Lake Girardeau

Boat Ramps: 1
Access Points: 4
Species: 5

Lake Girardeau is a managed lake located in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, offering excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. This impoundment is part of the Lake Girardeau Conservation Area and represents a classic example of a well-balanced warmwater fishery. The lake follows Missouri Department of Conservation's proven stocking strategy, featuring bluegill, channel catfish, and largemouth bass as the foundation species that provide both quality sport fishing and excellent table fare. When properly managed in this combination, these species create a sustainable ecosystem that supports diverse angling opportunities throughout the year.

Missouri licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Lake Girardeau and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Redear Sunfish

Lepomis microlophus

White Crappie

Pomoxis annularis

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Girardeau. 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 Lake Girardeau

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Take Lake Girardeau with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Lake Girardeau to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Girardeau 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.