UTERBlue catfish fishing in Missouri freshwater
In Missouri freshwater, blue catfish peak October–July and are around year-round, spawning in June–July, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Truman and Lake of the Ozarks blues in the creek channels; the Mississippi at St. Louis.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Blue catfish in Missouri freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeakTruman and Lake of the Ozarks blues in the creek channels; the Mississippi at St. Louis.
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeak
- AprilPeak
- MayPeak
- JuneSpawning
- JulySpawning
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish blue catfish near Table Rock Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake
Ozark highland reservoirs, spring-fed trout parks, clear smallmouth rivers, Truman's flooded timber, and the paddlefish runs and big-river catfish.
What to use for blue catfish
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 40–90°F water, best at 55–80°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch blue catfish in Missouri freshwater?
Peak season is October–July, with fish spawning in June–July (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Blue catfish are here year-round. January: Truman and Lake of the Ozarks blues in the creek channels; the Mississippi at St. Louis.
Where do blue catfish hold in Missouri freshwater?
Look on river, reservoir, lake, bridge — around Table Rock Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, Bull Shoals, Current River, Bennett Spring.
What is the best bait for blue catfish in Missouri freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, minnows (fatheads, shiners). Nightcrawlers: Whole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for blue catfish in Missouri freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and change — read the current rule at https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://mdc.mo.gov/permits.
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