The third annual Truman Lake Fishing Expo will take place on February 9th and 10th, 2024, at the Benson Community Center in Clinton, MO. The event will feature over 30 exhibitors, some local to the Truman Lake region, as well as many more who will travel to Clinton solely for the Expo.
The group of exhibitors is diverse, including such categories as conservation and water safety; boats; fishing equipment including lures, baits, tackle, rods and reels, electronic equipment, and more; outdoor accessories of interest to anglers; guides and services, and many others. The expo will also feature multiple guest-speaker seminars on the unique characteristics of Truman Lake that make it stand out from other venues as a fishing destination. Truman Lake has been ranked among the top 10 locations in the US for fishing crappie, and also provides excellent opportunities for catfish, bass, and walleye.
Although a relatively new event, the Truman Lake Fishing Expo has gained a loyal following among attendees and exhibitors alike, and its hosts at Radford Media Group take pride in sharing the many advantages Truman Lake has to offer, and in providing the opportunity to enhance and strengthen community ties among anglers.
Radford Media Group first began the Truman Lake Fishing Expo in 2021 to develop and strengthen the many opportunities available in/among the Truman Lake fishing community and local businesses and organizations. Co-owned by husband-and-wife team Clayton & Brittany Radford–who are themselves natives of Clinton, MO–Radford Media Group manages 95.3 FM KDKD and 104.9 FM KXEA radio stations. The company’s motto is “We are Community First!”
Upholding that spirit of community and connections, Truman Lake Fishing Expo brings together businesses and organizations–from the surrounding Truman Lake area and from farther afield–who share a common interest in fishing or associated areas of industry such as conservation, tourism, camping, marinas, boats, baits and lures, rods and reels, guided tours, equipment and supplies, and apparel and accessories.
The expo itself draws visitors to the area, and brings together groups which otherwise might not meet, allowing an opportunity for networking and development that benefits the Truman Lake community in myriad ways.
Creation of the Harry S Truman Reservoir, also known as Truman Lake, was completed in 1979, encompassing 55,600 acres of water and 122,784 acres of land during normal lake elevation.1
The US Army Corps of Engineers reports that recreational visits associated with Truman Lake ranged from .97 to over 1.74 million visits per year from 2014-2021.1
Truman Lake is known in particular for its exceptional populations of black and white crappie, in addition to populations of blue, channel, and flathead catfish; white bass, hybrid striped bass, walleye, paddlefish, largemouth bass, spotted bass, and bluegill.
Many local businesses benefit from or rely upon tourism associated with fishing and with connected activities such as camping, boating, and other outdoor recreation.
In addition to exhibitors, Truman Lake Fishing Expo is pleased to host speakers for guest seminars on topics important to Truman Lake and our anglers. In 2024, our presentations will include:
•Crankbait Fishing on Truman Lake, David Ryan of Dave’s Custom Baits
•Guided Fishing on Truman Lake, Jeff Faulkenberry of Faulkenberry’s Endless Season Guide Service
•Fightin’ Wipers: Hybrid Striped Bass on Truman Lake, Jim Cuda of Hybrid Mania Guide Service
•Catchin’ Crappie, Barry Morrow & Chad Maupin, Crappie National Champions
•Fisheries Management, Chris Brooke, MDC Fisheries Management Biologist
•Boat to Kayak, Chad Davison, professional kayak angler
•Boating Safety, Master Captain Bob May of Bob’s No-Wake Zone radio show
Seminar titles and presenters may be subject to change.
