UTERWalleye fishing in Missouri freshwater
In Missouri freshwater, walleye peak March–April and November and are around year-round, spawning in March, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Spawn runs up the Black and St. Francis rivers; Stockton and Bull Shoals.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Walleye in Missouri freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryArriving
- MarchSpawningSpawn runs up the Black and St. Francis rivers; Stockton and Bull Shoals.
- AprilPeak
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberAround
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish walleye 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 walleye
- 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.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- 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.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 34–78°F water, best at 55–70°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch walleye in Missouri freshwater?
Peak season is March–April and November, with fish spawning in March (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Walleye are here year-round. March: Spawn runs up the Black and St. Francis rivers; Stockton and Bull Shoals.
Where do walleye hold in Missouri freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river, bridge, dock / pilings — around Table Rock Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, Bull Shoals, Current River, Bennett Spring.
What is the best bait for walleye in Missouri freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. 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. 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 walleye 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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