Fishing Charters in Missouri
Browse fishing charters in Missouri that can help you catch bighead carp.
Loz Guide Service
Kaiser, Missouri
Proffesional Fishing Guide Services
Marshall, Missouri
Out The Mud Catfishing
St. Louis, Missouri
Hawg Stump Guide Services
Dodson Guide Service
Come experience fishing in Missouri with Dodson Guide Service. Our expert fishing guide will provide a great time on the water and help you catch the big one!
Bransons Reel Fishing
Greenough Fishing Guide Service
Maloneys Fishing Guide Service
Your Trip Begins Here With Maloney's Fishing Guide Service, your fishing experience exceeds all expectations. Book Your Trip Today Take a Trip With Captain Parker Being native to the Ozarks, Captain Parker turned his passion for the lakes into his livelihood. Parker is the second generation to be raised on Table Rock Lake and Lake…
Branson Fish Tales
Welcome - YOUR Fishing Guide Branson MO - We Wanna Take YOU Fishin' Professional Commercially Insured and Licensed by the US Coast Guard.
Lake Ozark Fishing Guide Service
Ozark Trout Runners
Hooked On Branson Fishing Guide Service
We're Branson's premier fishing charter and offer fishing trips on Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake. Book your trip today!
Best Time to Catch Bighead Carp
Peak season: May, June. Also good: April, July, August. Right now in February, activity is poor.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Bighead Carp
While not a typical game fish, Bighead Carp are plentiful in the waterways around St. Louis, Missouri, offering a unique angling experience. These invasive species thrive in the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, and their tributaries. Targeting them is less about sport and more about population control. Warmer months, from late spring through summer, are ideal as the fish are more active and closer to the surface. Bowfishing is a very effective and popular method for harvesting Bighead Carp in this area. Another method is snagging with large treble hooks. A key piece of advice is to familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding invasive species removal. Access points along the rivers are numerous, but be mindful of private property and respect the environment. The Bighead Carp population is significant, and their removal can help improve the ecosystem for native species. Be aware of the muddy conditions and strong currents often present in these rivers.
How to Catch Bighead Carp
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Bighead Carp in St. Louis.
Bighead Carp Fishing Regulations in Missouri
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
No limit
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Fishing permit
Bighead carp are an invasive species; anglers are encouraged to harvest them.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Missouri state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Missouri
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to catch Bighead Carp in St. Louis?
Bighead Carp are filter feeders, so traditional baits aren't very effective. Many anglers have success using bowfishing techniques or specialized nets to target them.
Do I need a fishing license to target Bighead Carp in Missouri?
Yes, you will need a valid Missouri fishing permit to fish for Bighead Carp, or any other fish species, in the state's public waters.
Are there any restrictions on the size or number of Bighead Carp I can keep in St. Louis?
No, in Missouri, there are currently no size or bag limits for Bighead Carp. You can harvest them year-round.
Where are some good spots near St. Louis to find Bighead Carp?
Bighead Carp can be found in many of the larger rivers and lakes around St. Louis, including the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Look for areas with slow-moving water and abundant plankton.
More Bighead Carp Fishing in Missouri
Other Species to Fish in St. Louis
Ready to Catch Bighead Carp in St. Louis?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.