Get ready for the ultimate Missouri fishing experience with C&H Fishing Outfitters. This six-day private trip takes you to some of the Show-Me State's top fishing spots, including Truman Lake, Mark Twain Lake, the mighty Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, and Long Branch Lake. Whether you're looking to land a trophy striped bass or just want to wet a line and relax, our expert guides like Hollis Crawford have got you covered. We're talking prime fishing grounds, top-notch gear, and all the local know-how to put you on fish. Perfect for two anglers, this trip is your ticket to escaping the daily grind and experiencing Missouri fishing at its finest.
Over six action-packed days, you'll hit a different prime fishing spot each day. We're not messing around - these are some of Missouri's best waters, each with its own character and challenges. You'll start your mornings loading up the boat with our premium gear (yep, it's all included), then it's off to the honey holes. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for some serious fish-catching action. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we'll make sure you're comfortable and catching fish in no time. And with just two guests per trip, you'll get plenty of one-on-one time with your guide to pick up new techniques or polish your skills.
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of techniques to target different species across various waterways. On Truman and Mark Twain Lakes, we might start the day casting topwater lures for stripers and smallmouth bass, then switch to jigging or trolling as the sun gets higher. When we hit the big rivers, we'll often use cut bait or live bait rigs for those monster catfish. For panfish like bluegill and perch, we'll break out the ultralight gear and have a blast with small jigs or live worms under a bobber. We provide all the gear you need - from high-end rods and reels to the latest in fish-finding technology. Just bring your favorite hat and a good attitude, and we'll take care of the rest.
Missouri's waters have been on fire lately, with anglers pulling in some real beauties. Truman Lake has been giving up striped bass in the 20-30 pound range, while the Mississippi River has been producing some massive blue catfish. Over on Mark Twain Lake, the smallmouth bass fishing has been out of this world, with lots of chunky 3-4 pounders coming to the boat. Long Branch Lake has been the sleeper hit, with some of the best crappie and bluegill action we've seen in years. And let's not forget the Missouri River - it's been kicking out channel cats like nobody's business. No matter where we drop a line, you're in for some serious rod-bending action.
Striped Bass: These hard-fighting fish are the kings of Truman Lake. Stripers in Missouri can grow up to 50 pounds, and they hit lures like a freight train. We typically target them early morning or late evening when they're most active, often chasing schools of shad on the surface. The best time to catch these brutes is from late spring through fall when the water temperatures are just right. Anglers love stripers for their powerful runs and the sheer thrill of battling a big one to the boat.
Smallmouth Bass: Known as "brown bass" to locals, smallmouth are pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish in freshwater. We find them in good numbers in Mark Twain Lake and parts of the Mississippi River. These bronze bruisers love rocky areas and will smash both live bait and artificial lures. Spring and fall are prime times for smallmouth, but we catch them year-round. Anglers can't get enough of their acrobatic jumps and bulldog runs.
Channel Catfish: A Missouri staple, channel cats are abundant in all the waters we fish. These whisker-fish can grow up to 20 pounds or more, but even the smaller ones put up a great fight. We often target them in the rivers using stink baits or cut bait. They're most active at night, but we catch plenty during the day too. Summer is peak catfish season, and there's nothing like the slow, steady pull of a big cat on the line.
American Yellow Perch: These tasty pan fish are a blast to catch on light tackle. We find good numbers in Long Branch Lake and some areas of the bigger lakes. Perch travel in schools, so when you catch one, there are usually more nearby. They're most active in cooler months, making them a great target for fall and winter fishing. Anglers love perch for their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare.
Bluegill: The ultimate "everyman's" fish, bluegill are abundant, easy to catch, and a ton of fun on ultralight gear. We catch them in all the lakes we fish, often near shoreline structure or weed beds. They're active year-round but really turn on during their spring and early summer spawn. Kids especially love catching bluegill because of their eagerness to bite and their feisty fights. Plus, a mess of bluegill makes for one heck of a fish fry.
Folks who fish with C&H Outfitters tend to become regulars, and it's not just because of the fish (though that's a big part of it). It's the whole package - the variety of waters we fish, the quality of our guides, and the laid-back vibe of our trips. One day you might be battling big stripers on Truman Lake, the next you're finessing smallmouth on Mark Twain. Then you're out on the Mighty Mississippi, feeling the power of the river as you reel in a catfish that might be older than you are. It's like getting six different fishing trips rolled into one. Plus, with our small group size, you're not just a number - you're part of the C&H family. We tailor each day to what you want, whether that's chasing trophies or just relaxing with a line in the water.
Listen, if you're looking for a fishing trip that's more than just a day on the water, this is it. Six days, five of Missouri's best fishing spots, and more fish than you can shake a rod at. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch, escape the daily grind, or just want to experience the best of what Missouri fishing has to offer, we've got you covered. Our calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your dates. Grab a buddy, clear your schedule, and get ready for six days of world-class fishing with C&H Outfitters. Trust me, your only regret will be not booking sooner. So what are you waiting for? Let's get you out on the water and into some fish!
Bluegill are perfect for anglers of all ages - they're abundant, easy to catch, and put up a good scrap for their size. Most run 6-8 inches, but big ones can push a pound. You'll find them in shallow water near docks, fallen trees, and weed beds in ponds and lakes. They bite all day, but early mornings and evenings are best, especially in summer. Bluegill are popular because they're always willing to bite and make excellent pan fish. For a fun day, use light tackle and small baits like worms or crickets under a bobber. My favorite trick is to use a tiny jig with a piece of nightcrawler - it's irresistible to big 'gills. Just remember to downsize your hooks and line - these fish have small mouths but keen eyesight.
Channel cats are a Missouri staple, typically running 2-10 pounds with some monsters pushing 30+. You'll find them in just about any body of water, but they love deep holes, underwater structure, and areas with slow current. Summer nights are prime time, especially after a good rain muddies up the water. Catfish put up a stubborn fight and are excellent eating. Folks enjoy the challenge of outsmarting these whisker-fish, plus there's always the chance of hooking into a real giant. For bait, you can't beat fresh cut shad or skipjack. My local tip: fish the edges where muddy water meets clear - cats love to ambush prey along those seams. And don't be afraid to use smelly bait - the stinkier, the better for these bottom feeders.
Smallmouth bass are feisty fighters that'll give you a run for your money. They average 2-4 pounds but can push 6-8 in our bigger waters. Look for them around rocky areas, gravel beds, and current breaks in rivers and lakes. Spring and fall are ideal, but summer can be great if you fish deep or early mornings. Smallies are known for their acrobatic jumps and hard strikes, making them a blast to catch. They're also tasty if you decide to keep a few. My go-to trick is using soft plastic crawfish imitations, bounced slowly along the bottom. Match the color to the local crayfish and you'll be in business. Just remember to use light line - these fish have keen eyesight in clear water.
Striped bass are a prized catch in Missouri's waters, typically ranging from 20-40 pounds. These powerful swimmers love structure, so we target them around submerged logs, rocky points, and drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're most active in shallower water. Stripers put up an impressive fight and make excellent table fare with their firm, white meat. To boost your chances, try using live bait like shad or herring - the fresher, the better. I've had great success trolling with deep-diving crankbaits along channel edges early in the morning. Just remember, these fish can be finicky, so patience and changing up your presentation are key to landing a trophy striper.
Yellow perch are scrappy little fish, usually 7-10 inches long but can reach up to 15 inches in our bigger lakes. They hang out in schools near weed beds, fallen trees, and drop-offs in clearer water. Spring and fall are best, but you can catch them year-round, even through the ice. Perch are fun because they're aggressive biters and great eating - their white, flaky meat is hard to beat. Kids love catching them because of their bold strikes and golden color. To up your odds, try small jigs tipped with worms or minnows. Fish them slow near the bottom. Here's a local secret: look for diving birds - they'll often lead you right to a school of hungry perch.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury Optima
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 53