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Missouri · Fishing
Troy, Missouri sits in Lincoln County about an hour northwest of St. Louis, and its fishing scene is built around a handful of accessible lakes rather than big rivers or reservoirs.
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Troy, Missouri sits in Lincoln County about an hour northwest of St. Louis, and its fishing scene is built around a handful of accessible lakes rather than big rivers or reservoirs. Girl Scout Lake, Genteman Lake, Lake Lincoln, and Shady Eighty Ranch Lake are the four fishable waters listed here, and each one offers a different access situation — some public, some private or fee-based — so it pays to confirm before you load up the truck. Lake fishing in this part of Missouri typically means bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie, with spring and early fall being the most productive windows. The terrain is flat to gently rolling, which keeps things accessible for anglers of most fitness levels, and you won't need a boat to fish any of these lakes effectively from the bank. If you're driving in from St. Louis or the surrounding counties, Troy makes for a reasonable day trip without the crowds you'd find at larger state-managed lakes. None of the waters listed here carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so expectations should be set accordingly — this is solid, relaxed lake fishing rather than a destination trophy fishery.
Yes, a valid Missouri fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older at all four lakes. You can purchase one online through the Missouri Department of Conservation website or at local sporting goods retailers in Troy. Check whether any private lakes like Shady Eighty Ranch Lake require an additional day-use or access fee on top of the state license.
Lake fishing in Lincoln County typically produces largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie. None of the listed waters are designated gold-medal or wild-trout fisheries, so trout are not a realistic target here. Bass and panfish are your most consistent options across Girl Scout Lake, Genteman Lake, Lake Lincoln, and Shady Eighty Ranch Lake.
Lake Lincoln
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Meramec River - Castlewood Access
~1h 10m drive
Easy
Girl Scout Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Shady Eighty Ranch Lake
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Genteman Lake
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Number One Lake
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Kings Lake
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Clear Pond
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Watson Lake
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near IL.
Lake Saint Louise
~30 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Squirrel Run Lake
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Mud Slough
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Also worth it near here
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for bass and crappie in Missouri lake fishing. Catfish tend to bite more reliably after dark, especially in warmer months. Midday fishing in summer slows down considerably as water temperatures rise.
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations across these lakes. For bass, bring a mix of soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures. For panfish and crappie, light tackle with small jigs or live bait like worms and minnows works well. A simple tackle box, a cooler, and polarized sunglasses round out a practical setup.
Yes, lake fishing from the bank is one of the more beginner-friendly setups you can find, and all four lakes near Troy fit that profile. Bluegill in particular are easy to catch on simple rigs and are a good starting point for younger anglers. Just confirm access and any posted rules at each location before you arrive, since private lakes may have restrictions on the number of guests or fishing methods.
