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Mark Twain Lake

Boat Ramps
17
Access Points
17
Species
18

Mark Twain Lake is the largest reservoir in northern Missouri, spanning approximately 18,600 acres across Ralls and Monroe counties. Created by the Clarence Cannon Dam on the Salt River, this expansive waterbody has been a premier fishing destination since it filled in 1984. The lake offers a diverse ecosystem with abundant fish populations, making it ideal for anglers of all experience levels. Known for its fluctuating water levels and varying clarity throughout the seasons, Mark Twain Lake provides a unique fishing environment with excellent opportunities for catching crappie, bass, catfish, and several other species.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Mark Twain Lake. 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.

Indian Creek Marina

Indian Creek Marina

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Know where you can legally fish on Mark Twain Lake

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 Mark Twain Lake 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 Mark Twain Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Mark Twain Lake 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.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Mark Twain Lake and check the forecast before you go.

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