Mark Twain Lake fishing report

Comparing Missouri fishing lakes? Consider Mark Twain Lake

Looking for the top lakes to fish in Missouri? Start with the fish you want to catch, current conditions and access. Mark Twain Lake, in Ralls and Monroe counties near Monroe City, offers crappie, bass and catfish fishing. Compare official reports before choosing your lake.

What the official sources say

• The Missouri Department of Conservation rates the 2026 white and black crappie outlook at Mark Twain Lake as fair, based on 2025 surveys. That is a yearly outlook, not a ranking or a live bite report. MDC Mark Twain Lake prospect report (opens in new tab)
• Missouri State Parks lists crappie, catfish and largemouth bass at Mark Twain State Park. The smaller Tom Sawyer Lake in the park offers shore fishing for bluegill, bass and catfish. State park fishing page (opens in new tab)
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers posts lake maps, including bass and crappie habitat. Corps habitat maps (opens in new tab)

To compare top crappie lakes in Missouri side by side, use the MDC statewide fishing prospects (opens in new tab).

Coming from Kansas City or St. Louis

Round out the trip

• Mark Twain Lake fishing report
• Places to stay
• Places to eat
• Shop in Monroe City
• Lakes and recreation
• Explore the area

Confirm access, regulations and permits with official sources before you fish. Third-party sites are independent of MonroeCity.net.