Biggest lakes in Missouri: the top 10 by size

The list

Sizes are the published surface area where one exists; the others are our own measure of the water's outline and read "about". Reservoirs shrink and grow with their level, so a dry year shows less water.

1. Truman Lake

At some 55,600 acres, Truman Lake is a huge piece of water. Expect crappie, largemouth bass, catfish and white bass. The deepest water is around 80 ft. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look.

Truman Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

2. Lake of the Ozarks

At some 54,000 acres, Lake of the Ozarks is a huge piece of water. The fish here are largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and white bass. It goes down to about 130 ft. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves to work.

Lake of the Ozarks today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

3. Table Rock Lake

At 43,100 acres of water, Table Rock Lake is a big lake. Largemouth bass, crappie, white bass and walleye are the draw. At about 220 ft deep, it stays cooler below the surface well into summer. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look.

Table Rock Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

4. Stockton Lake

Stockton Lake covers some 25,000 acres. The lake is about 25 miles southeast of Springfield. Stockton Dam holds it on the Sac River. Like most lakes its size in Missouri, it should hold largemouth bass, walleye, crappie and bluegill. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look. Stockton Lake was completed in 1969 by damming the Sac River for flood control, hydropower, and recreation.

Stockton Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

5. Mark Twain Lake

Mark Twain Lake is a reservoir of some 18,600 acres. The lake is near Monroe City. Clarence Cannon Dam holds it on the Salt River. Catfish, largemouth bass, crappie and walleye are the draw. At about 85 ft deep, it stays cooler below the surface well into summer. Mark Twain Lake was created by damming the Salt River and is named after the Missouri-born author Mark Twain.

Mark Twain Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

6. Wappapello Lake

Wappapello Lake spreads over some 8,400 acres. The lake is near Greenville. Wappapello Dam holds it on the St. Francis River. Expect white bass, largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. The deepest water is around 47 ft. Wappapello Lake was built by damming the St. Francis River and is one of the older Corps of Engineers reservoirs in Missouri.

Wappapello Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

7. Pomme de Terre Lake

At 7,820 acres, Pomme de Terre Lake is a good-sized lake. You will find it about 2.5 miles north of Hermitage. Largemouth bass, crappie, white bass and muskie are the draw. Pomme de Terre Lake is one of the few Missouri lakes stocked with muskellunge, which do not reproduce naturally there.

Pomme de Terre Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

8. Smithville Lake

At 7,190 acres of water, Smithville Lake is a good-sized lake. The lake is about 19 miles south of Kansas City. Smithville Dam holds it on the Little Platte River. The fish here are largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and walleye.

Smithville Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

9. Thomas Hill Reservoir

At about 4,010 acres, Thomas Hill Reservoir is a good-sized lake. You will find it about 44 miles south of Columbia. The usual Missouri mix applies: largemouth bass, walleye, crappie and bluegill. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves to work.

Thomas Hill Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

10. Long Branch Lake

Long Branch Lake spreads over about 2,010 acres. The lake is about 56 miles south of Columbia. Largemouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish are the draw.

Long Branch Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

Big water, big days

The bigger the lake, the more the wind matters. Plan the day around the forecast, start on the sheltered side and give yourself a way home if it builds.