Recreation in the Missouri Basin Region

From high mountain lakes in the shadows of the Rocky Mountains to windswept reservoirs on America's vast plains, fishing opportunities abound in Reclamation's Missouri Basin Region. Extending from Montana and the Dakota's on the north to Texas on the south, the region provides a wide variety of quality fishing opportunities for a diversity of species which include trout, bass, walleye, catfish, northern pike, and kokanee salmon.

Some of our lakes and reservoirs are nationally recognized and play host each year to tournaments and derbies; others are more suited to quiet family fun, tucked away in isolated but accessible areas within an hour's drive of major cities. Facilities for visitors vary from highly developed campgrounds to primitive campsites with no commercial development nearby. The combination of excellent facilities and a diverse fishery resource contributes to a quality recreational experience in the Missouri Basin Region. The menu on the right provides information about MB recreation facilities by state.

Recreation.gov - Your gateway to discover America's Great Outdoors!

2014 Annual Pass - Photo by Katherine Hawkins - 2012 Share the Experience Photo Contest Grand Prize winner "America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass" (replaces Golden Eagle, Golden Age, Golden Access and National Parks passports) discounts are NOT ACCEPTED for admission to Reclamation managed facilities or parks – with the exception of the New Melones Lake Reclamation managed recreation areas. This pass can be used for admission to facilities and parks that receive benefits and revenues from the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, like New Melones Lake; however, other Reclamation facilities do not receive revenues through this Act.

Click on map for recreation
information by state:


Missouri Basin Regional Map Information about Lakes and Reservoirs in Kansas Information about Lakes and Reservoirs in Colorado Information about Lakes and Reservoirs in Texas Information about Lakes and Reservoirs in Oklahoma Information about Lakes and Reservoirs in Nebraska Information about Lakes and Reservoirs in Wyoming Information about Lakes and Reservoirs in South Dakota Information about Lakes and Reservoirs in North Dakota Information about Lakes and Reservoirs in Montana

Hunting and Fishing in the Missouri Basin Region

Recreational hunting and fishing on Reclamation managed property is regulated by state and local laws, which includes any applicable requirements for licensing and permits. The menu below provides links to the appropriate state laws and regulations concerning licenses, fees and seasons.

*Note: In most situations Reclamation Lands are open to hunting and fishing and other recreational activities. However, recreationalists should check with Reclamation Area Offices for information on lands and waters that may be closed to public use.

Fishing on the Big Horn River below the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam.
Fishing on the Big Horn River below the
Yellowtail Afterbay Dam.
Last Updated: 11/28/22