Fishing Charters in Missouri
Browse fishing charters in Missouri that can help you catch channel catfish.
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 Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish can be caught year-round in Lake Ozark. Right now in February, activity is Slow.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Channel Catfish
Lake Ozark offers excellent channel catfish opportunities, especially in the warmer months. The lake's structure, including submerged timber, rocky points, and deep channels, provides ideal habitat. Look for catfish around areas with current, such as near the dam or where tributaries enter the lake. Summer nights are prime time, with anglers often having success using cut bait, stink bait, or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. A local tip: try fishing the Gravois Arm or the Niangua Arm of the lake, known catfish hotspots. Public access is available at numerous boat ramps around the lake, but be mindful of heavy recreational boat traffic during peak season. The channel catfish population in Lake Ozark is healthy, with many fish reaching impressive sizes; a good number of the fish exceed 5 pounds.
How to Catch Channel Catfish
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Channel Catfish in Lake Ozark.
Channel Catfish Fishing Regulations in Missouri
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
4 per day
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Fishing permit
In impoundments of 100 acres or more, only 1 catfish can be over 24 inches. Check specific area regulations for exceptions.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Missouri state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Missouri
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait to use for channel catfish in Lake Ozark?
Channel catfish in Lake Ozark respond well to a variety of baits. Popular choices include nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and commercially prepared catfish baits. Experiment to see what's working best on any given day.
Are there any limits to the size of channel catfish I can keep in Lake Ozark?
In Missouri, there is no size limit for channel catfish. You can keep any size you catch, as long as you stay within the bag limit.
What is the daily bag limit for channel catfish in Lake Ozark?
The daily bag limit for channel catfish in Lake Ozark, Missouri is 4 fish per day.
Do I need a fishing license to catch channel catfish in Lake Ozark?
Yes, you need a valid Missouri fishing permit to fish for channel catfish in Lake Ozark. Be sure to have it with you while fishing.
More Channel Catfish Fishing in Missouri
Other Species to Fish in Lake Ozark
Ready to Catch Channel Catfish in Lake Ozark?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.