Fed by the Salt River and nearby creeks, Mark Twain Lake, located in northeastern Missouri in the Salt River Hills provides 18,600 acres of recreational waters, which also serve to provide power generation and flood protection. Mark Twain Lake, completed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1984, is the youngest Missouri lake and the largest lake in northeast Missouri. The 285-mile, undisturbed shoreline rich with tree-lined banks and rocky bluffs, offers a perfect habitat for fish.

The Mark Twain State Park offers all the amenities expected of a state park. Hile the park is open year round, some of the services are only available from April through October.

Fishing

The most sought after fish in Mark Twain Lake include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, carp, catfish, perch and walleye. The numerous coves and inlets provide many places to fish in a relaxing environment.

The lake is open to fishing all year round, weather permitting. Although Mark Twain Lake will freeze over during a hard winter, ice fishing is not advisable because of fluctuating water levels and variable ice thickness.

Every year, the Mark Twain Lake Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Buddy Bass Tournament, which is the lake's largest and oldest tournament.

  Search Mark Twain Lake Resources
     Coordinates:
39.5717N -91.5711W
Map It:
Lake Type:
Reservoir
Surface Area:
18,600 acres
Maximum Depth:
85 ft
Elevation:
640 ft
Normal Water Clarity:
5 ft
Major City:
St. Louis
Airport:
St. Louis

Mark Twain Lake welcomes all boat and motor types and sizes for all types of water sports' enthusiasts.

Two full-service marinas provide boating and fishing supplies, fuel, storage, snacks and boat rentals.

Two public four-lane boat ramps are available at the park's day use areas. There is also a boat launch ramp at the campground.

• MO Fishing Licenses
• MO 2012 Statewide Limits and Regulations
• MO Fish Consumption Advisories
• Mark Twain State Park
• Missouri Department of Conservation