Full Day Fishing Trip in Truman and Mark Twain
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday guided fishing on Truman or Mark Twain LakeTarget catfish, bass, and trout with provided gearAccommodates up to two guests with experienced guide
When you're looking to experience some of Missouri's finest freshwater fishing, guide Hollis Crawford knows exactly where to take you. This full-day private charter puts you on either Truman Lake or Mark Twain Lake for 8 solid hours of targeting everything from hefty catfish to scrappy bass and beautiful trout. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's just getting their feet wet, Hollis tailors each trip to match your skills and what you want to accomplish. You'll get all the gear, tackle, and local knowledge that comes from years of working these waters. Perfect for solo anglers or fishing buddies - this trip maxes out at two guests so you get that personal attention that makes all the difference.
Your day starts early with Hollis walking you through the game plan based on current conditions and what's been biting lately. Both Truman and Mark Twain offer completely different fishing experiences, and Hollis picks the lake that's going to give you the best shot at success. Truman Lake spans over 55,000 acres with deep channels, rocky points, and timber-lined coves that hold everything from stripers to smallmouth. Mark Twain, on the other hand, gives you that classic Midwest fishing vibe with plenty of structure and varied depths perfect for multi-species action. The beauty of fishing with a local pro is that you're not guessing - Hollis has been reading these waters for years and knows exactly where the fish are staging based on season, weather, and water levels. You'll cover serious ground throughout the day, moving from spot to spot as conditions change and fish activity shifts.
Hollis comes prepared with everything you need, from light spinning gear for finesse presentations to heavier tackle when you're going after those bigger catfish and stripers. Depending on what's working, you might find yourself throwing crankbaits along rocky banks, working live bait near submerged timber, or even trolling the deeper channels for suspended fish. The technique changes throughout the day as fish behavior shifts - early morning might call for topwater action in the shallows, while midday could mean dropping down to deeper structure with jigs or bottom rigs. What's great about fishing with Hollis is that he'll teach you the why behind each technique, not just the how. You'll learn to read the electronics, understand what the fish are telling you through your rod tip, and pick up local tricks that you can use long after your trip ends. All bait, tackle, and gear are included, but feel free to bring your own rod if you've got a favorite setup you like to fish with.
Striped Bass are the heavyweight champions of both lakes, and when you hook into a good one, you'll know it immediately. These fish pull hard and fight dirty, often making long runs that'll test your drag and your patience. Most stripers in these waters run between 5-15 pounds, but don't be surprised if you tie into something bigger. They're most active during low-light periods and can be found suspended over deep water or chasing baitfish in the shallows. What makes stripers so exciting here is their unpredictability - one minute they're deep, the next they're busting shad on the surface. Smallmouth Bass might not have the size of their striped cousins, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish you'll find in Missouri waters. These bronze beauties love rocky structure and clear water, making them a blast to catch on lighter tackle. They're most cooperative in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate, and a 3-4 pound smallmouth will give you a fight you won't forget. Channel Catfish are the bread and butter of Missouri fishing, and both lakes have healthy populations that'll keep your rod bent. These whiskered warriors can be caught year-round, but summer evenings are prime time when they move shallow to feed. Don't let their reputation as bottom-feeders fool you - a big channel cat will run, jump, and generally make your life difficult in the best possible way. American Yellow Perch might be smaller than the other species, but they make up for it with their willingness to bite and excellent table fare. These schooling fish are perfect for action-packed fishing, especially when you locate a good group. They're most active during cooler months and can be found around structure in 10-25 feet of water. Bluegill round out the mix and are perfect for anglers who want steady action and a fun fight on light tackle. These colorful panfish are most active during the spawn in late spring but can be caught throughout the season around shallow cover and structure.
This top-rated full-day experience with C&H Fishing Outfitters gives you everything you need for a world-class day on Missouri's premier fishing lakes. With Hollis's local expertise, quality gear, and the flexibility to target multiple species, you're set up for success whether you're looking to learn new techniques or just enjoy a relaxing day catching fish. The intimate two-person maximum ensures you get the personalized attention that makes these trips so productive and enjoyable. Don't wait - the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Reach out to C&H Fishing Outfitters today and secure your spot for what could be your best day on the water this year.
Captain Hollis takes you out on his 21-foot Kenner bay boat, perfectly rigged for Missouri's inland waters. This Mercury Optima-powered rig can hit 53 mph to get you to the hot spots fast, then settles into a stable fishing platform once you're on the fish. The boat's equipped with GPS to navigate Truman and Mark Twain's coves and channels, plus a quality fish finder to locate schools of catfish, bass, and trout holding in deeper water. With room for two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without bumping elbows. The shallow-draft design lets Hollis access those productive backwater areas where big cats like to feed, while the reliable 2-stroke motor ensures you spend more time fishing and less time dealing with mechanical issues.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch might be smaller fish, but they're perfect for action-packed days on the water. These golden beauties with their dark vertical stripes typically run 6-10 inches and travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find plenty. Look for them around weed beds, docks, and shallow structure where they hunt insects and small minnows. Spring through early summer is prime time, especially when water temps are in the 60s. What makes perch fishing fun is the constant action - they bite aggressively and fight surprisingly hard for their size. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish around with sweet, flaky white meat. My go-to technique is a simple jig and minnow combo worked slowly through likely spots. Once you locate a school, you can often catch fish after fish from the same area. Perfect species for kids or anyone wanting steady action.
Lepomis MacrochirusBluegill are the perfect starter fish and a blast for anglers of all ages. These colorful panfish typically run 6-8 inches with that distinctive blue-black gill flap and bronze-green sides. They love shallow, weedy areas near shorelines, around docks, and over spawning beds in spring. Late spring and early summer are best when they're bedding in the shallows, but they bite year-round. What makes bluegill special is their willingness to bite and surprising fight - they'll bend your rod and put up a scrappy battle. The sweet, flaky meat is outstanding in the pan too. They school up, so finding one usually means finding many. Here's my favorite setup: a simple bobber rig with a small hook and piece of nightcrawler. Keep it quiet, watch your bobber, and be ready - bluegill often hit hard and fast. Perfect for teaching kids to fish since they're aggressive and not too picky about presentation.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel catfish are the workhorses of both Truman and Mark Twain - reliable, hard-fighting, and great eating. These whiskered bottom-dwellers typically range from 2-10 pounds, though we occasionally see monsters pushing 20-plus. They're not picky about habitat, living everywhere from shallow flats to deep channels, but love structure like fallen trees and rock piles. Summer nights are prime time when they feed aggressively, though they bite year-round. What makes catfishing special is the anticipation - that steady pull and head-shaking fight once they're hooked. The flaky white meat is some of the best you'll find in freshwater. Here's something most folks don't know: fresh-cut shad works better than stink baits on these clear lakes. The key is keeping your bait on or near the bottom and being patient. When a channel cat decides to eat, you'll know it - they don't nibble, they commit.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are some of the scrappiest fighters you'll hook on these Missouri lakes. Most run 12-18 inches and 2-4 pounds, with that bronze-green coloring and red eyes that make them easy to spot. They love rocky structure, gravel points, and drop-offs where they hunt crayfish and small baitfish. Spring and fall offer the best action when water temps hit that 60-70 degree sweet spot. Summer pushes them deeper, but early morning and late evening can still be productive. What guests love most is their attitude - pound for pound, nothing fights harder than a smallmouth. They jump, run, and never give up. The meat is sweet and firm too. Here's a local trick: when fishing rocky areas, drag a tube jig or ned rig slowly along the bottom. These fish often hit so subtly you'll think you're snagged on a rock, then suddenly your "rock" starts swimming away.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass in Missouri's lakes are landlocked but thrive in these deep, clear waters. These silver-sided fighters typically run 15-25 pounds, with their distinctive black stripes making them easy to identify. You'll find them around submerged structures, drop-offs, and points where they ambush shad. Spring and fall are prime times when they move shallow to feed. Summer finds them deeper in cooler water. What makes stripers special is their powerful runs - they'll peel line off your reel like few other freshwater fish. The meat is excellent eating with a firm, flaky texture. My local tip: watch for birds working over baitfish schools. When you see that surface action, get a live shad or large swimbait in there fast. These fish are aggressive feeders but can be picky, so match your bait size to what they're chasing that day.
Missouri