What Lake Remembrance Offers
Lake Remembrance is a 75-acre impoundment in Texas County, Missouri, roughly 30 miles south of Rolla in the heart of the Ozarks. The lake holds channel catfish, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill, making it a solid choice for anglers targeting warm-water species in a smaller, less-crowded setting than the major Missouri reservoirs. The shoreline is wooded and rocky in places, with some shallow coves and deeper holes that hold fish year-round.
The lake is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation and sits on public land, so access is straightforward and costs nothing. Most of your time here will be spent from a boat or from the bank along the public areas, and the water stays relatively clear except after heavy rain. Depth ranges from about 15 feet in the main channel to shallower flats along the arms, which matters if you're targeting specific species or seasons.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Remembrance holds channel catfish and flathead catfish year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action.
- Largemouth bass fishing peaks in spring (March through May) and again in fall (September through November) when water temperatures favor active feeding.
- Public boat ramp access is free, and the lake has no horsepower restrictions, so any boat works.
- Crappie and bluegill are present but less predictable than catfish and bass; focus on structure like fallen timber and rocky points.
- Missouri fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older, and catfish have no daily limit but bass and crappie do.
Seasons and What Fish Are Biting
Spring (March through May) is when largemouth bass become most active. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 60s and 70s, triggering spawning behavior. Fish move into shallow coves and along the banks to nest, making them catchable on topwater lures, soft plastics, and crankbaits. Early morning and late afternoon produce the most strikes. Channel catfish also bite well in spring, especially at night with cut bait or chicken liver near deeper holes.
Summer (June through August) slows the bite for bass as fish retreat to deeper, cooler water and become less active during the heat of the day. Catfish, however, remain reliable—flatheads hunt actively at night, and channel catfish bite throughout the day if you fish deeper structure or shade. Crappie can be found near submerged timber in 15 to 25 feet of water, though they are less predictable than in spring and fall. Early morning and dusk offer the best window.
Fall (September through November) brings a second strong bite for bass as water cools and fish move back into shallower areas to feed before winter. Catfish remain steady, and crappie often congregate around deeper points and ledges as they prepare for winter. This is one of the most reliable times to fish Lake Remembrance overall.
Winter (December through February) is slower but not dead. Channel catfish bite sporadically on live bait or cut shad fished near the deepest holes. Bass are lethargic and require slow presentations near structure. Many anglers focus on catfish during winter or wait for warmer months.
Access, Ramps, and Where to Fish
Lake Remembrance has one public boat ramp located on the north side of the lake, accessible via County Road 217 from Highway 63. The ramp is maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation and is free to use. There is a small parking area, and the ramp is concrete with good water depth year-round, so launching is straightforward even when the lake level fluctuates slightly.
Bank fishing is possible along public areas, particularly on the north and east sides where the shoreline is accessible. The terrain is rocky and brushy in places, so wear sturdy shoes and watch your footing. No private land borders the lake, so you won't run into access issues once you're on the water.
The lake has no horsepower restrictions, so trolling motors, outboards, and jet skis are all legal. Most anglers use 15 to 25 horsepower outboards or trolling motors for efficient coverage. The lake is small enough that you can reach most productive areas within 10 minutes of launching.
Catfish: Channel and Flathead
Channel catfish are the most reliable species at Lake Remembrance and bite year-round. They respond well to cut bait (shad, bluegill, or chicken liver), live baitfish, and stink baits. Fish the deeper holes and channel ledges, especially at night or early morning. A simple three-way rig with a sinker and 18-inch leader works well. Channel catfish have no daily limit in Missouri, so you can keep as many as you want.
Flathead catfish are also present and have grown larger in recent years. They hunt live baitfish at night and rarely take dead bait. Use live bluegill, shad, or shiners on a heavy rod with 30-pound-test line. Fish the deeper main channel and around submerged timber after dark. Flatheads are aggressive and will take line quickly, so be ready. They also have no daily limit.
Bass and Crappie in Shallow and Deep Water
Largemouth bass at Lake Remembrance average 12 to 16 inches, with occasional fish pushing 18 inches or better. They respond to soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms and crawfish), crankbaits, and topwater lures in spring and fall. Focus on the coves on the north and west sides, where shallow water and timber provide cover. The daily limit is five fish, and the minimum size is 12 inches.
Crappie are present but less predictable than bass or catfish. They school around submerged timber and rocky points in 15 to 25 feet of water. Small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with minnows or soft plastics work best. Spring and fall are most reliable. The daily limit is 25 fish, and there is no minimum size.
Regulations and Licensing
Anyone 16 years old or older must have a valid Missouri fishing license to fish Lake Remembrance. Licenses are sold online through the Missouri Department of Conservation website, at local retailers, and at the ramp. A one-day license costs less than $10, and annual licenses run around $30 for residents. Nonresidents pay more for annual licenses but can purchase short-term options.
Catfish (both channel and flathead) have no daily limit or size restriction. Largemouth bass have a five-fish daily limit with a 12-inch minimum size. Crappie have a 25-fish daily limit with no minimum size. Bluegill and other sunfish have a 50-fish daily limit. Check the current Missouri fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change.
Nearby Services and Lodging
The nearest town is Licking, about 15 miles north, which has gas, groceries, and a few restaurants. Rolla, 30 miles north, offers more options including hotels, tackle shops, and dining. If you want to stay closer to the lake, camping is available at nearby state parks and private campgrounds in the area. Most anglers make a day trip from Rolla or the surrounding region.
Tackle and bait shops in Rolla carry catfish bait, live shiners, and standard bass and crappie lures. If you forget something, you can usually find it within 30 minutes of the lake. Cell service is spotty in some areas around the lake, so plan your route before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to fish Lake Remembrance?
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are most reliable for bass and crappie. Catfish bite year-round, with spring and fall also strong. Summer is slower for bass but catfish remain steady. Winter is the slowest season overall.
Can I fish from the bank, or do I need a boat?
Bank fishing is possible along public areas on the north and east sides, but a boat gives you much better access to productive structure and deeper water. Most anglers use boats, but bank fishing can work for catfish and bluegill.
What size fish can I expect to catch?
Largemouth bass average 12 to 16 inches, with some reaching 18 inches or more. Channel catfish run 2 to 8 pounds typically, and flatheads can reach 20 pounds or larger. Crappie are usually 8 to 11 inches. Bluegill average 6 to 8 inches.
Is there a horsepower limit on motors?
No. Lake Remembrance has no horsepower restrictions, so any outboard or jet ski is legal. Most anglers use 15 to 25 horsepower outboards or trolling motors.
Do I need a license to fish here?
Yes. Anyone 16 or older must have a valid Missouri fishing license. One-day licenses cost less than $10, and annual resident licenses run around $30. You can buy them online or at local retailers.