A Beginner's Guide to Planning a Family Fishing Trip to Get Outdoors and Spend Quality Time Together
The Ozarks is well-known for its fishing holes. And that means an abundance of opportunities to get outdoors and spend more time together. You will find a variety of opportunities for bass, trout, crappie, catfish, and even paddlefish across the Ozarks. The lakes, rivers, and streams provide enough fishing for experienced anglers (an official-sounding term for people who enjoy fishing), beginners, kids, and everyone in between.
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If you’re interested in taking the kids fishing, here’s what you need to know
Best Fishing Spots in the Ozarks
If you're looking for the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and spend quality time together with your family, a great fishing spot will do the trick! Choosing the best fishing spot depends on how you want to try fishing. First, you’ll need to decide if you want to fish in a lake or a stream. Lakes are deep, providing easily controlled factors that make fishing a little easier as long as you have the right season, time of day, and bait.
By contrast, stream fishing can be more challenging. The water is often shallow and experiences a larger variation of factors like temperature and water flow throughout the day. River fishing is generally thought to require more patience and more skill, but can provide a complete float, camping, and fishing experience with a wide variety of scenery.
Here are a few recommendations to find a starting point (but by no means is this an exhaustive list of fishing opportunities).
Lake Fishing in the Ozarks:
2. Bull Shoals Lake in North Central Arkansas & South Central Missouri
4. Greers Ferry Lake in Arkansas
6. Beaver Lake in Northwest Arkansas
7. Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in Oklahoma
River and Stream Fishing in the Ozarks:
1. The Lower Illinois River at Gore, Oklahoma
3. Meramec River in Missouri
4. Big Piney River in Missouri
5. Flint Creek in Oklahoma
6. White River in Arkansas
7. Glover River in Oklahoma
9. Little Red River in Arkansas
When to Visit & What to Fish for in the Ozarks
Many places across the Ozarks region offer year-round fishing. However, your success will depend on understanding the natural feeding and migration cycles of different fish, which are predominantly driven by water temperatures.
First, you need to understand that fishing is a favorite hobby and pastime of many Ozarkians. You could talk strategy all day long (and then some) with local anglers. There is a fine line between art and science in locating and catching fish. This post is not that. Here, we aim to give you the very tip of the iceberg type of information so that you can plan a family fishing trip.
Fishing comes in many different forms--in boats, on docks, propped up on the side of a bank along a river or on a lake. Whatever you're looking for, you probably have an idea of an iconic family fishing trip in mind.
Here is what you need to know:
Fly fishing is harder than it looks. If this is what you're looking for, consider hooking up with an instructor to show you the ropes.
Rod and reel fishing with live bait for crappie and bass is good for beginners.
If you fish rivers, you may catch catfish (and they sting).
Paddle fish charters offer a unique, adventurous fishing experience in the Ozarks.
Lures are generally for experienced anglers. Live bait attracts more fish.
Lake fishing and stream fishing are two different things that require two different skill sets when it comes to casting and catching.
Trout Fishing from the Riverbank
The Ozarks lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams are flush with various species of trout. For the lakes listed in this post, trout are stocked several times throughout the year. And for the rivers and streams, you’ll find trout upstream or downstream depending on natural spawning cycles.
Trout stick to routines. This makes these fish predictable and easier to locate when you want to fish. The bad news is that trout tend to hole up in hard-to-reach areas, like logs and other debris jamming up a current.
When it comes to fishing from the riverbank, you’re probably not going to have a lot of luck just dropping a line in the water without any strategy. For river and stream fishing, you need to learn how to flip or fly in and catch their attention without snagging a rock or branch.
If you’re fishing for trout in a river or stream, fly rods are the most popular type of equipment. But a skilled angler can make do with any setup. The key is to understand how and when trout feed. These fish are looking for bugs and larvae, which are most active on the surface of the water and at dusk. If you’re out mid-day, these fish will be deeper in the water and noticeably less active.
If you’re a beginner, look for trout on the bank of the river using Powerbait (a synthetic polymer fishing bait). Bring folding chairs, a cooler of drinks and food, and plenty of patience.
When to Go: The best season for trout fishing is fall, when these fish head upstream to spawn.
Lake Fishing for Bass and Crappie
If you’re wanting to fish from a lake, you can drop a line from a dock or head out in a small fishing boat to spend the day on the water. The Ozarks region is home to several large lakes that provide easy access and plenty of options to rent a boat. One thing you'll notice is that the lakes in the Ozarks region are pretty clear.
Try these lakes:
Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri
Table Rock Lake in Missouri
Beaver Lake in Arkansas
Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma
Bull Shoals Lake in Missouri and Arkansas
Charter Fishing for Paddlefish
Paddlefish are found throughout the Ozarks region. However, they are less common than the trout and bass varieties that are more commonly fished. Still, many anglers enjoy the sport of fishing paddlefish for something a little different. Keep in mind that paddlefish are typically restricted to a set fishing season.
When | What | Where |
January | Blue & Channel Catfish | Big Rivers (Mississippi, Big Piney, White) |
February | Crappie | Stocked Lakes |
March | Walleye & White Bass | Where Lakes Flow into Tributaries |
April | Crappie, Bass | Creeks and Streams |
May | Bream | Lakes and Rivers |
June | Catfish | Rivers |
July | Trout | River and Stream Fishing |
August | Drum | Lake Fishing (Near Bottom of Dams) |
September | Bass, Catfish, Crappie | Streams, Rivers, Lakes |
October | Small Mouth Bass | Stream Fishing |
November | Brown Trout | Stream Fishing |
December | Stripers, Walleye, Bass | Lakes |
What You Need: Equipment for First-Time Anglers
If you plan to take the kids fishing, you'll need some basic equipment. If someone in your group is a recreational and sport angler, you probably have what you need. But if this is the first time you're going out fishing with the family, or you are traveling without room for extra gear, you might still have a few options for securing the equipment that you need.
Here's a quick list of common requirements for bass fishing:
Light to Medium Weight Rod & Reel (One per Person). Beginners should look for a medium action, closed-face reel.
Fishing Line
Hooks
Live Bait (Earthworms)
Tackle Box
Bobbers (Keeps the Bait suspended in the water and off the bottom)
Sinkers (Pulls line into water)
Pliers with a Cutting Tool
Bucket or Line to Keep Caught Fish
Pocket Knife
Portable Chairs
Sunscreen, Fishing Hats
Bottled Water
Picnic Lunch
Of course, if you want to fish from a boat, you'll need to own or rent a boat that is a sufficient size. You can fish solo from a kayak or with a couple of people from a bass fishing boat. But if you're taking a group, you'll need something larger.
Fishing License Requirements by State
Fishing permit and licensing programs vary by state. These programs are designed to protect fish and wildlife populations by allowing the governing conservation department to impose restrictions and regulations on fishing, hunting, or trapping activities.
Generally, both residents and non-residents are required to obtain a fishing permit. But the rules vary and there are plenty of exceptions. Here is what you need to know if you are planning a family fishing trip to the Ozarks.
Missouri Fishing Permits
Missouri fishing permits can be purchased for daily, annual, or lifetime use. For residents and non-residents, a daily permit is $8 per person in 2022. The Missouri Department of Conservation also offers a limited number of free fishing days where anyone can fish without a permit so check their calendar before buying your permits.
MO Fishing License Exemptions:
Youth Age 15 & Under (Resident & Non-Resident)
Missouri Residents Age 65 & Older
Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions or Disabilities
Veterans and Warriors in Transition
Anyone fishing in a trout park is required to purchase a daily trout permit. Additionally, trout permits are required to keep trout outside of a park or to fish the upper portion of Lake Taneycomo.
How much does a fishing permit cost in Missouri? A resident fishing permit is $12.00 and a non-resident fishing permit is $49. If you're not from Missouri, and only plan to fish for a few days, it might be better to buy a daily permit at $8 per day.
Arkansas Fishing Permits
In the Arkansas Ozarks, fishing is regulated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Anyone age 16 or older is required to carry a fishing license in Arkansas. Additionally, a trout permit is required to fish certain waters (Bull Shoals Lake, Norfolk Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Beaver Lake tailwaters, Lake Greeson, and Spavinaw Creek east of highway 59).
A non-resident fishing license is available for short-duration fishing trips and annual purchases:
Non-Resident Annual Fishing Permit - $50
Non-Resident 3-Day Fishing Permit - $16
Non-Resident 7-Day Fishing Permit - $25
Non-Resident Trout Permit - $20
Residents of the state of Arkansas can purchase discounted fishing permits and special border lake permits that enable fishing certain lakes without buying dual-state permits.
Resident Annual Fishing Permit - $10.50
Resident Trout Permit - $10
Resident 3-Day Fishing Permit - $6.50
White River & Border Lakes Permit - $10.50
Residents of Arkansas with mobility impairment may receive a free fishing license. Senior residents age 65 and older may receive a discounted lifetime fishing license for $10.50 (or lifetime trout license for $10).
Oklahoma Fishing Permits
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife manages fishing permits in the state of Oklahoma. Here, youth 15 & Under can fish without a permit. Youth ages 16 & 17 may purchase a permit for $5.00. And adults, age 18 and older can purchase an annual license for $25.00.
Non-resident licenses:
One-Day Permit - $15
Six-Day Permit - $35
Annual Permit - $55
Lake Texoma Permit - $12
Resident licenses:
Two-Day Permit - $15
Five Year Permit - $88
Annual Permit - $25
Disability Permit - $10
Lifetime Permit - $225
Senior Citizen (65+) Lifetime - $15
Youth Annual Permit - $5
Tips from the Pros to Kick Off Your Ozarks Fishing Trip
Fishing is a relatively simple, yet endlessly strategic pastime. It is as easy as dropping a line in the water if you want it to be. It's also something that you can pour hours, days, or weeks into researching, analyzing, and overthinking if you're so inclined. Why? It's simple, everyone has an opinion on how, when, and where to find fish and get them to bite.
Tip #1: Do Some Research & Make a Plan Before You Go
Choosing the type of fish you're hoping to catch can help you decide whether to head out in the early morning hours or wait for a crisp, fall afternoon. It can also help you choose the right equipment and bait, and ultimately have more success on your first fishing trip.
Tip #2: Have a Backup Plan
Not all fishing holes provide the same experience, and even anglers with years on the water will tell you that sometimes the fish just don't bite. Instead of leaving defeated, choose a backup fishing location within a close proximity to your target location and be willing to change the gameplan.
Tip #3: Dress for Comfort & Weather
Wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing is important. But also keep in mind that you'll be spending hours in the outdoors and that the weather can change from dawn to midday to dusk. Check the weather forecast early and often. Bring layers and packable rain gear just in case.
Tip #4: Leave No Trace
Practice responsible stewardship of the environment. Keep a clean camp and properly dispose of used line, leftover bait, and broken tackle.
Tip #5: Be Friendly, Accept Help from Experienced Anglers
One thing you're likely to encounter at the lake (or stream) is other fishermen. It's almost required that you exchange simple pleasantries like asking 'how are the fish biting' in passing. But it's also a great opportunity to get a little advice. Most of the time, more experienced anglers will be happy to oblige, offering a small bit of wisdom that might literally make the difference between a great fishing trip and dashed hopes of snagging a big one.
Get Outdoors and Spend Quality Time Together on a Family Fishing Trip in the Ozarks
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