Pony Express Lake
Pony Express Lake
- Boat Ramps
- 3
- Access Points
- 14
- Species
- 9
Pony Express Lake is a 240-acre impoundment located within the 3,290-acre Pony Express Conservation Area in DeKalb County, northwest Missouri. Opened to public fishing on January 1, 1966, this lake was created to provide quality fishing opportunities near the St. Joseph and Kansas City metropolitan areas. The area also includes Buffalo Bill Lake, a 45-acre companion water completed in 1987 with facilities for disabled visitors. Named after the historic Pony Express mail service that began nearby in St. Joseph, this conservation area demonstrates the balanced relationship between agricultural operations and wildlife management while offering excellent fishing opportunities for multiple species.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Pony Express Lake and what's needed to catch them.
Find which waters have the species you want to catch
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Black Crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus
Bluegill Sunfish
Lepomis macrochirus
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Common Carp
Cyprinus carpio
Green Sunfish
Lepomis cyanellus
Redear Sunfish
Lepomis microlophus
White Crappie
Pomoxis annularis
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Pony Express 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.
Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
Know where you can legally fish on Pony Express 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.
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 Pony Express 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 Pony Express Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Pony Express 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.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Pony Express Lake and check the forecast before you go.
No forecast data available.
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Fish species
Fishing spots
- Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Boat Ramp
- Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Boat Ramp
- Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Boat Ramp
- Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
- Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
- Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
- Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
- Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
- Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
- Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
- Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
- Pony Express Lake Conservation Area Access
- All 31 spots
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