Catch-and-keep trout fishing season now open at Missouri trout parks

Missouri’s catch-and-keep trout fishing season officially began Friday, March 1. The catch-and-keep season at Missouri’s trout parks runs through Oct. 31.

Before fishing – know before you go:

To participate in the season, Missouri residents age 16-64, as well as nonresidents 16 and older, are required to purchase a fishing permit. In addition to a fishing permit, trout anglers must also purchase a daily trout tag, which can be purchased at the trout parks: Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon and Montauk State Park near Salem. The cost of a resident fishing permit is $13 for the year or a daily fishing permit is $8. The price of a daily trout tag is $4 for adults and $3 for anyone 15 and younger.

The daily limit is four trout. For more information on fishing at the trout parks, visit mdc.mo.gov/fishing/species/trout/trout-parks. Anglers are encouraged to purchase their fishing permits ahead of time from any of the numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits or through Missouri Department of Conservation’s free mobile apps, MO Hunting and MO Fishing.

Group of several anglers fly fishing in a row, while standing in water. Another three anglers are fishing on the bank.

State trout park campgrounds, lodging units and restaurants are expected to be busy. Visitors should come prepared with water and snacks, and dress appropriately for the weather. The trout cams are located near the most popular fishing spots and follow all the fishing action. This is a great opportunity for anglers who are unable to participate in person or for family members wanting to share in the excitement from home.

Trout season in Missouri is a cooperative effort of Missouri State Parks managing the state parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation operating the hatcheries and stocking the streams with trout.

To help prevent the spread of the invasive alga didymo or “rock snot,” the use of shoes, boots or waders with porous soles of felt, matted or woven fibrous material is prohibited at all trout parks, trout streams, Lake Taneycomo and buffer areas.

For more information, visit mostateparks.com or call Roaring River State Park at 417-847-2539, Bennett Spring State Park at 417-532-4338 or Montauk State Park at 573-548-2201. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.