Advice on Missouri trout fishing?

My Son and I are looking at making a trout fishing adventure to Missouri during the next couple of months. Sure would appreciate your ideas on where to go, where to stay, maybe a guide to use and also if we want to fish on our on after using a guide some recommended spots or places to fish. We are going to be somewhat mobile and can move around some or stay in the same place if the fishing warrants. We will not be taking a boat. Also, is this the time whan a person has a better chance of catching some large trout?

Thanks for any information you might pass along either by posting of a pm.

Appreciate the Information:

Ron, Mud-Dabber

I have only gone one time, but Bennet Spring is pretty nice. There's lodging nearby. I wouldn't really consider it an adventure though. They let out a certain amount of Trout every day. I think I'd be looking out west.

Here's a place you could look into for Missouri though. Missouri Canoeing, Trout Fishing, Niangua River, Bennett Springs

Look into Tanney Como, I had a buddy just get back from a trip and they did real well. A guy that was fishing with him got a nice brown. As for lodging look at Lillys Landing I have stayed there a few times and havent had any problems and decent fishing from the docks as well and they rent boats.

I heard nothing but good about Lilly's!!!

I'd say Lilly's Landing as well. Good people, lodging and guides. The potential for catching a good one exists

Taneycomo is a pretty good spot for large trout....they keep a trophy area with strict length limits (I think only one per day over 20") There is a good guide at Anglers and Archers on Hiway 165 near the hatchery. If you want to keep fish to eat, just go East of the trophy area and there are liberal limits for bait fishing or using flies/lures. Now is the time when they catch giant....GIANT..... browns. Record fish.

The trout parks are close to being catch and release only. That may happen Nov 1, but I may be wrong on the dates. At that time, they are only open for fishing Friday - Sunday and those are strictly catch and release during this time.....that's a good thing if you want to hook some more giants. All of the breeder trout are released into the stream for the winter and then recaptured in March. It's a really good chance to catch a big rainbow. Pressure is very light then also, because so many people are just fishing for meat, and don't want to spend their time and money on c&r fishing.

We don't have the pristine mountain streams of out West, but there are some opportunities for some really big fish here. Good luck!

I will also recommend Lilly's Landing on Taneycomo. That is the only place I like to trout fish. My wife likes Bennett Springs but it just isn't for me, nice, but too many people and your relying on how many fish they let out each night. Taneycomo is a lot of fun. Lilleys Landing also has little Jon boats that are reasonably priced(I think 90 bucks/day) and are a good stable boat for that lake. They guys that work there will really help you out as well.

Lilly's is good but right next door is Ozark Trout Resort also a good place. I believe the trout parks all go to catch and release after Oct 31. And the branson area is fun also. Bank fishing up by the dam can be great also and off the boat docks at night.

Hi m-d I dont know if you guys fly fish or use casting tackle , either way this srate offers some great blue ribbon areas ( current river, Maramec , Eleven point , Little Piney , North Fork of the White and others ) . The MDC web site has directions maps and other info on these areas. These streams are beautiful , floating leaves can be a bit of a problem right now but one can over come. These are trophy areas so there is a one fish 18" limit. Good luck and I hope you fellas enjoy these streams as much as I do.