River guide
River story
History, landscapes and river context
Fishing
Species, water and places to explore
Boating
Paddling, boating and access
Live data
Current USGS gauges along the river
LIVE MISSOURI RIVER DATA
Missouri River levels, gauges and monitoring stations
Check the live river overview or open an individual USGS gauge for current streamflow, gauge height, trends and historical context.
EXPLORE THE RIVER
Follow the Missouri River
Trace the verified named Missouri River mainstem from its upstream transition to its confluence with the Mississippi River.
Loading river map…
River path derived from U.S. Geological Survey NLDI hydrography.
FISHING
Fishing the river
Fishing changes dramatically along the Missouri River, from free-flowing reaches in South Dakota and Nebraska to the channelized lower river through Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. Catfish, walleye, sauger and paddlefish are among the river's best-known game species.
Fish you may encounter
Channel Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Blue Catfish
Walleye
Sauger
Paddlefish
Smallmouth Bass
Crappie
Northern Pike
Where the river changes
FISHING AREA
Fort Randall Dam tailwater ↗The reach below Fort Randall Dam is a popular walleye and sauger area within the Missouri National Recreational River.
FISHING AREA
Gavins Point Dam tailwater ↗Anglers target walleye, sauger, catfish and other river species below Gavins Point Dam near Yankton.
FISHING AREA
Missouri River in Iowa ↗The Iowa reach is known especially for channel and flathead catfish, with productive main-channel and backwater habitat.
FISHING AREA
Kansas City reach ↗The Missouri around Kansas City offers catfish, walleye, sauger, hybrid striped bass and other species, with several public boat-access locations.
Before you fish
- Fishing regulations vary by state and by river reach, especially where the Missouri forms a state boundary.
- Pallid sturgeon are federally protected; NPS notes that sturgeon fishing is closed within the Missouri National Recreational River.
- Current, floating debris, wing dikes, sandbars and changing river levels can create hazardous boating conditions.
BOATING & PADDLING
On the water
The Missouri is a powerful, constantly changing river. The Missouri National Recreational River Water Trail covers 148 river miles and includes some of the last relatively free-flowing reaches of the river.
39-Mile Reach ↗
This free-flowing reach runs from Fort Randall Dam to Running Water, South Dakota. Dam releases influence current, and long distances between launch sites make careful trip planning important.
Kayaking Canoeing Fishing
59-Mile Reach ↗
The free-flowing reach below Gavins Point Dam runs toward Ponca State Park through a broad river corridor of sandbars, islands and shifting channels.
Kayaking Canoeing Boating
Missouri National Recreational River Water Trail ↗
The full water trail connects Fort Randall Dam, Lewis and Clark Lake, Gavins Point Dam and the river downstream toward Sioux City.
Paddling Boating River camping
Lower Missouri River ↗
Below Sioux City the river becomes increasingly channelized and heavily managed, with commercial navigation structures, wing dikes and faster main-channel current.
Boating Fishing
Know before you go
- Wear a life jacket and plan conservatively; NPS describes the Missouri as a large and demanding river.
- Expect shifting channels, submerged snags, sandbars and rapidly changing depths.
- Wind can create large waves on broad reaches, particularly for canoes and kayaks.
- Public launch sites can be widely spaced, so confirm your take-out before launching.
- Personal watercraft are prohibited within the Missouri National Recreational River reaches.
PARKS & ACCESS
Places to reach the river
Randall Creek Recreation Area ↗
Public Missouri River access near Fort Randall Dam at the upstream end of the 39-Mile Reach.
Running Water River Access ↗
Public access near the downstream end of the 39-Mile Reach at Running Water, South Dakota.
Gavins Point River Access ↗
Public access below Gavins Point Dam near Yankton and the upper end of the 59-Mile Reach.
Nebraska Tailwaters ↗
Public river access below Gavins Point Dam with nearby fishing and recreation facilities.
Ponca State Park Canoe Landing ↗
Public paddle access near the downstream end of the 59-Mile Reach in northeast Nebraska.
Parkville Boat Ramp ↗
Public Missouri River access upstream from downtown Kansas City.
Kaw Point Access ↗
River access at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers in the Kansas City area.
Missouri National Recreational River ↗
National Park Service river corridor protecting major free-flowing reaches in South Dakota and Nebraska.
Ponca State Park ↗
Nebraska state park overlooking the Missouri near the downstream end of the 59-Mile Reach.
Mulberry Bend Overlook ↗
NPS overlook above the Missouri River with broad views of the river corridor near the Nebraska–South Dakota border.