General Information The Show Me State is 68,945 square miles of river plains, prairie, hardwood forests, rolling hills, and mountains located along the banks of the Mississippi River, which runs along the state's eastern border. With a relatively mild climate, the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains, and a vast supply of water resources that provide beautiful views and recreational opportunity, Missouri is a favorite among vacationers seeking beautiful settings and outdoor recreation. Capital City: Jefferson City Largest City: St. Louis National Parks and Forests: Mark Twain National Forest Ozark National Scenic Riverways Sport Fishing Missouri has many varied fishing opportunities available to the traveling angler. Although many of the state's watersheds are large lakes or impoundments and slow flowing, turbid rivers, there are numerous species which are native to these waters. Largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, drum, and buffalo can be found in most of the state's watersheds. In addition, many of Missouri's spring-fed creeks and mountain streams, found mainly in the Ozark Mountain region, hold rainbow trout which have been introduced or stocked at some point. Flood control and power production impoundments have created some excellent coldwater rainbow and brown trout fishing in many of Missouri's larger lakes and rivers. Hunting Missouri is relatively sparsely populated outside the urban areas and has over two million acres of public land open for hunting and outdoor recreation. Hunting continues to be a cherished tradition in the state. Oak forests and grassland provide food and habitat for squirrel, raccoon, rabbit, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey, of which deer and turkey are of most importance to the hunter traveling to Missouri. Some ruffed grouse, quail, and pheasant are found but have been in decline in Missouri in previous years. Waterfowl hunting is popular along the Mississippi and larger rivers that flow through the state. River farmland and flooded plains provide excellent habitat and feed for migrating ducks and geese during the autumn months. For information on licensing, seasons, limits, rules and regulations, please visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website.