Big Fish,
Take a look at Poplar Bluff, MO. A Pretty little town (15-20,000 people?) at the edge of the Ozarks. A medium sized impoundment nearby with boating and fishing. Right next to some of the prettiest rivers in the ozarks. Tons of public ground nearby in the Mark Twain NF...
2 hours from ST Louis, and 5-6 hours from Savanna.
Now this is funny.....I live in Poplar Bluff and would never recomend anyone move here.