Harry S Truman Reservoir
Harry S Truman Reservoir
- Boat Ramps
- 17
- Access Points
- 30
- Species
- 25
Harry S Truman Reservoir, commonly known as Truman Lake, is Missouri's largest reservoir with over 55,600 acres of water and approximately 950 miles of shoreline. Located in west-central Missouri, this sprawling body of water was formed in 1979 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is fed by four major rivers: the Grand, Sac, Pomme de Terre, and Osage. The lake is characterized by numerous stumps and trees that were left standing when the reservoir was created, providing excellent fish habitat throughout the water body. Truman Lake is known for its fertile waters, particularly in the upper western end where rivers drain cropland, resulting in higher phosphorous content and greater algae growth that supports a robust food chain. The reservoir offers exceptional fishing opportunities for multiple species and is widely regarded as one of the best catfish lakes in Missouri.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Harry S Truman Reservoir and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Harry S Truman Reservoir. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Harry S Truman Reservoir
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Missouri licenses and regulations
Missouri Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Missouri Fishing License
Residents of Missouri 65 years old and older are not required to purchase a fishing license. Non -Residents 16 years old and older must purchase a non-resident license. Anglers 15 years old and younger are not required to purchase a license regardless of residency.
Missouri Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Missouri Stream Access Laws
In Missouri, waterways navigable in fact, or with a long history of use, and the capability of commercial and recreational transport are open to the public. The state asserts a public trust doctrine, allowing recreation, streambed access, right to portage and other incidents of navigation, regardless of ownership.
Take Harry S Truman Reservoir with you
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Use the map without signal
Download the map around Harry S Truman Reservoir to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Harry S Truman Reservoir to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Harry S Truman Reservoir and check the forecast before you go.
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Harry S Truman Reservoir fishing guides
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.


Jordan Leer
Angler's Edge Guide Service
5.0 (3 reviews)
It's time to reel in some trophy fish in MO!
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Joshua Oetterer
Fins & Feathers Guide Service
Missouri Fishing & Kansas Pheasant Hunting Guides
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Tom Doty
Doty Outdoors
Experienced Premier central MO. Fishing Charters!
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Fishing near Harry S Truman Reservoir
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Fishing spots
- Long Shoal Marina Boat Ramp
- Harry S. Truman State Park Boat Ramp
- Truman Reservoir Management Lands Boat Ramp
- Osage Bluff Marina Boat Ramp
- Bucksaw Resort & Marina Boat Ramp
- Brush Creek Boat Ramp
- Talley Bend Boat Ramp
- Front Street Boat Ramp
- Cooper Creek Boat Ramp
- TT West Boat Ramp
- Long Shoal Boat Ramp
- Berry Bend Boat Ramp
- All 189 spots
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