The Missouri River

The Missouri River drains one-sixth of the United States, encompassing over 529,350 square miles in all or portions of 10 states and Canada. The Missouri is the nations' longest river, flowing 2,341 miles through seven states from Three Forks, MT to join the Mississippi River near St. Louis, MO. Since the early 1800s, Congress has directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to remove snags, stabilize river banks, construct and maintain navigation channels, build flood risk management structures (levees and dams), and provide hydroelectric power and recreational opportunities on the Missouri River. These activities provide benefits valued at nearly $2 billion per year. Some the these development activities on the Missouri River have come at the expense of the river's native fish and wildlife. The Corps is working to lessen these environmental impacts while maintaining the social and economic benefits of the system.

The Mitigation Project

The Corps' Missouri River Bank Stabilization and Navigation, Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Project is an effort to mitigate, or compensate for the losses of 522,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat from the development of the Corp's Bank Stabilization and Navigation Project on the Missouri River. The Mitigation Project extends from Sioux City, Iowa, to the mouth of the Missouri River near St. Louis, a length of 735 river miles. The project will develop approximately 166,750 acres of land in multiple locations along the river in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. These lands provide important habitat for native fish and wildlife and outdoor recreation opportunities for the public.

Missouri River Recovery Program

The Bank Stabilization and Navigation Project Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Project is a component of the Corps' Missouri River Recovery Program (MRRP). The Recovery Program is the umbrella program that works to coordinate the Corps activities on the Missouri River to replace lost habitat and comply with the Endangered Species Act and the 2003 Biological Opinion by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which states that the Corps' operation of the river has contributed to the listing of three species as threatened or endangered. The program is designated to prevent duplication of efforts and coordinate with state and federal partners.

Habitat for Threatened & Endangered Species

The ecosystem of the Missouri River provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including three federally listed threatened or endangered species. The endangered least tern and the threatened piping plover are shorebirds that use nonvegetated sandbars and reservoir beaches for springtime nesting. The river currently does not naturally build enough of the habitat these birds need to nest and feed. The endangered pallid sturgeon is an ancient fish species that lives in large rivers. Loss of habitat and changes to the river's natural flows may be contributing to the pallid sturgeon's decline.

Integrated Science Program

The Integrated Science Program (ISP) is the component of the MRRP that is responsible for conducting scientific monitoring and investigations to assist the Corps in avoidance of jeopardy and compliance with the 2003 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Biological Opinion (BiOp). The ISP monitors federally-listed species under the Endangered Species Act, the habitats upon which they depend, and conducts research and monitoring to address key uncertainties in support of adaptive management.

Missouri River Wildlife Management Areas Map

Managers seek a system that fragments the land into an assortment of patterns that serve as wildlife nesting areas, travel corridors, food sources, and wintering habitat. These patterns are created with trees/brush, prairie grass, and grain and browse crops. This fragmentation pattern also serves to reduce erosion from wind and rain. Travel corridors and habitat areas must be balanced to provide food, water, and protection during each of the four seasons. Grain food plots are left unharvested and green crops provide browse for wildlife and invertebrates. Crops consist of a variety of wheat, milo, soybeans, and corn. Native Grass and wildflower plots area drilled to serve as buffer strips between fields. Trees and shrubs are planted to provide buffers from weather and predators. Natural resource staff utilize prescribed fire, herbicide application, and mechanical control as the most effective tools to control invasive species and to reinvigorate warm season grasses and stimulate early successional growth.

Boating & Safety on the Missouri River

Please use caution when boating on the river and keep safety in m ind at all times.

When Lewis and Clark traveled the river in 1804 they left no trace of their passage. We hope that all river users will respect the environment and “Leave no trace”.

Before putting a boat on the Missouri River you should become familiar with the system of aids to navigation established by the U .S . Coast Guard. These aids to navigation (signs, markers, and buoys) mark a 300’ wide b y 9’ deep navigation channel maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

By constricting the majority of the river’s flow between sets of rock dikes located on both sides of the river, the navigation channel generally maintains a minimal depth of 9’. The dikes extend nearly perpendicular into the river and may have a downstream “L-head” on the end. The dikes are often submerged just under the surface of the water and can be a significant hazard to watercraft.

Aids to Navigation

Mile Marker Boards are useful navigation aids that help you locate your position on these navigation charts. Mile markers indicate the distance upstream from the mouth of the river (river mile 0), at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. The boards are attached to beacons (see below) on the riverbanks and indicate distances in miles. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers places additional black and white mile boards on trees or posts located along the banks.

Beacons are permanently fixed to a post or other structure along the bank. Lighted beacons are called lights and unlighted beacons are called day beacons or day board s. Because the navigable channel of the river swings back and forth from bank to bank as the river bends, the beacons indicate where to cross or where to stay to the bank. Beacons are located at the beginning and end of each bend and crossing.

Passing Beacon is found at the start and finish of a bend and indicates that you should stay on that side of the river until you reach a crossing beacon.

Crossing Beacon is found at the start and end of a crossing and indicates that you should cross the river and aim for the crossing beacon on the opposite shore.

Buoys are floating aids attached to the riverbed by concrete sinkers with chain or rope. Buoys are maintained by the U.S . Coast Guard during the navigation season, 1 April through 10 November.

Navigation buoys, looking downstream green "can" buoys mark the right descending channel and red "nun" buoys mark the left descending channel. Keep your boat between the green and red buoys and give them wide berth. Buoys are not always present and may be carried off position by high water, collisions, drift in the riverbed or other causes.

Planning Your Trip

First time Missouri River boaters should become informed of the hazards and challenges associated with boating in swift current.

When you plan your trip, note the area names and public lands along your route on the map. Then use the information to contact the agency and secure detailed maps, information and regulations.

Boaters should prepare a trip plan and inform another person of their travel plans including their destination and estimated time of arrival.

Take a boat safety course and get a free boat safety check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron.

Inspect your boat to make sure you have all of the required boat safety equipment.

Fuel is scarce on the lower Missouri Rive r. Locate fuel sources before you begin your trip and plan accordingly. Upstream boaters should expect a 15-80 percent reduction in speed and corresponding increase in fuel consumption due to the 4-7 mph current of the river.

River Hazards

The Missouri River is deep in some areas, but other locations may have rock dikes, sand bars and shallow spots. Snags and floating debris also present hazards that may be difficult to see until you are right on top of them. Varying river levels can expose or submerge hazards with in a short period of time.

As you travel the river, look for water areas with boils or ripples. This indicates sand bars, dikes or possible hazards close to the surface. Maps and ch arts may not necessarily show the location of sand bars because they shift with the flow of the river. At locations where the river narrows, or where there are obstacles in the river, tongues of relative glassy water form inverted 'V's downstream of the obstruction.

Rock dikes are numerous. Th ere is a possibility of submerged dikes that create a hazard for boaters. The location of these dikes is indicated on these navigation charts. Mile markers (white with black numbers) make it easy to track your location. These are placed on the bank you should be favoring. Navigation Markers are provided whenever the channel crosses from one side to another. A rule of thumb is to stay toward the outside of every bend, and the dikes should give you no trouble.

Boating & Barges 

It is not necessary to get off the river because a barge is approaching. You should move toward the off channel shore (the inside of a bend ) and be alert for rock dikes which a relocated there . Move as far away from the barge as possible and position the bow of your boat perpendicular to the wake . Never turn your boat broadside to the wake created by barges and tugs, they can easily swamp a small boat. Remember, barges have the right-of-way.

Pilots of towboats have a blind spot in front of their vessels and it could take a barge and tow up to 1 ½ miles to stop. These barges also create extreme turbulence up to ½ mile behind the tow. The strong wake may lift your boat onto the rocks, dikes or other hazards. Hydraulics generated by barges can suck under objects including smaller craft so it's best to give them a wide berth. Playing games with this kind of vessel can result in serious injury or even death.

Permits are required for regattas and special events on the river. The U.S. Coast Guard (314-269-2332) or Missouri Water Patrol (573-751-3333) should be contacted to obtain these permits.

Equipment

"Life jackets float … you don't". Life jackets (also referred to as Personal Floatation Devices or PFDs) do save lives and are the most important piece of safety equipment in your boat. Make sure you follow the boating rules for your state regarding life jackets. Be sure they fit snugly to avoid the PFD coming off if you should accidentally fall in the water. Frayed or damaged PFDs should be replaced . Smaller children should wear PFDs made for them . The U.S. Coast Guard label affixed to the PFD will aid in selecting the appropriate type and size.

Boats must be equipped with appropriate emergency equipment (i.e ., first aid kit, oars and paddles, anchor, sound device , fire extinguisher, navigation lights, and 100 feet of line or rope ).

If your boat capsizes, do not attempt to swim to shore . Stay with the craft until the boat can be safely beached . Remember, hypothermia is a possibility during most of the yea r. Life jackets help to minimize loss of body heat.

Avoid sunburn, wear a wide brimmed hat, long sleeved shirt, long trousers and use sunscreen. Sunscreen alone is not sufficient for long exposure to the sun.

Always carry a change of clothing in a waterproof container. Dry clothes could save your life by preventing hypothermia if the clothes you are wearing become wet. It does not have to be "cold " for hypothermia to strike.

Mooring & Anchoring

Never set an anchor in the fast flowing river channel. Current can pull you under and debris (e .g. logs) floating under the surface can hook your line and draw you under in an instant. It can also be difficult to unhook the anchor from submerged obstacles you can’t see . Be sure you can quickly cut or detach the anchor line on your boat if you need to.

If you do anchor in the river, pick your anchorage carefully out of the channel and current. Remember to use a bowline and keep your bow into the wind or current. This will minimize the risk of being swamped by water coming over the transom or back of the boat. The anchor line should be at least seven times as long as the depth of the water in which the boat is moored .

Never attempt to moor to stationary objects such as dikes and moored barges and never approach these objects from upstream. Swift water flowing over, under, and around these objects creates very strong turbulence and undertow currents that may overturn your boat and pull you under.

When stopping, make every attempt to turn your boat upstream into the current and cut the throttle to an idle . The throttle setting will vary with the speed of the current.

Always land your boat facing upstream and pull in parallel to the riverbank. If you try landing facing downstream or perpendicular to the bank, the current will pivot the boat to position the bow upstream and parallel to the bank. A two-point tie off should be used to keep the prop out of the rock and prevent its contact with the bank.

Weather

Monitor the local weather forecast before you begin your journey and through out your trip. In the Midwest, storms may emerge abruptly. These storms are often accompanied by strong winds that can easily capsize a small craft. Lightning , heavy rain or hail can turn a pleasant trip into disaster. Watch the sky and be aware of your surroundings for signs of inclement weather. Carry foul weather gear for unexpected storms.

High winds create very hazardous conditions and it is best to exit the river as soon as possible. Facing downstream in a crosswind can be dangerous. Always keep your boat straight into or away from the wind (parallel with the wind) as you head toward the shore.

Carry a portable radio or weather radio and tune it to the National Weather Service for up-to-date forecasts.

Beware of travel on a rising river which often results in large quantities of floating debris that can cause serious boat damage.

Boating & Alcohol

The combination of boating and alcohol can prove to be deadly. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time and decreases your body's ability to defend itself from hypothermia.

Alcohol greatly increases the risk of dehydration.

Bring along plenty of drinking water. The rule of thumb is one gallon of water per twenty-four-hour period per person.

Respect Private Property

Most land along the lower Missouri is privately owned. You’ll see by looking a t the green shading on the map that public lands are very limited . Camping should be done only if you know who’s land you are on and have the land owners permission.

Be especially careful not to moor to drainage structures or to trees that might damage or imperil private levees.

Stewardship & Endangered Species 

Human disturbance can disrupt bird nesting, fish spawning, and other wildlife activities. Avoid dragging your boat across gravel bars or through spawning areas. Launch and land only on designated sites. Keep pets under control.

Minimize campfire impacts and dispose of all waste properly. Pack out all of your trash and pick up litter left by others.

If artifacts or fossils are found , leave them in place and undisturbed . Photograph or sketch rock art, but do not touch.

Check your boa t and clean for zebra mussels before taking it from the Missouri River to any other body of water. Signs at launch ramps will provide further instruction.

Emergencies

File a float plan - let a reliable person know where you are going , when and where you plan on departing and arriving , your route and other pertinent information that will enable someone to find you. We never plan on accidents but they do happen. Filing and adhering to a float plan will help if emergency personnel need to locate you.

Administer first aid to accident victims immediately and then call 911 or send for help.

Boaters are advised to carry a marine radio and cell phone or satellite phone for emergency communication with the local Sheriff's office or other emergency response agencies and be familiar with these phone numbers. Cell coverage may not be 100% in rural areas.

In agreement with the Missouri Department of Conservation and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism has established special rules regarding that portion of the Missouri River that borders both Kansas and Missouri. These rules apply only to that portion of the Missouri River that creates a common boundary between Kansas and Missouri. All fish caught from the Missouri River Boundary Waters that are a size or number that is illegal to possess shall be released unrestricted to the water immediately.

License Requirements:

Anglers with either a valid Kansas or Missouri fishing license may fish any flowing portion and backwaters of the Missouri River and any oxbow lake through which the river flows. They may fish from and attach any legal fishing equipment to the land adjoining these waters.

Limitations:

Tributaries of the Missouri may not be fished without a valid fishing license from the state through which the tributary flows. If any law or regulation governing fishing in the Missouri River is different from the corresponding law or regulation in the state for which the angler has a license, the more restrictive state’s law or regulation will apply. Each angler must keep all legally caught fish restrained separately from any other angler. Bow and arrow or crossbow with a barbed head and a line attached are legal only from sunrise to midnight. Each angler may use three fishing lines. In addition, each angler may use one trotline with no more than 25 hooks OR eight setlines with no more than two hooks each, OR eight floatlines.

Length Limits:

Black Bass: 12-inch minimum
Paddlefish: 24-inch minimum
Channel Catfish: 15-inch
Sauger and Walleye: 15-inch

Daily Creel Limits:

Black Bass: 6
Channel catfish: 10
Blue Catfish: 5
Crappie: 30
Flathead catfish: 5
Paddlefish: 2
Walleye, sauger, and their hybrids (single species or in combination): 4
Yellow bass, striped bass, white bass, and their hybrids (single species or in combination): 15

Specific Area Restrictions:

Riverwide:
Walleye and sauger: No seasonal restrictions on the hours for take and possession.
Nongame fish may be taken by bow and possessed at any hour of the day in all flowing portions.

Downstream from Carl R. Noren Access to Chamois Access:
All shovelnose sturgeon must be returned to the water immediately after being caught.

Missouri Fishing Regulations

Hunting is allowed on all USACE WMAs except where specifically prohibited. Prohibited areas include but are not limited to parking areas, and areas where hunting activities are incompatible or unsafe. All hunting on USACE WMAs shall be in accordance with the following policies in addition to other applicable Federal and State Regulations governing such activities.   

Waterfowl & Hunting Blind Policy

Hunters wishing to use a blind to hunt may do so under the following guidelines:

1. Boat based blinds and hunts are permitted on the Missouri River.  All state regulations apply.
2. Daily blinds and hunts are permitted except where hunting is otherwise prohibited.
3. For safety, a buffer zone between all blinds and hunting parties is required.  
4. Construction of floating blinds is prohibited. Layout boats are permitted.
5. The use of steel posts, tin sheets, dimensional lumber, plywood, plastic ties and wire is prohibited.
6. Shore blinds may be constructed from natural materials including driftwood, grass, weeds and live willow trees or cottonwood less than 6 feet high gathered from around the site.  Do not cut any other species of live trees or standing dead trees of any size. Man made materials such as camouflage cloth, and burlap are permitted.
7. Blinds not made of natural materials must be removed by March 1^st of the following calendar year.
8. Personal property, including spent ammunition, must be removed from the project daily. Unattended property may be impounded and a fee assessed for its return or a violation notice issued requiring the payment of a fine. 

Tree Stand Policy

Hunters wishing to use a tree stand to hunt may do so under the following guidelines:

1. Only portable tree stands and ladders may be utilized.
2. Unattended stands must be plainly labeled on a durable material with the owner’s full name and address.
3. Tree stands may be placed between September 1^st and January 31^st.  Stands must be removed by March 1^st.
4. Use of nails, screw in steps, and any other material or method that would damage the tree is prohibited. 
5. Personal property must be removed from the project daily.  Unattended property may be impounded and a fee assessed for its return.

Trapping Policy

Persons wishing to trap on project lands must contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Missouri River Area Office at 816-240-8131. Limited trapping is allowed in specific areas. 

Trapping with dog-proof style and other traps is allowed.  The trapping of furbearers on public lands and waters shall be in accordance with the following policy in addition to other applicable Federal and State Regulations governing such activities. 

Traps:

1. May be placed and set for furbearers on the first day of the current trapping season and must be removed by midnight of the last day of trapping season.
2. Must have smooth or rubber jaws only, and may include foot-hold, Conibear, or other killing-type, foot-enclosing-type, cage-type, colony traps with openings no greater than 6 inches in height and 6 inches wide, snares set underwater only, and cable restraint devices.
3. Must be plainly labeled on durable material with the user’s full name and address.
4. Wildlife must be removed or released from traps daily, except for colony and killing-type traps, which must be checked every 48 hours.
5. May not be set in paths made or used by people or domestic animals. Killing-type traps may not be set along roadways.

Conibear or Killing-type traps must comply with the following:

1. Traps with a jaw spread greater than 6 inches are NOT allowed.
2. Maximum jaw spread of 6 inches (#160), may be set underwater, but not in any dry land set.
3. Maximum jaw spread of 4.5 inches (#110), may be set underwater and in a dry land set.

Snares must comply with the following:

1. Be set underwater.
2. Have a loop 15 inches or less in diameter when set.
3. Have a stop device that prevents the snare from closing to less than 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
4. Be made with cable that is between 5/64 inch and 1/8 inch in diameter.
5. Have a mechanical lock and anchor swivel.

Picnic Shelter Reservations/Availability

Bloomington East Shelters

Shelter 3: Shelter is available May 1st to September 30th daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. Shelter may be reserved for parties of up to 100 guest Friday-Sunday for $35. This shelter provides electricity, water, a large grill for cooking, parking, numerous picnic tables, restrooms, sand volleyball pits, playground equipment as well as close proximity to a disc golf course and walking distance to the swimming beach that includes a shower house. Reserve Shelter 3. 

Shelter 4:  Shelter is available May 1st to September 30th daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. Shelter may be reserved for parties of up to 100 guest Friday-Sunday for $35. This shelter provides electricity, water, a large grill for cooking, parking, numerous picnic tables, restrooms, sand volleyball pits, playground equipment as well as close proximity to a disc golf course and walking distance to the swimming beach that includes a shower house. Reserve Shelter 4. 

Shelter 5: Shelter is available May 1st to September 30th daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. Shelter may be reserved for parties of up to 100 guest Friday-Sunday for $35. This shelter provides electricity, water, a large grill for cooking, parking, numerous picnic tables, restrooms, sand volleyball pits, playground equipment as well as close proximity to a disc golf course and walking distance to the swimming beach that includes a shower house. Reserve Shelter 5.

Shelter 6: Shelter is available May 1st to September 30th daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. Shelter may be reserved for parties of up to 100 guest Friday-Sunday for $35. This shelter provides electricity, a large grill for cooking, parking, numerous picnic tables, restrooms, sand volleyball pits, playground equipment as well as close proximity to a disc golf course and walking distance to the swimming beach that includes a shower house. Reserve Shelter 6.

Overlook Park Shelters

Shelter 1: Shelter is available from April 1st - September 30th from 9:00 am-10:00 pm. Shelter can be reserved Monday-Friday for $35 and can accommodate parties of up to 100 people.  This shelter provides electricity, water, a large grill for cooking, a large fireplace, abundant parking, numerous picnic tables, restrooms, sand volleyball pits, horseshoes, playground equipment as well as close proximity to a softball field, hiking trails and the lake. This shelter has a scenic view of the lake. Reserve Shelter 1. 

Shelter 2: Shelter is available from April 1st - September 30th from 9:00 am-10:00 pm. Shelter can be reserved Monday-Friday for $35 and can accommodate parties of up to 100 people.  This shelter provides electricity, water, a large grill for cooking, a large fireplace, abundant parking, numerous picnic tables, restrooms, sand volleyball pits, horseshoes, playground equipment as well as close proximity to a softball field, hiking trails and the lake. This shelter has a scenic view of the lake. Reserve Shelter 2. 

Partner Agency Picnic Shelter Reservation/Availability

City of Lawrence Picnic Shelters

Clinton State Park Picnic Shelters

Bean Lake

Bean Lake Wildlife Management Area is located 2.5 miles west of Iatan, MO in Platte County along the left descending bank of the Missouri River between river miles 413 and 415. The area contains 511 acres with a variety of features such as riparian forest, wetlands and croplands.

Access: The gravel road south of the intersection of South Shore Dr and River Rd provides the only vehicle access to Bean Lake WMA from the north. Visitors must utilize the designated parking area. Do not drive around or block gates.

Visitor Activities:

Fishing

Fishing is allowed year round and is subject to all Missouri state fishing seasons and regulations. Shoreline access is by pedestrian or boat only, no vehicle access.

Hiking

Trails in the area offer prime locations to easily access remote areas where wildlife are abundant. 

Hunting

Bean Lake WMA includes a diverse array of habitats, from floodplain and upland forests, occasional flooded wetlands, to agricultural and early succession fields, which support an abundance of deer, turkey, squirrels, rabbits and other game species. Hunters must follow Corps' Blind and Tree Stand Policy as well as Missouri state hunting seasons and regulations.

Photography

The area has a plethora of photography opportunities with plenty of wildlife year round. During spring and summer photographers are greeted with numerous colorful butterflies, while spring and fall bring migratory birds and photogenic mammals. To capture some of the more elusive wildlife, take the wait and see approach. Dusk and dawn are the best times for viewing wildlife on the refuge - you may be surprised at what you see.

Trapping

Trapping with dog-proof style and other traps is allowed.  The trapping of furbearers on public lands and waters shall be in accordance with Corps' Trapping Policy as well as applicable Federal and Missouri State Trapping Regulations governing such activities. 

Wildlife Viewing

Bean Lake WMA offers a conveyor belt of wildlife viewing, with wonderful opportunities year-round. The area provides habitat for numerous migratory birds, beavers, bobcats, and other secretive wildlife; especially during dusk and dawn.

Rules and Regulations:

Vehicle use on project lands is restricted to authorized roadways.  No deviation from this regulation is permitted to engage in hunting or any other activities on project lands.

A levee system is present on the site. The levee is not an established roadway for public access. Do not drive on or across the levee.

Target shooting is prohibited.  

Overnight camping is prohibited.  

Dumping and Littering is prohibited.  This includes spent ammunition. 

Cutting firewood is prohibited.

Failure to abide by the conditions of the policy below could result in the violator being issued a violation notice requiring the payment of a fine, an appearance before a Federal Magistrate Judge or both.

A list of all Rules & Regulations governing Corps of Engineers public land can be found at: Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations.

Contact Info:

Benedictine Bottoms

Burr Oak

Dalbey Bottoms

Elwood Bottoms

Oak Mills

Aspinwall Bend

Columbia Bottoms

Corning

Deroin Bend

Eagle Bluffs

Grand Pass

Lower Hamburg Bend

Nishnabotna

Rush Bottoms

Tate Island

Thurnau

Wolf Creek Bend

Worthwine Island

Baltimore Bend

Berger Bend

Cambridge Bend

Cora Island

Cranberry Bend

Overton Bottoms South

Overton Bottoms North

Providence Bend

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Missouri River Navigation

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Big Muddy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Refuge

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