Fellows Lake

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fellows Lake is a popular outdoor recreational area located in the Ozarks region of Missouri, and is a well-known destination for fishing, boating, and hiking enthusiasts.


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Summary

The lake is situated only 12 miles north of Springfield, making it an easily accessible location for visitors.

One of the primary reasons to visit Fellows Lake is for its excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is stocked regularly with trout, bass, and catfish, making it a popular spot for anglers of all skill levels. In addition, there are several boat ramps located around the lake, providing visitors with easy access for boating and water sports.

There are also several points of interest to see around Fellows Lake, including the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, which offers educational exhibits and programs, as well as hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can also explore the nearby Ozark Greenways Trail System, which offers miles of scenic hiking and biking trails.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Fellows Lake was originally built as a water supply reservoir for the city of Springfield, and was later converted into a recreational area for public use. The lake covers over 820 acres and has a maximum depth of 50 feet.

The best time of year to visit Fellows Lake depends on the activities you plan to enjoy. Spring and fall are popular times for fishing, while the summer months are great for boating and water sports. The Ozarks region is known for its beautiful fall foliage, making it a great time to explore the hiking trails and enjoy the scenic views.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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