--- title: "St. Louis Fishing" url: https://www.herestlouis.com/fishing-st-louis-mo/ date: 2026-07-26T13:50:37-05:00 modified: 2026-07-26T14:05:44-05:00 author: "" site: "HERE St. Louis" attribution: "HERE St. Louis" --- # St. Louis Fishing *Source: [HERE St. Louis](https://www.herestlouis.com/fishing-st-louis-mo/) β€” July 26, 2026 by * HERE St. Louis # St. Louis MO Fishing Report Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, MDC regulations, and community fishing coverage for City of St. Louis lakes and rivers. Bass: Hot Bite Crappie: Active Catfish: Active 3 Waters Profiled **3** Waters Profiled **Live** Conditions **Solunar** Rating **2026** Season First Look β€’ Fishing Conditions πŸŒ– Waning Gibbous Illumination: 73% Air Temp 66Β°F Est. Water 63Β°F Wind 6 mph Pressure 1024 as of 7:55 PM ET Good β€” fish activity improving as moonlight decreases. Morning bites pick up. 94 EXCELLENT Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light. City of St. Louis β€’ Greater St. Louis MO Your Local *Fishing Resource* St. Louis anglers fish the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and MDC conservation-area lakes nearby. MDC sets the limits; see the seasons below. Current Conditions β€’ St. Louis Waters Species *Status* Largemouth Bass HOT Fall feeding frenzy. Bass are chasing shad and blueback herring. Crankbaits and swimbaits dominate. **Top Bait**Crankbait, Swimbait, Jig **Depth**10-20 ft structure Smallmouth Bass FAIR River smallmouth in deeper holes and pools. Slower presentations required. **Top Bait**Tube Jig, Crawfish Pattern, Ned Rig **Depth**Shoal tail-outs, 3-12 ft Crappie ACTIVE Pre-spawn or fall pattern. Crappie suspending over deeper structure. **Top Bait**Small Tube Jig, Live Minnow, Slip Float **Depth**12-20 ft brush Catfish ACTIVE Catfish feeding well in spring and fall. Target deeper holes and channel swings. **Top Bait**Cut Shad, Chicken Liver, Prepared Stink Bait **Depth**Channel edges, 10-30 ft Bluegill / Bream FAIR Bluegill in slower mode. Small jigs under a float near dock pilings and woody structure. **Top Bait**Cricket, Worm, Small Jig (1/32 oz) **Depth**Spawning: 1-4 ft. Non-spawn: dock edges 4-10 ft Trout ACTIVE Trout active in stocked waters. Cold water temperatures keep fish feeding. **Top Bait**PowerBait, Night Crawler, Inline Spinner **Depth**Stocked areas β€” designated lakes and streams Species status is based on seasonal patterns and current conditions for City of St. Louis waters. Always verify MDC regulations for creel limits, size minimums, and any current advisories before heading out. [Report a Bite Update](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-bite-update) Fishing Report Partners [Dick's Sporting Goods](https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/c/fishing) [Bass Pro Shops](https://www.basspro.com) [REI Co-op](https://www.rei.com/c/fishing) [Academy Sports](https://www.academy.com/fishing) First Look Weather & *Fishing Conditions* 66F Clear Feels like 66Β°F as of 7:55 PM ET Wind 6 mph E Humidity 63% Pressure 1024 hPa Est. Water Temp 63Β°F Moon Waning Gibbous Sunrise / Sunset 7:25 am / 6:03 pm Location St. Louis, MO On-the-Water Tips - Water temps in the prime range β€” bass are active on shallow structure. Topwater lures effective morning and evening. - Calm winds make for ideal casting conditions. Fish will be spooky in clear water β€” use light line and natural presentations. Solunar Index Fishing *Conditions Dashboard* Air Temperature 66Β°F Optimal Bite Wind Speed 6 mph Calm β€” Ideal Barometric Pressure 1024 hPa Stable β€” Active Moon Phase πŸŒ– Good EXCELLENT Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light. Extended Outlook 5-Day Fishing *Forecast* TONIGHT Mostly Cloudy 70Β° / 60Β° 5 mph wind GOOD SAT Chance Rain Showers 73Β° / 60Β° 6 mph wind GOOD SUN Rain Showers Likely 67Β° / 57Β° 7 mph wind GOOD MON Chance Rain Showers 69Β° / 62Β° 11 mph wind GOOD TUE Rain Showers 72Β° / 57Β° 18 mph wind FAIR Lakes & Rivers Water Body *Profiles* 3 fishing waters within City of St. Louis β€” with species, access, tips, and restrictions. Mississippi River River St. Louis riverfront and north to the Chain of Rocks Blue Catfish Flathead Catfish Channel Catfish White Bass Freshwater Drum The Mississippi runs along the city's eastern edge below the Missouri River confluence. Strong current and barge traffic; fish from public access points. MDC lists public river accesses in the St. Louis area. Angler Tip Fish current breaks and wing dikes for catfish. Statewide MDC limits apply. [Field Guide](https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/seasons) Missouri River River North of the city at the confluence Blue Catfish Flathead Catfish Channel Catfish The Missouri meets the Mississippi just north of St. Louis. Public accesses include Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. Angler Tip Check river stages before you go. Statewide MDC limits apply. [Field Guide](https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/columbia-bottom-conservation-area) August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area lakes Lake St. Charles County Β· west of St. Louis Largemouth Bass Bluegill Crappie Channel Catfish An MDC conservation area with a series of fishing lakes. Managed by MDC; check area rules for boat and motor limits. Angler Tip Read the area's posted regulations at the lake. Area-specific MDC rules apply. [Field Guide](https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/august-busch-memorial-conservation-area) Did We Miss a Spot? Know a St. Louis-area fishing lake, pond, or river stretch that should be on this list? Let us know. [Report a Fishing Spot](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-fishing-spot) Local Experts Field *Guides* No St. Louis-area fishing guides are listed yet. Guide Service or Charter Captain? Get listed in the Field Guides section and reach active anglers across City of St. Louis and the HERE City Network. [List Your Guide Service](/contact/) [Launch Special$1 a day for up to 90 days β€” Best deal in St. Louis Reach all the Fishing traffic in St. Louis β€” it’s a deal! Find out how](#fr-banner-form) Launch Special Your Banner *Here* $1/day Up to **90 days** at the launch rate. Cancel anytime. - Drop us your website URL β€” we build the banner for you - Runs above the **Community Reviews** section - No contract. No setup fee. Cancel anytime. - Local St. Louis anglers see your business every visit Your Name * Business Name * Website URL * Email * Phone (optional) How long would you like to reserve it? Daily $1 Weekly $7 30 days $30 60 days $60 90 days $90 Lock in $1/day β€” Build my banner No payment now. We email a preview within one business day. Your launch rate is locked when you approve. Community Reviews I Fished *Here* Share Your Trip Fished a St. Louis-area lake or river? Tell us about it in 280 characters or fewer. Water Body Fished * Select a water body... Mississippi River Missouri River August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area lakes Other Lake / Pond Other River / Creek Your First Name * How Was the Fishing? * (280 characters max) Species Caught Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill / Bream Trout Multiple Species Other Lure / Bait That Worked Best Spot / Area on the Water Submit Review Community Here *We...* Reel Them *In...* Big catches, personal bests, and tournament fish from St. Louis anglers. Your First Name * Where Did You Catch It? Species * Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill Trout Other Weight / Length / Details Tell Us About It * (200 chars max) Photo or Video (optional, max 8MB) Submit Catch Cast Them *Cold...* Your favorite post-fishing spots. Where do you go when the rods are stowed? Your First Name * Bar / Restaurant Name * Go-To Drink Why This Spot? * (200 chars max) Photo of the Bar or Drink (optional, max 8MB) Submit Pick Coverage Fishing News *HERE* Presented by [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Local β€” St. Louis and Greater St. Louis MissouriOfficialSt. Louis fishingNo new St. Louis-area fishing stories this week. Check current Missouri fishing rules from the state wildlife agency, and watch this page for the next local report. [View All St. Louis Fishing Coverage β†’](https://www.herestlouis.com/?s=fishing) More at Outdoor Sports Hunting, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for St. Louis and Greater St. Louis MO [See All at Outdoor Sports](/outdoor-sports/) Partner [Advertise Here](/section-sponsorship/) Tackle, Rods and Reels Essential *Gear HERE* Gear reviews and picks for the St. Louis angler β€” rods, reels, tackle, and kayaks tested for Greater St. Louis MO waters. Presented by https://www.amazon.com/?tag=herestlouis-20 Shop our hand-picked fishing gear on Amazon. Free Prime shipping, easy returns. [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Gear Reviews β€” Tested for Greater St. Louis MO Waters As an Amazon Associate, HERE earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=herestlouis-20 Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with… Rod Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $26.96 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=herestlouis-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=herestlouis-20 HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B… Lure Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $22.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=herestlouis-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=herestlouis-20 Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in… Reel Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $129.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=herestlouis-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=herestlouis-20 Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an… Fish Finder Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $159.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=herestlouis-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=herestlouis-20 Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS … Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS …. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1399.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=herestlouis-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=herestlouis-20 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY… Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1699.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=herestlouis-20) Tackle Shop, Guide Service, or Marina? Get featured in the Essential Gear section and reach active anglers across the HERE City Network β€” 100+ cities. [Learn About Gear Advertising](/contact/) MDC MDC *Regulations* License requirements, bag limits, and size limits for City of St. Louis waters. Always verify current regulations at mdc.mo.gov. MO Fishing Licenses Licenses, current fees, age requirements, and any free fishing days are set by Missouri Department of Conservation. [Buy or check a license at mdc.mo.gov](https://mdc.mo.gov/). Bag & Size Limits β€” St. Louis Waters Statewide and water-specific creel and size limits are published by Missouri Department of Conservation. [See current MDC limits](https://mdc.mo.gov/). Regulations shown are for general reference. Special rules apply on many individual lakes and rivers. Always verify current rules with Missouri Department of Conservation at **mdc.mo.gov** before keeping fish. Spawn Timing & Key Dates Season *Calendar* Year-Round Black Bass (impoundments) Open all year on impounded lakes; daily limit 6. Ozark streams have a separate season. Missouri impoundments Nov 13, 2026 – Feb 8, 2027 Trout: Catch-and-Release (trout parks) Flies only at Maramec Spring, Bennett Spring, Montauk and Roaring River. Missouri trout parks Spawn timing is approximate and based on typical City of St. Louis water temperature patterns. Actual timing varies by year and water body. MDC trout stocking schedules are published annually β€” visit mdc.mo.gov for exact dates and stocking locations. Questions and Answers Fishing *FAQ* Common questions about fishing in the St. Louis area, answered. - Do I need a fishing license to fish in St. Louis MO? Yes. Anglers need a Missouri fishing license to fish public waters. See MDC at mdc.mo.gov for current license ages, fees and any free fishing days. - What are the best fishing lakes near St. Louis MO? City of St. Louis has multiple public fishing lakes. Consult MDC for a full lake-by-lake breakdown covering largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and bream. - When is the best time to fish for crappie in St. Louis? The best crappie fishing in City of St. Louis is during the spring spawn, which typically runs from late March through April when water temperatures reach 55-65 degrees F. Fish move into shallower water (2-6 feet) around structure, brush piles, and bridge pilings. A second run occurs in fall (October-November) when fish stage deeper at 12-18 feet as water cools. - Can you kayak fish on City of St. Louis lakes? Yes β€” kayak fishing is well-suited for St. Louis lakes, especially smaller electric-only water bodies. State-park lakes often offer kayak and canoe rentals and allow human-powered craft without a boating permit. Local rivers frequently offer scenic float trips combining paddling and bass fishing. Consult MDC for blueway maps and put-in/take-out points. - What species can I catch in the local rivers? Rivers near St. Louis typically hold a diverse bass fishery β€” largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass, and rock bass in rocky shoals. Catfish (channel, blue, flathead) are common. Consult MDC for stocking history and fly-fishing recommendations. Wade fishing at road crossings and kayak floats are the most productive approaches. - Do St. Louis lakes get trout stocked? MDC stocks select City of St. Louis waters with trout, typically in spring and fall when water temperatures are suitable. Stocking locations and schedules are posted annually on the MDC website at https://mdc.mo.gov/ β€” search for the freshwater trout stocking report. The standard trout bag limit is 5 per day during stocking season. Check the current MDC schedule for specific lakes and streams stocked near St. Louis. ITS ALL HERE! Fishing News Near You![THE HERE CITY NETWORK](https://www.herecity.com)[Kansas City, MO](https://www.herekansascity.com/fishing/) [Memphis, TN](https://www.herememphis.com/fishing/) [Nashville, TN](https://www.herenashville.com/fishing/) [Oxford, MS](https://www.hereoxford.com/fishing/) [Milwaukee, WI](https://www.heremilwaukee.com/fishing/) [Huntsville, AL](https://www.herehuntsville.com/fishing/) [Starkville, MS](https://www.herestarkville.com/fishing/) [Chattanooga, TN](https://www.herechattanooga.com/fishing/) [Grand Rapids, MI](https://www.heregrandrapids.com/fishing/) [Knoxville, TN](https://www.hereknoxville.com/fishing/)