Last updated on March 20th, 2024 at 08:34 am.
Whether I’m at school, traveling, or home for the summer, I am always looking for the best fishing spots near me. When I’m home in Kansas City during my breaks from college I’ve explored many of the options for fishing that are closest to KCMO.
If you are searching for ‘Places to Go Fishing Near Me’, the Kansas City metro area offers a diverse range of fishing locations, each with its unique charm and fish populations.
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From the serene Coot Lake in the heart of Kansas City to the expansive Smithville Lake just a short drive away, anglers can find the perfect spot to cast their lines and enjoy their favorite pastime. Whether you’re targeting largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, or other species, these 22 fishing spots provide a variety of opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
In this article, I explore the best places to fish in the Kansas City metro area from urban lakes and bigger bodies of water, including the popular Coot Lake. We will delve into each location with descriptions about the fish you can catch, and provide addresses to help you find these angler’s paradises.
What you need for A Day of Fishing:
Essential gear including a fishing rod, reel, and line, hooks, weights or sinkers, bobbers, and swivels. Don’t forget a multi-purpose fishing tool. Of course bug spray, sunscreen, a sunhat and lot’s of water!
Remember to pack a cooler to keep your catch fresh, as well as a tackle box to organize your fishing accessories. Additionally, make sure to bring bait, a net for landing fish, and don’t forget your Missouri fishing permit.
Fishing in Kansas City
Longview Lake
Address: 11100 View High Drive Kansas City, MO 64134
Situated on the southeastern outskirts of Kansas City, Longview Lake is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. Known for its scenic beauty and well-stocked waters, this 930-acre lake attracts anglers year-round.
Fish Species: Longview Lake offers a diverse range of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and white bass. The lake’s abundant fish population ensures an exciting and rewarding fishing experience for all anglers.
Blue Valley Lake
Address: 2301 Topping Ave Kansas City, MO 64129
Area Hours: Monday-Saturday: 04:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Sunday, 04:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Blue Valley Park is situated on the east side of Topping Avenue and spans 238 acres. It features a 3-acre pond that offers excellent fishing opportunities for catfish. Apart from the two prime fishing spots, the park offers an array of enjoyable amenities, including a Frisbee golf course, a concession stand, a water playground, a ball diamond, and various picnic areas.
Alex George Lake Park
Address: 10700 Blue River Rd Kansas City, Missouri 64131
Alex George Lake Park, located within the Blue River Parkway, is home to a nine-acre lake that is perfect for fishing. The lake is stocked with channel catfish from April to October and with trout from November to March. In addition to the fishing opportunities, the park also offers a picnic area where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal amidst the serene surroundings.
Troost Lake
Address: 3036 The Paseo Kansas City, MO 64109
Troost Lake is a small fishing spot near the Zoo in Loose Park. ust about every time I drive by, I see people fishing. The lake is periodically stocked by the Missouri Conservation Department.
Lake of the Woods
Location: Gregory Boulevard and Oldham Road in Kansas City
Lake of the Woods, located at Gregory Boulevard and Oldham Road in the south park district, spans nearly nine acres. The lake is renowned for its abundant fish population, including walleye, perch, northern pike, sauger, panfish, crappie, smallmouth and largemouth bass, lake sturgeon, muskellunge, and lake trout. The facility is also home to the Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club.
Jerry Smith Park
Address: Prospect Ave, Kansas City, MO 64146
Jerry Smith Park spans 360 acres and encompasses open rolling hills, wooded forests, and a three-acre lake. The lake is ideal for small lake fishing. Moreover, the park offers an impressive trail for visitors to enjoy.
Englewood Lake, Kansas City
Location: Englewood Road & N. Troost Ave. in Kansas City
Englewood Lake located in Englewood Park is one of the many lakes in Kansas City that are stocked periodically by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Migliazzo Lake
Location: Minor Dr &, Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64145
Migliazzo Lake is a 2.2-acre lake known for catfish fishing.
North Terrace Lake
Address: 2700 Cliff Dr, Kansas City, MO 64106
North Terrace Lake is a 2.2-acre lake known for catfish fishing.
Chaumiere Lake
Address: 3442-3494 NE 43rd Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64117
Chaumiere Lake in Chaumiere Woods Park is listed on many Kansas City fishing lists. But please note, at the time of this writing does not meet current health and safety standards for human or pet contact. Please check their website for updates.
Fishing within 30 minutes of Kansas City
Dickson Park Pond
Address: 1700 Dickinson Rd, Independence, MO 64050
Distance from Kansas City: 14 Miles | 20 Minutes
This 42-acre park offers various amenities such as a fishing lake, playground, and picnic tables. For fishing enthusiasts, there is a designated area to fish, located at a reasonable walking distance from the park along a wooded path.
Blue Springs Lake
Address: 1500 NE Bowlin Road Lee’s Summit, MO
Distance from Kansas City: 17 Miles | 20 Minutes
Blue Springs Lake at Fleming Park offers abundant fishing opportunities for a full day of enjoyment. Its 720 acres, it provides ample space for your family to engage in various activities. In addition to being an excellent fishing location, you can also indulge in boating, water skiing, tubing, and jet skiing.
The lake offers a multitude of options to keep everyone entertained. You can spend quality time playing at the beach, and the park provides shelter houses and campgrounds where you can have a picnic and make lasting memories with your family.
Fish Species: Blue Springs Lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, black crappie, and carp. Over 7,000 young hybrid striped bass are stocked annually to maintain the population.
Lake Remembrance
Address: 1901 NE Jefferson St, Blue Springs, MO 64014
Distance from Kansas City: 20 Miles | 25 Minutes
Gregory O. Grounds Park features a 54-acre Lake Remembrance where anglers can try their luck catching bluegill, largemouth bass, redear sunfish, and channel catfish. Fishing is available year-round, and visitors can also enjoy canoeing and kayaking on the lake. However, it’s important to note that swimming is not permitted in Lake Remembrance.
Johnston Lake
Address: 701 Johnston Parkway Raymore, MO 64083
Distance from Kansas City: 24 Miles | 30 Minutes
Hawk Ridge Park spans 79 acres of scenic rolling hills and has great fishing at Johnston Lake . More than 900 rainbow trout are stocked annually at Johnston Lake. Anglers must have a Missouri fishing license and a trout permit.
The park enforces daily limits for fishing, allowing anglers to catch up to four channel catfish, two bass, 20 bluegill, and 30 crappie.
Capitol Federal Sports Complex, Liberty
Address: 2200 Old State Hwy 210, Liberty, MO 64068
Distance from Kansas City: 17 Miles | 22 Minutes
The complex features eight fishing ponds. Fishing is permitted year-round and trout may be taken by pole and line using all types of lures and baits under statewide limits. A trout permit is required to keep trout.
The complex also has six natural grass fields and more than two miles of walking/biking trails.
Cleveland Lake
Address: 502 S Cleveland Ave, Belton, MO 64012
Distance from Kansas City: 22 Miles | 25 Minutes
Cleveland Lake spans 50.9 acres and is also stocked with fish and open for fishing. The lake also offers a range of recreational activities including a 1.2-mile walking trail, a scenic environment, disc golf, and a lake suitable for boating with wind, paddle, or electric-powered boats.
Coot Lake
Address: 12405 SE Ranson Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64082
Distance from Kansas City: 25 miles | 30 Minutes
Located near Lees Summit, and a part of the James A. Reed wildlife preserve, Coot lake is one of the best places to catch stocked trout in the Kansas City area. With easy access to bank fishing, as well as a covered dock, this is a great place for a day trip for fishing. There are water moccasins however, so watch out, be careful, and if you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you.
Fish Species: Coot Lake is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth trout, bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. The lake is particularly famous for its largemouth bass population, providing anglers with an exciting challenge. The area’s well-maintained fishing docks and shoreline access points make it an accessible spot for anglers of all skill levels.
Lake Jacomo
Address: 7401 W Park Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64015
Distance from Kansas City: 19 Miles | 22 Minutes
Jacomo Lake is an exceptional fishing spot that captivates anglers of all skill levels. With its serene and picturesque surroundings, this beautiful lake offers an abundance of reasons why it stands out as a prime fishing destination. Firstly, its pristine waters are teeming with a diverse range of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, ensuring a thrilling angling experience for everyone.
The lake’s well-maintained fishing docks and accessible shoreline provide ample opportunities for casting lines and reeling in impressive catches.
Fish Species: Fish species, include largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, walleye and channel catfish.
Smithville Lake
Address: 17201 Paradesian St., Smithville, MO 64089
Distance from Kansas City: 23 Miles | 30 Minutes
Just a short drive north of Kansas City, Smithville Lake is a sprawling reservoir that caters to both recreational boaters and avid anglers. The 7,200 acre lake has more than 175 miles of shoreline, 2 full service marinas including boat rentals, and 1 sailboat only marina. With its vast expanse and diverse fish population, Smithville Lake is an angler’s paradise.
In addition to fishing there are 2 swim beaches, 752 campsites, reservable shelters, a dockside restaurant, 2 public 18-hole golf courses within the Paradise Pointe Golf Complex, 4 disc golf courses and more!
Fish Species: Smithville Lake boasts a wide range of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, and white bass. Whether you prefer casting from the shoreline or exploring the lake by boat, Smithville Lake offers ample opportunities for a successful fishing trip.
Fishing within 1 hour of Kansas City
Watkins Mill State Park
Address: 26600 Park Road North Lawson, MO 64062
Distance from Kansas City: 30 Miles / 35-40 Minutes
Williams Creek Lake spans 100 acres and offers ample fishing opportunities. The lake is known for its abundant population of bass, catfish, sunfish and crappie fishing. For convenience, there is a boat launching area with a courtesy boat dock; however, please note that boat motors used on the lake are restricted to 10 horsepower or less. If you prefer fishing from the shore, an accessible fishing dock is located near the western end of the dam. For night fishing, a permit must be purchased at the office.
In addition to good fishing, the lake area provides a scenic environment to observe white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. For outdoor enthusiasts, a paved bicycle path encircles the lake, allowing for enjoyable rides and easy access to different fishing spots.
The Lewis and Clark Park
Address: 801 Lakecrest Blvd, Rushville, MO 64484
Distance from Kansas City: 46 Miles / 50 Minutes
At the expansive 365-acre Lewis and Clark Lake, also known as Sugar Lake, anglers can expect a fruitful fishing experience. The lake’s shallow sections serve as fertile grounds for various fish species, including channel catfish, carp, buffalo, and both game and non-game fish.
Sugar Lake within the park offers diverse fishing options, along with amenities such as camping grounds, picnic areas, a playground, sand volleyball courts, boating facilities, and hiking trails. Essentially, it caters to all outdoor enthusiasts and is an ideal destination to spend an entire day.
With the addresses provided, you can easily navigate to these locations and start your fishing adventure in the Kansas City metro area. Remember to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits or licenses before fishing. Respect the environment and practice catch-and-release to ensure the sustainability of these precious fishing resources for future generations. So grab your fishing gear and head out to explore the top fishing spots in the Kansas City metro area for an unforgettable angling experience.
Want More Options?
Olathe, Gardner, Kill Creek, Cedar, Wyandotte and Shawnee Mission Park Lake are your best options on the Kansas side. If you’re willing to drive an hour or two, there are a lot of options (and we’ll be diving into that article shortly)!
Check out the Missouri Department of Conservation for the most up-to-date daily limits, restrictions and license information.
Another great resource is the Kansas Department of Wildlife.
Fishing in Kansas city Metro FAQ
Can you eat fish from the Missouri River?
The DHSS recommends that people only eat bass and walleye once a month and catfish just once a week.
What is the best time of day to fish?
Fish are generally most active during dawn and dusk, as this is when they are actively feeding. Therefore, fishing during these times is considered to be the most productive.
How do you pick a great spot for fishing
When searching for fishing spots along the shoreline, keep an eye out for areas that have patches of aquatic vegetation like lily pads or reeds. Pay attention to areas where there is a noticeable variation in the type or density of vegetation, as these changes can attract fish and make for promising fishing locations.
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