Fishing Montrose Lake
AKA: Montrose Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Montrose Lake, MO
Channel Catfish Fishing
To fish for catfish on Montrose Lake, most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment improves success. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. Montrose Lake has a decent population of channel catfish, and they are eager to bite. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. The state record channel catfish is over 34 pounds. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.
Flathead Catfish Fishing
This year good populations of flathead catfish can be found in Montrose Lake. The state record flathead catfish is over 75 pounds. Fishing for flathead catfish is most often productive in the river end of the lake around any kind of structure. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Other catfish in the lake include channel and blue catfish.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Montrose Lake is a popular bass tournament lake. Weekend and tournament anglers find the fishing to be slow at times, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish and white crappie at Montrose Lake in Missouri.
Montrose Lake Fishing Video
Fishing for catfish is the main attraction at Montrose Lake, and there is a good population of channel and flathead catfish in this muddy reservoir. This 1,500-acre lake in the west-central part of MO, 2 miles north of Montrose stays warm year round, due to the flow of warm water from the power generation station.
Montrose Lake is located in the western section of Missouri and is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The lake offers a variety of fishing opportunities and is known for its abundant fish population.
Largemouth bass is one of the most sought-after fish species in Montrose Lake. Anglers can target largemouth bass using various techniques such as casting with topwater lures, working plastic worms or jigs, or using spinnerbaits. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and rocky areas, provides ideal habitat for bass. Anglers can experience the thrill of hooking into a feisty largemouth bass while enjoying the scenic beauty of Montrose Lake.
Channel and flathead catfish are also popular catches in Montrose Lake. Anglers can target catfish using techniques such as bottom fishing with cut bait, live bait, or prepared baits. The lake's deeper channels and rocky areas serve as prime locations to catch catfish. Anglers can enjoy the challenge of reeling in a powerful catfish while fishing in Montrose Lake.
White crappie is another prized fish species in the lake. Anglers can target crappie using techniques such as vertical jigging, casting with small jigs or minnows, or using crappie nibbles. The lake's submerged structures, including brush piles and submerged trees, provide excellent hiding spots for crappie. Anglers can experience the joy of landing a nice-sized crappie while fishing in Montrose Lake.
Montrose Lake in Missouri is a fantastic destination for anglers seeking largemouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, white crappie, and other fish species. With its diverse fishery, scenic surroundings, and recreational amenities, Montrose Lake provides an enjoyable fishing experience for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
A concrete boat ramps helps make boat launching easy. As a flat-water-only lake, it is ideal for canoes, kayaks and small fishing boats. The lake has a great deal of submerged brush and vegetation which tends to concentrate the fish and baitfish. For best results fish very close to, or inside, this brush and vegetation.
Primary fish species residing in Montrose Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Montrose Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
In addition to the excellent fishing opportunities, Montrose Lake offers boating and camping facilities. Anglers can explore the lake's waters by motorized boats, canoes, or kayaks, allowing them to access different fishing spots and cover more water.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
SW 1151 East Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off SW 1151 Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Montrose Lake
McClure's Guide Service - bass
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Missouri Fishing License.
Camping facilities near the lake provide opportunities for overnight stays, allowing anglers to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Montrose Lake.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Cozy Corners RV Park - 660 885-8824
Sparrowfoot Campground - 660 885-7546
Deer Run RV Park & Campground - 660 598-2481
Montrose Lake MO Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Montrose Lake
Montrose Conservation Area
660 693-4666
Fishing lakes in each state.
091924
Montrose Lake in Missouri.
MISSOURI
Information about fishing lakes in MO.
Montrose Lake offers great fishing for quality channel and flathead catfish.
