Missouri's 6-Day Inshore Fishing Adventure

6-Day Missouri Lakes & Rivers Fishing Adventure

Ready to dive deep into Missouri's best fishing waters? This private six-day guided trip with C&H Fishing Outfitters puts you right in the heart of some of the Show-Me State's most productive fishing grounds. Guide Hollis Crawford knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's going to show you why spots like Truman Lake, Mark Twain Lake, Long Branch Lake, and stretches of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers consistently produce trophy-class fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to expand your horizons or someone wanting to really dial in your techniques, this extended trip gives you the time and variety to make it happen.

What to Expect on the Water

Six days means we're not rushing anything. Each morning, Hollis will tailor the day based on current conditions, your skill level, and what species you're most excited about targeting. One day might find us working the timber and structure on Truman Lake for stripers, while another could have us drifting the Missouri River channels for massive catfish. The beauty of this trip is the variety - Missouri's lake and river systems offer completely different fishing experiences, and you'll get a real education in reading water, understanding seasonal patterns, and adapting your approach. All your gear is included, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, so you can focus on learning and landing fish. The intimate group size of just two anglers means plenty of one-on-one instruction and coaching from Hollis, plus you won't be competing for prime spots or fighting over the fish box.

Techniques and Waters

Missouri's diverse fisheries require different approaches, and that's where this multi-day format really shines. On the big impoundments like Truman and Mark Twain, we'll work everything from shallow flats with topwater baits at dawn to deep ledges and drop-offs using live bait rigs and heavy jigs. The river systems call for a completely different game plan - current breaks, wing dams, and deep holes where big catfish and bass stack up. Hollis will have you running everything from casting jigs and crankbaits to setting up bottom rigs with cut bait. You'll learn to read sonar, understand how weather affects fish behavior, and pick up the subtle techniques that separate good anglers from great ones. The boat setup is dialed for both lake and river fishing, with the electronics and positioning systems needed to stay on productive water all day long.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped bass are the crown jewel of Missouri's lake fishing, and these landlocked fighters will test your drag system. Spring and fall are prime time when they're schooling and feeding aggressively in open water, often breaking the surface as they chase shad. A good striper will make multiple runs, and landing one in the 15-20 pound range is a real accomplishment. What makes them special here is how they use the lake's structure - you'll find them suspended over creek channels, around points, and following baitfish into shallow water during low-light periods.

Smallmouth bass in Missouri's rivers are pound-for-pound some of the strongest freshwater fighters you'll encounter. These bronze-backed beauties love rocky bottom, current breaks, and the cooler water temperatures found in the deeper river pools. Summer and early fall fishing is phenomenal when they're feeding heavily before winter. A 3-4 pound smallie will jump, run, and generally give you a workout that'll leave you grinning. They're also incredibly structure-oriented, so you'll learn to pick apart wing dams, boulder fields, and undercut banks.

Channel catfish are Missouri's bread-and-butter species, and the rivers here produce some absolute slabs. These whiskered warriors are most active during warmer months and low-light conditions, often feeding heavily at night. A 10-15 pound channel cat will use the current to its advantage, making long, powerful runs that'll test your knots and your nerves. What's great about targeting them here is the consistent action - once you find a good catfish hole, you can often catch multiple fish from the same spot.

American yellow perch might be smaller than the other species, but they're incredibly fun on light tackle and excellent table fare. These schooling fish are most active during cooler months, particularly late fall and winter, when they gather in deeper water. They're perfect for refining your jigging technique and learning to feel subtle bites. A mess of 10-12 inch perch makes for some of the best eating you'll find in freshwater.

Bluegill are the perfect species for working on your finesse techniques and understanding shallow water behavior. Spring spawning season offers the most exciting action when big males are defending beds in the shallows. These scrappy panfish will hit everything from small jigs to live worms, and landing a hand-sized bluegill on ultralight tackle is genuinely fun fishing. They're also great for building confidence and keeping the action steady between bigger fish.

Time to Book Your Spot

A six-day fishing trip isn't just about the fish you catch - it's about really understanding these waters and developing skills that'll make you a better angler for years to come. Hollis has put together something special here, combining Missouri's top-rated fishing destinations with the kind of personal instruction you can only get from extended time on the water. The variety keeps things interesting, the private booking ensures quality time, and the all-inclusive gear package means you can travel light. Whether you're looking to cross some bucket list species off your list or just want to spend a week doing what you love most, this trip delivers. Missouri's fishing is world-class, and this is your chance to experience it with someone who knows exactly where to find the fish.