry about ice in Missouri this week?
No. This week’s forecast does not show a freeze. Fish open water. The ice question only appears after at least two nights at or below freezing.
What does the Missouri fishing forecast use?
Each Missouri day uses pressure trend, wind, cloud, precipitation, sunrise and sunset, moon phase, and solunar times. Water temperature is estimated from the air and the season. It is a planning guide, not a promise of fish.
More forecasts: Freshwater Fishing Forecast map · View Missouri’s bug forecast
About this forecast
Weather comes from OpenWeather at a representative point in each region. Water temperature is estimated from the week’s air temperatures and the season. It is not a buoy reading. Moon phase is calculated from the date. Solunar periods are the dawn, dusk, moonrise, and moonset windows, not a minute-by-minute table. Pressure trend compares the first and last reading of each day. A falling barometer with light wind and broken cloud is treated as a better bite than a rising barometer and a hard wind.