Middle Current River Fishing Guide

Missouri

The Current River from Akers Ferry to Van Buren, 70 miles through Shannon and Carter counties with clear water and great smallmouth bass fishing, and chain pickerel in the slow pools and backwaters.

Part of the Current River.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to the Middle Current River for smallmouth bass and chain pickerel. No agency season found for the species here.

There are 2 shops nearby (1 fly, 1 bait and tackle), including White Buffalo Flyshop in Rolla.

Season at a Glance

JFMAMJJASOND

Smallmouth Bass

Chain Pickerel

No Agency SeasonNo Agency Season Found

Legend

This Month Spawning No Agency Season Found

Spawning: MDC (Smallmouth Bass)

Season Rules & Licenses

Black bass: catch-and-release only March 1 to May 22, 2026; may be kept May 23, 2026 to Feb. 28, 2027, 6 a day, 12 inch minimum. MDC 2026
Porous-soled (felt) waders are prohibited on the Current River in Dent, Texas and Shannon counties. MDC 2026
National Park Service rule in Ozark National Scenic Riverways (36 CFR 2.3; compendium updated June 2026): live or dead minnows and other bait fish, amphibians and non-preserved fish eggs may not be used or possessed as bait (the park designates no waters where they are allowed); fishing is also prohibited in springs and spring branches. NPS 2026

Rules: our short summary, not the official text. Gear & Tackle is independent, not a government site; rules change, so read the agency's current rules before you go.

Most anglers need a Missouri fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state.

Buy a License from MDC MDC Fishing Regulations

Parts of the Current River

Main PageCurrent RiverAn Ozark river with trout in the upper river below Montauk State Park, smallmouth bass in the middle river, and walleye in the lower river near Doniphan.
Rivers & Streams · MissouriUpper Current RiverThe Current River from Montauk State Park to Akers Ferry, 19 miles in Dent and Shannon counties, with a stretch managed for large brown trout below Montauk and a White Ribbon area stocked with rainbow trout down to Akers Ferry.
Rivers & Streams · Missouri · You're HereMiddle Current RiverThe Current River from Akers Ferry to Van Buren, 70 miles through Shannon and Carter counties with clear water and great smallmouth bass fishing, and chain pickerel in the slow pools and backwaters.
Rivers & Streams · MissouriLower Current RiverThe Current River from Van Buren to the Arkansas line, 51 miles of big water in Carter and Ripley counties with smallmouth bass and walleye, whose best population is above and below Doniphan.

Middle Current River Species

Smallmouth Bass

No agency season found.

Spawning: Apr to Jun, per MDC

View Species

Chain Pickerel

No agency season found.

View Species

Species per MDC.

Images: Duane Raver, USFWS. Public domain.

What to Use

Fishing In

Fish

Smallmouth Bass

No agency season found

Fly

9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.

Rod, Reel and Line

RodOrvis Clearwater 9 ft 6 wt Fly RodCheck Price
ReelRedington Behemoth Fly Reel · for 6 or 7 weightCheck Price
LineScientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line · 6 or 7 wt.Check Price

Tie On in November

Typical picks from October, our closest listed month. Ask a local shop what is working in November.

Fly for October · #2/0-6Clouser MinnowSee Options
Fly for October · #6-10Crayfish FlySee Options

Spin / Cast

7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Rod, Reel and Line

RodSt. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod · 7 ft 0 in, medium, fast, 6 to 12 lb line, 1 pieceCheck Price
ReelShimano Sedona Spinning Reel · 2500Check Price
LinePowerPro Spectra Braided Line · 8 lbCheck Price