Recreation
The approximately 2,600 miles of the Missouri River can be divided into three “reaches:” a free-flowing upper reach, a middle reach with multiple dams, and a channelized lower reach. The Missouri River is fed by many tributaries, some of which are free flowing, and others like the Missouri River, are dammed. Recreational users in all three reaches and on the tributaries share many water-based outdoor experiences, though the recreational activities may look different based on the reach or tributary they are using.
Past
Fishing has been part of the Missouri River’s legacy since human eyes first gazed on the River. Encounters between catfish of legendary size and anglers became the subjects of Missouri River lore. Commercial fishing also has a long River history.
Impounding and channelizing the Missouri River brought dramatic changes to the ways people used the River for both industry and enjoyment. People adjusted to these changes, and many Missouri River users and local and regional economies came to depend on stable and predictable recreational access to the River.
Present
Today’s Missouri River affords fishing, boating, floating, hunting, hiking, camping, sightseeing, swimming—outdoor activities that we might all expect. However, one recent survey along the Missouri River revealed that visitors engaged in over 70 distinct outdoor recreational activities.
Sport fishing is a primary component of recreation on the main stem reservoir system, lower river, and tributaries. A diverse community of coldwater, coolwater, and warmwater sport fish inhabit the Missouri River Basin. The main stem reservoirs have been stocked with coolwater and coldwater game and forage species to take advantage of the cold water retained in the deeper water of the reservoirs. Fishing for walleye and salmon is particularly popular on the main stem reservoirs.
