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Missouri · Fishing
Piedmont sits at the edge of Clearwater Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Black River in Wayne County, and that geography shapes just about every fishing trip you'll plan here.
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Piedmont sits at the edge of Clearwater Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Black River in Wayne County, and that geography shapes just about every fishing trip you'll plan here. The lake itself is the main draw, offering lake fishing out of Bluff View Marina, which gives you boat launch access and a staging point for working the deeper water. But the Black River doesn't stop being fishable just because there's a dam — River Road Park puts you on moving water where the river character is still present, and the Bluff View area also covers river fishing along Clearwater Lake's margins where current and still water mix. Expect a mix of largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish species typical of Ozark plateau reservoirs and their tailwaters. The terrain here is hilly and wooded, which means shaded banks and some access points that require a short walk. This is a workable destination for anglers of most skill levels — you don't need a boat to fish Piedmont, but having one opens up significantly more of Clearwater Lake.
No. River Road Park offers bank fishing access on the river, and the Bluff View area has spots where you can fish from shore along the lake margins. That said, Bluff View Marina is set up for boaters, and getting out on the water gives you access to the main lake structure where bass and crappie tend to hold.
Clearwater Lake and the Black River system support largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and various sunfish. The reservoir's Ozark setting and relatively clear water make it decent bass habitat. Check current Missouri Department of Conservation reports for any seasonal stocking activity or population surveys specific to Clearwater Lake.
Bluff View(clearwater Lake)
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Markham Springs
~28 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Pinewoods Lake Rec Area
~29 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Sutton Bluff Recreation Area
~42 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Clearwater Lake
~2 min drive
Moderate
Lake Wappapello
~55 min drive
Easy
River Road Park
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Bluff View Marina
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Loggers Lake Campground
~53 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Eagle Point Recreation Area
~55 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Jacks Fork River - Alley Spring Section
~1h 4m drive
Moderate
Highway K
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Also worth it near here
You need a valid Missouri fishing permit, available through the Missouri Department of Conservation online or at local vendors. If you're fishing from a boat on Clearwater Lake, make sure your vessel registration is current as well. Regulations on Clearwater Lake fall under standard Missouri state rules — check the MDC website for any area-specific restrictions before you go.
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are the most productive windows, particularly for bass on the lake. Catfish at River Road Park tend to bite well into the evening and overnight. Midday fishing in summer can slow down significantly as water temperatures rise, so plan your access around those low-light periods if you can.
For lake fishing out of Bluff View Marina, a medium-action rod with a selection of soft plastics, crankbaits, and jigs covers most bass and crappie situations on Clearwater Lake. For river fishing at River Road Park, lighter tackle and live bait like nightcrawlers or cut bait work well for catfish and sunfish. Bring wading shoes if you want to work the shallower river sections, and pack sun protection — the lake has limited shade once you're on the water.
