Expert-Guided Fishing on Truman & Mark Twain Lakes

Full Day Fishing at Truman & Mark Twain Lakes

When you're ready to hit Missouri's best fishing waters, Captain Hollis Crawford has you covered with this top-rated full-day adventure on either Truman Lake or Mark Twain Lake. This 8-hour private charter is built for serious anglers who want to make the most of their time on the water, whether you're chasing striped bass in the deep channels or working the shallows for bluegill and catfish. With room for up to two guests, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great one. Hollis brings decades of local knowledge to every trip, plus all the gear and tackle you need to target whatever's biting that day.

What to Expect on the Water

Both Truman Lake and Mark Twain Lake offer completely different fishing experiences, and Hollis picks the best spot based on current conditions and what you're hoping to catch. Truman Lake is a massive reservoir with deep structure and river channels that hold big stripers and quality bass, while Mark Twain Lake provides excellent shallow water fishing for multiple species. You'll start early to beat the crowds and take advantage of prime feeding times. The beauty of this private setup is that everything gets tailored to your skill level - whether you're a weekend warrior looking to learn new techniques or an experienced angler wanting to dial in on specific species. Hollis provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about gear. The boat is equipped with fish finders and GPS to locate productive areas quickly, and you'll move around throughout the day to stay on active fish.

Techniques & Tackle Strategy

Hollis runs a versatile approach that adapts to whatever the fish are doing on any given day. For striped bass, you'll typically troll umbrella rigs or work live bait around deep structure and river channels where these fish school up. Bass fishing involves everything from flipping jigs into cover to working topwater baits during early morning and late afternoon periods. Catfish action usually means anchoring up with cut bait or live offerings near drop-offs and creek mouths. The tackle selection covers all bases - from light spinning gear for panfish to medium-heavy baitcasters for working bigger bass lures. Hollis knows exactly where to find fish during different seasons and weather patterns, and he'll teach you the specific techniques that work best in these waters. You'll learn to read electronics, understand how structure relates to fish movement, and pick up local tricks that only come from years of guiding on these lakes.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass are the crown jewel of both lake systems, with fish ranging from school-size 3-4 pounders up to trophy specimens pushing 20 pounds or more. These fish are most active during cooler months and early season, when they school heavily in river channels and around main lake points. What makes stripers so exciting is their aggressive feeding behavior - when you find a school, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups. They fight incredibly hard with long runs and aerial displays that'll test your drag settings.

Smallmouth Bass in these Missouri waters are known for their scrappy attitude and beautiful bronze coloration. Most fish run 12-16 inches, but the lakes produce plenty of 3-4 pound specimens that'll give you a real workout on appropriate tackle. Spring and fall are prime times when smallmouths move shallow to feed aggressively on crawfish and baitfish. These fish are notorious for their acrobatic fights - expect multiple jumps and determined runs toward cover.

Channel Catfish provide consistent action throughout the warmer months, with fish averaging 2-8 pounds and occasional monsters reaching 15-20 pounds. These whisker fish are most active during summer evenings and can be targeted effectively throughout the night. What anglers love about catfish is their dependable bite and excellent table fare. They're also perfect for teaching kids or beginners since they're generally easier to hook and land than game fish.

American Yellow Perch offer fantastic light-tackle action, especially during fall and winter months when they school tightly in deeper water. Most perch run 8-12 inches, but both lakes produce jumbo specimens over 14 inches that provide surprising fights on ultralight gear. These fish are prized for their delicate white meat and are often the target when families want to bring home a fish fry.

Bluegill fishing peaks during the spring spawn when these colorful panfish move into shallow coves and creek arms. While most run 6-8 inches, both lakes have populations of hand-size bulls that provide great sport on light tackle. Bluegill are perfect for introducing new anglers to fishing since they bite readily and fight hard for their size. The spawning areas can produce dozens of fish in a single spot when conditions are right.

Time to Book Your Spot

This full-day adventure with Hollis Crawford offers everything serious anglers want - expert local knowledge, quality equipment, and access to some of Missouri's most productive fishing waters. Whether you choose Truman Lake for its deep water structure fishing or Mark Twain Lake for diverse shallow water action, you're guaranteed a day that's customized to your goals and skill level. The private charter format means you get undivided attention and can focus on the species and techniques that interest you most. With all gear provided and 8 full hours on the water, this trip delivers serious value for anglers who want to make the most of their time in Missouri. Don't wait - prime dates fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is at its best.