The Niangua River is another one of our fine Ozarks floating rivers that doubles
as a fine trout stream. The trout management area starts at the river's confluence
with Bennett Spring and progresses all the way down to the Prosperine Access, but
the trout fishing regulations apply throughout the entire river, including all of
it's tributaries. The reg's are a bit controversial, as there are no bait restrictions,
but brown trout harvest is restricted to one fish daily 15 inches or longer. The
argument is that a brown trout taken on bait will likely die when released, therefore
many believe the regulations should eliminate natural bait and soft plastic lures as
options. We are unaware of any study, survey or investigation into this issue by the
Missouri Department of Conservation
at this time, but knowing how methodical wildlife and fisheries biologists are, it's
safe to assume that they know what they're doing.
There are a few access points via dirt roads here and there, and you can find some
decent fishing spots by exploring in this fashion. Bennett Spring Access just downstream
from the park offers some fine riffles -- long and wide enough for several fishermen to
fish together without bothering each other. The picture below is the view from the canoe
launch to give you an idea of just how much quality water there is here. There is no
notable structure to speak of, but that's no big deal. These riffles are usually packed
with fish, so on every cast you can be sure that a fish has had the opportunity to look
at your bait. Fly fishermen are generally successful casting little nymphs, scuds,
sowbugs, san juan worms, and glo-bugs in this area, while bait fishermen do just as well
drifting dough bait, little worms and salmon eggs. Lure fishing here is difficult due to
the current. However, downstream from these riffles, where the river becomes too deep
to wade, lure fishermen typically begin having good luck.
As you float downstream (or attempt to navigate the dirt roads in search of bank access),
you'll find some nice riffles here and there that are generally productive. However, much
of this river is more than a wading fisherman can handle. In the deeper sections, you'll find
the fish attracted to the occasional boulders, rock overhangs, downed trees, and bluff channels,
but otherwise they can be quite spread out. This type of fishing is generally more suited to the
spin fisherman casting mini-crankbaits, marabou jigs and rooster tails. Soft plastics are also
permitted and can be quite productive.
Few trout fishermen come to the area specifically to fish this river. They are here for their
periodic Bennett Spring State Park weekend and, when Bennett gets
too crowded or the fishing slows, some return to the cabin to rest, some go to the park restaurant
for a bite, and a few head downstream to try their luck. So, if you're in the area and looking
for some solitude and some fine trout fishing between March 1 and October 31 (Trout Park season),
hit the river in the morning when Bennett patrons tend to crowd the banks of the spring branch.
Mondays through Thursdays you'll often be alone all day, regardless of the time of year.
Finding your way here is pretty easy. Lebanon is right on I-44 between Rolla and Springfield.
Bennett Spring State Park is north on Highway 64. If you drive past the park, the Highway 64 bridge
will cross the Niangua just past the park's Western entrance. There is plenty of lodging and
camping available.
Call (417) 532-7612 for more information
You can download a detailed conservation department map of the Niangua river from our Maps
page, and you can check the USGS water level changes in real-time by checking our
Water Levels page. Click HERE to see our most recent Niangua fishing
reports. After you visit, we hope you'll come back to tell us how you did.
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written permission. Please contact us if you see something you'd like to use.
