Fishing Big Lake

Popular Fish Species
Big Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Big Lake, MO

Popular Fish Species Big Lake, MO

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Big Lake is a decent bass fishing lake. Weekend anglers find the fishing to be slow at times, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 3 pounds being caught. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Channel Catfish Fishing

To fish for catfish on Big Lake, most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area.

White Crappie Fishing

Big Lake is home to schools of white crappie. The fish population is decent and crappie fishing is fair to good, especially from Spring to Early Fall. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation in Spring and Fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie and bluegill at Big Lake in Missouri.

Big Lake Fishing Video

Located in northwest MO, Big Lake is a 646-acre oxbow lake offering a variety of outdoor activities. Camping, hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing are the main attractions. Bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish attract anglers for a day of fishing. Bring your own boat or rent a canoe or kayak from the state park. There are several areas with access to shoreline for fishing from the bank.

Big Lake is located in the northwest section of Missouri and is a popular destination for anglers seeking a variety of fish species. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and white crappie.

Largemouth bass are highly sought after by anglers at Big Lake. Known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, these bass provide an exciting challenge. Anglers can target them using a variety of techniques, such as casting with topwater lures, working plastic worms or jigs around submerged structures, or trolling with crankbaits. Big Lake's diverse habitat, including weed beds, submerged timber, and rocky shorelines, provides excellent hiding spots for largemouth bass.

Bluegill are a popular panfish species found in Big Lake. These feisty fish are abundant and offer excellent angling opportunities, particularly for younger or novice anglers. Bluegill can be caught using simple and effective techniques such as bobber fishing with live bait, casting small jigs or spinners, or fly fishing with small nymphs or poppers. They provide a fun-filled fishing experience and are often found near weed edges or around submerged structures.

Channel catfish are another sought-after species in Big Lake. These hard-fighting fish can reach impressive sizes and offer a thrilling battle. Anglers can target them using a variety of baits, such as cut bait, stink baits, or chicken livers, and fishing near the lake's deeper areas or along the shoreline. Big Lake's ample catfish population ensures anglers have a good chance of landing a trophy-sized fish.

White crappie are a popular panfish species found in Big Lake, offering anglers a chance to catch a tasty meal. Anglers can target white crappie by fishing around submerged structures, brush piles, or drop-offs using small jigs, minnows, or crappie nibbles. These fish are known for their schooling behavior, providing an opportunity to catch multiple fish in a single location.

Big Lake in Missouri is a popular fishing destination known for its abundance of largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and white crappie. With its diverse fishery, scenic surroundings, and opportunities for boating and camping, Big Lake provides an enjoyable fishing experience for anglers of all levels of expertise.

Primary fish species residing in Big Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Big Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to the excellent fishing opportunities, Big Lake offers boating and camping facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Anglers can enjoy boating on the lake, whether it's a motorized boat, kayak, or canoe, to explore different fishing spots and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Big Lake State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off State Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.