Mark Twain Lake is a very popular fishing lake in the northeast area of Missouri. Located in Ralls County and Monroe County, it is named after Samuel Clemens, noted Missouri author that used the pseudonym, Mark Twain. Clemens was born and raised in the nearby towns of Florida and Hannibal. The lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project, impounding the Salt River with the Clarence Cannon Dam.
The Mark Twain Lake covers 18,600 acres and has an average depth of 29 feet. The dam project, originally called Joanna Dam, was proposed in 1937 with the hope of solving flooding problems on the Salt River. It was authorized as part of the Flood Control Act in October 1962, but the lake was not filled until 1984. The dam was renamed the Clarence Cannon Dam in 1964 after the death of U.S. Representative Clarence Cannon, who was a major backer of the dam project and an influential figure in the community.
The Clarence Cannon Dam has a hydroelectric power plant that can produce enough power for a town of 20,000 people. One special feature of the dam is a river-like pool below the dam called the re-regulation pool. The pool is nine miles long and is sued during periods of high energy demand. Water is pumped back to the lake and then re-cycled through the turbines to create additional energy.
Numerous recreational activities can be enjoyed in and around Mark Twain Lake. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates three recreation areas which include camping. There are also several private facilities in the area. Camping facilities range from primitive to full hookups. The Corps provides information campfire programs throughout the summer. The lake is suitable for any type of water recreation. There are numerous boat ramps as well as two full service marinas. There are also developed swimming beaches. Several excellent hiking trails offer hikers, backpackers and hunters many opportunities to view wildlife.
Fishing at Mark Twain Lake is popular due in part to the fact that the lake is easily accessible from the cities of St. Louis, Hannibal and Columbia. Most of the trees were left undisturbed when the lake was filled. This allowed for many tree lined banks and inlets which is great for fishing. The shoreline is protected from development so there are many areas available to fishermen.
Fish Available in Mark Twain Lake & Best Baits
Bass – Spawning in June
Spring: Jig-Pig
Summer: Plastic Worm, Crankbaits
Fall: Top Water, Spinnerbaits
Winter: Jig-Pig
Crappie – Spawning in June
Spring: Minnows, Jigs
Summer: Minnows
Fall: Minnows, Jigs
Winter: Minnows
Bluegill – Spawning in June
All Seasons: Crickets, Worms
Catfish – Spawning in Late June
Spring: Bluegill
Summer: Cut Shad
Fall: Cut Shad
Winter: Cut Shad
Walleye – Spawning in March-April
All Seasons: Crankbaits, Jigs
For further information:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Mark Twain Lake
Missouri Fishing Guide – Mark Twain Lake
