A Missouri Smallmouth fishing trip has to be experienced to be believed. It’s hard to wet a line in the state’s 115,000 miles of rivers and 400 lakes without having an explosive battle with a Bronzeback on your hands.

Smallmouth Bass, as the name suggests, might be smaller than their cousins the Largemouth Bass, but pound for pound they provide anglers with a tough fight. They run once hooked and do acrobatic leaps out of the water to try and break free, which makes for a breathtaking battle!

What to Expect

There are many places that offer top-notch Smallmouth fishing year round, but summer and fall are excellent months for Bass. Top places to fish include the Meramec RIver, Stockton Lake, the James River, the Current River, and plenty more. As these waters are so productive, you can choose to go on trips that last anywhere between 2–8 hours. 

You don’t need to have previous angling experience to enjoy a Bass fishing trip. These guys are aggressive feeders and don’t need a lot of enticing to take the bait. Kids will enjoy a shorter trip out, as there’s plenty of non-stop action!

One of the best places to Bass fish has to be the Gasconade River. Head over in the fall for brilliant wade fishing, but stay clear of the jet skis further downstream. The Meramec River is great for trophy Smallmouth, with 20” fish regularly being reeled in. Jack Fork River is also brilliant for big Bass.

How to Prepare

Everyone over 16 will need to buy a fishing license before the trip begins.

When fishing with a guide, rods, reels, and tackle will be included in the price. As Smallmouth Bass is a game fish, it cannot be caught by bowfishing, spearfishing, snagging, and using other non-conventional methods.

If you’re fly fishing, you’ll need to bring your own waders with you. Some charters provide fly fishing gear, but it’s best to check before heading out. A 9 foot 7 wt rod is a good place to start if you’re bringing your own gear.

All that’s left to do is head down to the “Show Me State” and see for yourself!