Fishing Wappapello Lake
AKA: Lake Wappapello
Popular Fish Species Wappapello Lake, MO
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Wappapello Lake offers good largemouth bass fishing year round. Wappapello Lake also has a nice population of larger bass. This fertile lake also offers sufficient cover for both baitfish and bass. Thorough fisheries management by the Missouri Department of Conservation has maintained a quality bass fishery for some time now. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Wappapello Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Wappapello Lake, again this year, supports a healthy population of channel catfish. In Spring, channel catfish tend to migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well.
Crappie Fishing
Black and white crappie both reside in Wappapello Lake, with black crappie typically out-weighing white crappie. They do school together so when you find them you may catch both species. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, longear sunfish, redear sunfish and warmouth at Wappapello Lake in Missouri.
Wappapello Lake Fishing Video
Wappapello Lake is located in southeastern Missouri and is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The lake offers excellent angling opportunities and is known for its diverse fish species.
Crappie and sunfish are a big attraction at Lake Wappapello, which is an 8,400-acre lake in the southeast of the state. Bass and catfish fishing are also popular here for both quantity and quality. In addition to fishing, the area is ideal for boating, water skiing, sailing, camping and hiking.
Largemouth bass is one of the most sought-after fish species in Wappapello Lake. Anglers can target bass using a variety of techniques such as casting with crankbaits, soft plastics, or topwater lures. The lake's coves, points, and submerged structures provide ideal habitat for bass. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of hooking into a trophy-sized largemouth bass while fishing in Wappapello Lake.
Bluegill is another popular species in Wappapello Lake. Anglers can target bluegill using techniques such as bobber fishing with live bait, small jigs, or flies. The lake's shoreline areas, docks, and brush piles are favored spots for bluegill. Anglers can experience the joy of catching numerous bluegill while fishing in the calm waters of Wappapello Lake.
White and black crappie are abundant in the lake and provide exciting angling opportunities. Anglers can target crappie using techniques such as vertical jigging, casting with small jigs, or using live minnows. The lake's submerged timber, brush piles, and drop-offs are prime locations to catch crappie. Anglers can enjoy the satisfaction of reeling in a stringer of crappie while fishing in Wappapello Lake.
Flathead and channel catfish are also popular targets for anglers in Wappapello Lake. Anglers can target catfish using techniques such as bottom fishing with live bait, cut bait, or stink baits. The lake's deeper areas, river channels, and submerged structures are prime locations to catch catfish. Anglers can experience the excitement of battling with these powerful fish while fishing in Wappapello Lake.
Wappapello Lake in Missouri is a popular destination for anglers seeking largemouth bass, bluegill, white and black crappie, and flathead and channel catfish. With its diverse fishery, picturesque surroundings, and recreational amenities, Wappapello Lake provides a memorable fishing experience for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
With over 175 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of places to drop a line and a great place to bring the entire family. Numerous places around the lake are accessible for anglers seeking to fish from the bank. Fishing boats, including canoes, kayaks, bass boats and others, do give anglers an advantage. There are boats available for rent - anything from a kayak to a pontoon boat. Lots of submerged brush and vegetation is scattered around the lake and becomes good targets when the fish are shallow. Creek channels, ledges, humps and points are good areas to locate when the fish move off the bank.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Wappapello
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Wappapello Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
In addition to the fantastic fishing opportunities, Wappapello Lake offers boating and camping facilities. Anglers can explore the lake's waters by motorized boats or non-motorized vessels such as kayaks or canoes.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Allison Peninsula Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Marina Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Allison Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Allison Point Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Asher Creek Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Asher Campground Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Chaonia Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Missouri W, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
People's Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off People's Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Piso Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Piso Point Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Redman Creek Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Missouri T, at the south end of the dam, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Sundowner Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Missouri D, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Marinas
Chaonia Landing Marina
4343 Wayne Rte W
Williamsville, MO 63967
573 297-3206
Holliday Landing Resort & Marina
4309 Wayne Route F
Greenville, MO 63944
573 224-3430
Sundowner Marine Center & Marina
Hc 2 box 2022, State Hwy D
Wappapello, MO 63966
573 222-8622
Fishing Guides On Wappapello Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Missouri Fishing License.
Camping facilities near the lake provide opportunities for overnight stays, allowing anglers to fully enjoy the fishing experience.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lake Wappapello State Park Campground - 573 297-3232
The Camp At Lake Wappapello Campground - 573 222-7206
Crabb & Company Restaurant and RV Park Campground - 573 222-7401
Redman Creek Campground West - 573 222-8233
Redman Creek Pavilion Campground - 573 222-8234
Riverside Campground - 573 222-8592
People's Creek Campground - 573 222-7175
Lake Wappapello MO Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Wappapello Lake
Lake Wappapello State Park
MO-172
Williamsville, MO 63967
573 297-3232
Fishing lakes in each state.
062124
Wappapello Lake in Missouri.
MISSOURI
Information about fishing lakes in MO.
Lake Wappapello offers great crappie and sunfish fishing.