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LAKES / PONDS

Several lakes and ponds are close by for watersports and fishing.

Alley Spring Mill

Bull Shoals Lake

Accesses available in Ozark County are:

  • Pontiac (W Highway) 53 miles from West Plains
  • Spring Creek Public Use Area 55 miles from West Plains
  • Theodosia 55 miles from West Plains

Bull Shoals Lake is located in Missouri and Arkansas. With its hundreds of miles of coves and lake arms, common activities include boating, water sports, swimming and fishing. Best bet on fishing is for Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Walleye, and Crappie. Be sure to visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website for regulations and more information.

https://fishing.mdc.mo.gov/reports/bull-shoals-lake

Missouri Lakes and Ponds

Norfork Lake

Accesses available in Ozark County are:

  • Bridges Creek (Ozark County Road 551) 30 miles from West Plains
  • Liner Creek (T Highway) 44 miles from West Plains
  • Tecumseh (Highway 160) 31 miles from West Plains
  • Udall (O Highway) 34 miles from West Plains

Most of Norfork Lake is located in Arkansas but there are four accesses available in Missouri. Norfork Lake has more than 550 miles of shoreline and covers 22,000 acres. Water activities include boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing. Best bet on fishing is for Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Walleye, and Crappie. Be sure to visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website for regulations and more information.

https://fishing.mdc.mo.gov/reports/norfork-lake

Missouri Lakes and Ponds

Austin Lake
37.1579455, -92.177752

  • 20 acre lake
  • Bluegill & Redear Sunfish

https://fishing.mdc.mo.gov/reports/austin-lake

37 miles From West Plains

Take Highway 63 north toward Willow Springs. Stay on 63 North and 60 West at the junction. Continue on Highway 60 west at Cabool. At the first Mountain Grove exit, take the ramp for MM Highway and turn right. In a little less than one mile, turn right on County Road 5526.

McCormack Lake
37.1579455, -92.177752

  • 15 acre lake
  • Panfish and Bass

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mtnf/recarea/?recid=21708

Missouri Lakes and Ponds

45 miles From West Plains

Take Highway 160 east toward Alton. In Alton, turn left on Highway 19 north. Go 13.5 miles then turn left on County Road 3155 The lake is 2 miles ahead.

Sims Valley Lake
36.9517691,-91.9375983

  • 41-acre lake
  • Redear Sunfish, Chain Pickerel, Largemouth Bass & Channel Catfish

https://fishing.mdc.mo.gov/reports/sims-valley-lakehttps://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/sims-valley-community-lake

27 miles From West Plains

Take Highway 63 north toward Willow Springs. Just before Willow Springs, take Highway 60 east toward Mountain View. In 5 miles, turn left on RA Highway. Sims Lake is 2 miles ahead.