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Missouri · Fishing
Fishing around Columbia, Missouri centers on a handful of accessible lakes within or close to the city, with Bo Co Mo Lake, Hulen Lake, and Swan Lake making up the core of what's available.
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Fishing around Columbia, Missouri centers on a handful of accessible lakes within or close to the city, with Bo Co Mo Lake, Hulen Lake, and Swan Lake making up the core of what's available. These are calm, flatwater fisheries — the kind of places where you can launch a kayak or set up on the bank without a lot of gear or planning overhead. Bo Co Mo Lake and Hulen Lake both appear more than once in the local listings, which reflects how consistently they draw anglers looking for a reliable half-day outing. None of these waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so expectations should be set accordingly — you're fishing managed Missouri lakes, which typically means largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie rather than trophy trout. That said, for someone who wants to wet a line without driving two hours to the Ozarks, the Columbia area delivers a reasonable range of options across different parts of the city. Access is generally straightforward, and most spots are approachable for beginners and families while still giving experienced anglers enough to work with if they're willing to put in time reading the water.
These are managed Missouri lakes, so the most common catches are largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie. None of these waters are designated gold-medal or wild-trout fisheries, so don't plan around trout unless you've confirmed a specific stocking event through the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid Missouri fishing permit to fish any of these waters. You can purchase one online through the Missouri Department of Conservation website or at local retailers. Check MDC's site for current fees and any exemption dates they run during the year.
Hulen Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Mark Twain Lake - Frank Russell Access
~1h 20m drive
Easy
Hulen Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Bo Co Mo Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Bo Co Mo Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Swan Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
McKenzie Lake
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Prater Lake
~28 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Williams Lake
~30 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Williams Lake
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Triple Cove Reservoir
~32 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Matthews Lake
~35 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Also worth it near here
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for bass and crappie on flatwater lakes like these. Catfish tend to feed more actively after dark, especially in warmer months, so an evening session that runs into dusk can be worth the extra time.
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations well across all three lakes. For bass, soft plastics and shallow-running crankbaits work on the banks and any visible structure. For catfish, cut bait or chicken liver on a simple bottom rig is a reliable setup. Bring a valid license, sunscreen, and enough water — shade can be limited depending on where you set up.
Yes, all three lakes are reasonable choices for newer anglers and families. The bank access is manageable, the fish species are forgiving for beginners learning to set a hook, and you don't need a boat to have a productive outing. Hulen Lake and Bo Co Mo Lake in particular are well-used community spots, so you're unlikely to feel out of place showing up with basic gear.
