Benton County, MO · Reservoir
Truman Lake
A 55,000-acre reservoir above Lake of the Ozarks, full of flooded timber — outstanding crappie and largemouth, plus catfish and walleye.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Striped Bass — Great day to fish for Striped Bass.
Best conditions of 5 species tracked at Truman Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Truman Lake
5 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Striped Bass Great day to fish for Striped Bass. In season 82/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
- 9 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Morone saxatilis — Maryland's state fish. Anadromous — runs into Bay tributaries to spawn each spring. Targeted by trolling, jigging, live-lining, and surf casting. Locally called "rockfish."
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–35 ft.
- Daily creel
- 30
No length limit, 30/day (white, striped & hybrid bass combined).
Source: Missouri regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Walleye Great day to fish for Walleye. In season 74/100
What's helping
- 9 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
- Min size
- 18"
- Daily creel
- 8
18" minimum, 8/day (walleye & sauger combined).
Source: Missouri regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#3 Largemouth Bass Workable day for Largemouth Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 9 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Min size
- 15"
- Daily creel
- 6
15" minimum, 6/day (largemouth & smallmouth combined; 12 black bass in total).
Source: Missouri regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#3 Crappie Workable day for Crappie. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 9 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Pomoxis spp. — Covers both black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) and white crappie (P. annularis). Schooling panfish around brush, docks, and submerged timber. Spring pre-spawn is the prime season — small minnows and 1/16-oz jigs are the go-to.
Prefers. Water 50–80°F (ideal 65°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 15
15/day on most Ozark reservoirs (varies by water).
Source: Missouri regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#3 Channel Catfish Workable day for Channel Catfish. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 9 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 20
20/day (channel & blue catfish combined).
Source: Missouri regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Missouri
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Truman Lake: Missouri Dept. of Conservation fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Truman Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Truman Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Truman Lake?
Truman Lake is listed on this site for 5 commonly-targeted species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Walleye, and 1 more. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Truman Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Truman Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Truman Lake have?
Truman Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Truman Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Truman Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Truman Lake tidal water?
No. Truman Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.