The Niangua River is a spring fed river that flows approximately 108 miles before emptying into the Lake of the Ozarks. The river is home to many species of fish including, smallmouth bass, brown trout, rainbow trout, and largemouth bass. It has a reputation as a “party” river during the summer months  however, with a little knowledge and  planning it can be fished successfully anytime of the year. The “trout” section begins where Bennett Springs dumps into the river and continues downstream approximately another ten miles.

Below the “trout” section , the Niangua is a great smallmouth bass fishery. The lower sections of the river have fewer accesses, which means fewer people and less boat traffic.  It is surrounded by thousands of acres of Conservation Land and several impressive and beautiful bluffs. There are sections of privately owned land, but they are well marked and easily identified. The water is strewn with large rocks and downed trees which make great fish habitat and even better fishing.

Stream Gauges

USGS Gauge on Niangua River at Windyville, MO

USGS Gauge on Niangua River at Lake Niangua near Mack’s Creek, MO

USGS Gauge on Bennett Spring at Bennett Spring, MO