I've never went out to look for smallies but i hear that they are more active when its as cold as it is here in Missouri. But I'm not sure where to start to look, any advice? 

If you are targeting smallies, make sure you know the lake you will be fishing has a population first and foremost.

 

What are the air and water temps in the area you plan to fish?

Cold is relative, and though they may not be more active in 45-deg water

the odds of a lunker are certainly greater.

 

Roger

I actually have better luck with LMB when the water temps get really cold in this part of the country. I know that up north they're active in cold water temps, but it just doesn't seem to work around here. 

The ones I've caught are mostly in deep water near steep drops.

Spotted bass are the most active in cold water if you have a lake near you with a good population of them. 

Good luck with the smallies. That's what I primarily fish for. Here in the N.E. for me it's still a bit early. I think cold water and water temps are relative to areas you fish. I find here in the N.E. that that prime period of fall smallie fishing is a short window some years. By that I'm refering to how summer hangs longer and winter kicks in earlier. I could be wrong but it seems like a few degrees can make a big difference. I admittedly struggle to find that early spring pattern every year and I've been fishing a long long time.  

I looked around your area of Troy. Most of your closest lakes like Mark Twain and few others do not say smallies exist. You may find some in smaller rivers near you.  If you want to experience a monster then I would look into a guide trip on one of the rivers like this guide offers.  http://www.fishinglakeoftheozarks.com/

 He is probably using a jet boat it is definitely aluminum on his river trips. he also offers Lake  of the Ozarks trips on his fiberglass boats. What you pay for on a guided trip can be as much about catching the fish that day, as an on water education. For years now I have enjoyed and learned from so many great guides.