Full Day Fishing Adventure on Missouri's Premier Lakes
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour guided fishing trip on Truman or Mark Twain LakeTarget catfish, bass, and trout with provided gear and tackleAccommodates up to two guests with customized skill-level approach
When you're looking for a solid day on the water chasing some of Missouri's best fish, this full-day trip with guide Hollis Crawford delivers exactly what serious anglers want. Eight hours fishing either Truman Lake or Mark Twain Lake means you're hitting two of the state's most productive waters, where striped bass, smallmouth, catfish, and panfish keep your rod bent all day long. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to dial in your technique or someone who just wants to catch fish without the hassle of figuring out what's working, Hollis has you covered with all the gear, local knowledge, and patience to make it happen.
This isn't your typical crowded charter where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers. With just two anglers max, you get the kind of personalized attention that actually makes a difference in your success rate. Hollis tailors every trip based on what you want to accomplish – maybe you're after your first keeper striper, or perhaps you want to master finesse techniques for those finicky smallmouth. The beauty of fishing these Missouri lakes is the variety. One minute you're working structure for bass, the next you're setting up on a catfish hole that's been producing for years. Both Truman and Mark Twain offer different challenges and opportunities, so depending on conditions and what's biting best, Hollis picks the lake that gives you the best shot at success. The scenery doesn't hurt either – these Ozark waters offer some beautiful backdrops while you're waiting for that next bite.
Hollis brings decades of experience fishing these waters, which means you're getting access to the kind of local intel that takes most anglers years to figure out. On Truman Lake, we're talking about over 55,000 acres of prime fishing water with everything from shallow flats perfect for topwater action to deep structure where the big stripers hang out. Mark Twain Lake offers its own personality – clearer water that requires more finesse but rewards you with some incredibly healthy fish populations. Depending on the season and conditions, you might find yourself throwing crankbaits over submerged timber, working live bait around creek channels, or even sight fishing in the shallows. All tackle and gear are included, from rods and reels matched to the techniques you'll be using, to a tackle box full of proven lures and baits. Hollis knows which presentations work best for each species and isn't shy about sharing those secrets that separate the guys who catch fish from those who just go fishing.
Striped bass are the heavyweight champions of both lakes, and for good reason. These fish fight like freight trains and can stretch the tape anywhere from 15 to 30-plus pounds. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding and easier to locate, but summer fishing can be fantastic if you know where to find them in deeper, cooler water. What makes stripers so addictive is their aggressive nature – when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. They'll hit everything from live shad to large spoons, and watching one explode on a topwater plug is something every angler needs to experience.
Smallmouth bass in these Missouri waters are something special. They don't get the same press as their largemouth cousins, but pound-for-pound, there's no harder fighting freshwater fish. These bronze backs love the rocky structure and clear water that both lakes provide. Peak smallmouth action typically runs from late spring through early fall, and they'll test your drag system with acrobatic jumps and bulldogging runs. A 3-pound smallmouth feels like a 5-pound fish, and when you hook into one of the 4 or 5-pounders these lakes produce, you'll understand why smallmouth fanatics are so passionate about their pursuit.
Channel catfish are the reliable workhorses that keep things interesting when other species aren't cooperating. These whiskered fighters are active year-round but really turn on during summer months when water temperatures climb. They're not picky eaters, which makes them perfect for anglers still learning the ropes, but don't mistake their willingness to bite for being pushovers. A 10-pound channel cat will give you all the fight you want, and both lakes have plenty of fish in that class. Night fishing for cats can be phenomenal, but even during daylight hours, if you know where to look, these fish will keep your cooler full.
American yellow perch and bluegill round out the mix and shouldn't be overlooked. Perch are fantastic table fare and provide steady action, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper water. Bluegill are often the unsung heroes of a fishing trip – they're aggressive, fun to catch on light tackle, and perfect for introducing new anglers to the sport. These panfish also make excellent bait for bigger predators, so they serve double duty on many trips.
Eight hours with an experienced guide on two of Missouri's top fishing destinations doesn't come around every day. Whether you're looking to put together your best day on the water this season or want to learn techniques that'll make you a better angler for years to come, this trip delivers the goods. Hollis takes care of everything except getting the fish to bite – though his track record suggests he's got that part pretty well figured out too. These Missouri lakes fish well year-round, but the calendar fills up fast during peak seasons, so don't wait until the last minute to secure your dates. Two-angler max means personalized attention and better fishing for everyone involved.
The 21-foot Kenner bay boat cuts through Missouri's waters with serious fishing performance, powered by a reliable Mercury Optima 2-stroke that hits 53 mph when you need to cover water fast. Built for anglers who want results, this rig comes equipped with GPS navigation to pinpoint your favorite honey holes and a quality fish finder that shows you exactly what's swimming below. Whether you're chasing catfish in the deeper channels of Truman Lake or working bass structure around Mark Twain's timber, this boat handles like a dream and gets you there in comfort. The spacious deck gives you and your fishing partner plenty of room to work lures, fight fish, and move around without getting tangled up. Perfect for serious anglers who know that having the right boat can make the difference between talking about the ones that got away and actually landing them.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are one of our most underrated species - great for beginners and kids, but fun for experienced anglers too. These golden fish with dark vertical bars typically measure 7-10 inches and travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. They prefer areas with vegetation, docks, and structure in 10-20 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time when they move shallow to spawn. What makes perch fishing enjoyable is the steady action and their excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're not big fighters but make up for it in numbers and taste. Light tackle works best since they have small mouths. I use small jigs tipped with minnows or worms, keeping it simple. Pro tip: when you catch one, work that same area thoroughly. Perch school tight, and you can often catch a dozen from the same spot if you stay patient and quiet.
Lepomis MacrochirusBluegill are the perfect fish for getting kids hooked on fishing, but don't underestimate these feisty panfish. They typically run 6-8 inches but fight way above their weight class. You'll find them in shallow areas around cover - fallen trees, docks, and weed beds are prime spots. Spring through early summer is best when they're spawning in shallow water. What makes bluegill special is their willingness to bite and scrappy nature - they'll bend an ultralight rod in half. They're also some of the best eating fish in the lake with sweet, firm fillets. These fish aren't picky about bait, making them great for beginners. A simple bobber rig with worms or crickets works perfectly. My favorite setup is a small jig under a bobber worked slowly around structure. Here's the key: use small hooks since their mouths are tiny, and don't be surprised if you catch several from the same spot - they often school up in good habitat.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are the workhorses of our lakes and perfect for anglers wanting steady action. These whiskered fighters typically run 2-8 pounds, though we see some pushing 20+ pounds each season. They're bottom feeders that hang around deeper holes, creek channels, and structure where they can ambush food. Unlike bass, catfish bite consistently through summer heat and stay active year-round. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and strong, bulldogging fight. Plus, there's no better eating fish in the lake - firm, white meat that fries up perfect. They hunt primarily by smell and taste, so stinky baits work best. I keep it simple with chicken liver, nightcrawlers, or cut shad on the bottom. Here's the trick most folks miss: use a slip sinker rig so they can pick up the bait without feeling resistance. When you get a bite, let them run with it a few seconds before setting the hook.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth are some of the scrappiest fish we target on these lakes. They average 12-16 inches but don't let the size fool you - pound for pound, they fight harder than most fish twice their size. You'll find them around rocky areas, gravel bars, and drop-offs where they ambush crayfish and small baitfish. Spring and fall are best when they're in shallow water, but summer fishing means going deeper to find cooler water. What guests love about smallmouth is their aerial show - they'll jump multiple times during the fight. The meat is firm and tasty, though many folks release them to fight another day. These fish have excellent vision, so clear water doesn't hurt your chances. I like working tube jigs or small crankbaits along rocky structure. Key tip: when they hit, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work - their hard mouths mean hooks can pull out if you horse them.
Morone SaxatilisStripers in our Missouri lakes are landlocked fish that have adapted well to freshwater life. These silver-sided fighters typically run 15-30 pounds, with their signature dark horizontal stripes making them easy to identify. They're structure-oriented fish, so we find them around drop-offs, submerged timber, and rocky points. Spring and fall are prime times when they move into shallower water to feed. Summer pushes them deeper where the water stays cooler. What makes stripers special is their powerful fight - they'll make long runs and really test your drag. The meat is excellent eating too, with firm white fillets that taste great grilled. My go-to technique is working live shad or big swimbaits near structure in 15-25 feet of water. These fish have great eyesight, so don't overlook early morning and late evening when they're most active.
Missouri