March 1 is the annual beginning of catch-and-keep trout fishing in Missouri. While the MDC staff operates the hatcheries at each of the four trout parks, they stock them daily throughout the season. Meanwhile, the staff at Missouri hatcheries are preparing to stock the trout parks with about 20,000 fish for opening day [1] alone.
Where Are The Trout Parks?
Missouri has four trout parks. One is Bennett Spring State Park which is near Lebanon. Montauk State Park has trout and it’s near Licking. Near Cassville, Missouri is Roaring River State Park. The final trout park is Maramec Spring Park near St. James.
What Are The Rules For Trout Fishing?
Trout anglers need a fishing permit and a daily trout tag to fish in Missouri’s trout parks. MDC encourages outdoor enthusiasts to purchase these items beforehand. One can purchase the trout tags only at the fish parks or online here.
What Is The Cost For A Trout Tag?
At three of the trout parks- Bennett Spring, Montauk, and Roaring River- the price is the same. An adult trout tag is $4.00 and the price is $3.00 for persons 15 years old and younger. These parks have a daily limit of four trout.
Contrarily, Meramec Spring is under a pilot program this year. Its daily trout tag is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for persons 15 years old and younger. The daily limit for trout caught is raised to five.
What Are Times Are They Open?
Montauk State Park store is open for daily tags starting February 27 from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. On February 28, it will reopen at 8:00 a.m. but close at 9:00 p.m. On opening day, the store continues from 4:30 a.m.
Bennett Spring State Park is open selling daily tags on February 27 from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. On February 28, the store opens at 9:00 a.m. through March 1.
Maramec Spring Park is selling tags starting February 17-26, from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. From February 27, normal hours begin at 5:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Roaring River has undergone extensive modernization. They do plan on having trout on opening day. Some of the fishing zones are changed. An updated online page will be available here.
What Else?
Missouri utilizes fish cams near the popular fishing sites so you can view all of the action, preparing for your next outdoor adventure.
Notes:
- ^https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/catch-and-keep-trout-fishing-starts-march-1-mo-trout-parks (go back ↩)
