The catch-and-keep rainbow trout season opened Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Sedalia’s Liberty Park Pond. Trout were stocked in the pond last autumn by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) as a winter fishing opportunity. Anglers fished for them on a catch-and-release basis. But starting Feb. 1, anglers with proper permits can keep up to four trout.

Fly fishing and spin fishing are good options for catching trout. Anglers may use scented lures and natural baits on Feb. 1.

MDC stocks the trout in partnership with the Sedalia Parks and Recreation Department. Trout are not native to Missouri, although MDC has stocked them in some spring-fed streams in the Ozarks. But the pond water cools enough in winter to support them. MDC’s winter trout program gives anglers a chance to catch trout a short drive from home.

Starting Feb. 1, anglers with valid fishing permits and a Missouri trout permit may keep up to four trout. All Missouri residents over age 15 and under 65 must have a valid fishing permit, and all non-residents over age 15 must have a Missouri fishing permit.

Information about fishing at Liberty Park Pond is available by calling MDC’s Sedalia Office, 660-530-5500. For more information on winter trout fishing throughout Missouri, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoH.