Catch and Keep Trout Season opens March 1st in Missouri
Missouri’s catch-and-keep trout fishing season officially begins at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 1.
The catch-and-keep season at the trout parks runs through Oct. 31.
To participate in the season, Missouri residents age 16-64 and 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.
A daily trout tag at the three state parks costs $4 for adults and $3 for people 15 years of age and younger. Daily fishing permits are $8. 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 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.
The parks’ stores will be open for purchasing trout tags. Store hours are:
Roaring River State Park
Open 9 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Closes at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 1.
Montauk State Park
Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Open 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 1.
Bennett Spring State Park
Open at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Closes at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 1 depending on demand.
The parks’ campgrounds, lodging units and restaurants are expected to be busy. Visitors should come prepared with water and snacks, and dress appropriately for the weather. Opening day activities at Bennett Spring State Park and Roaring River State Park will be available for online viewing at mostateparks.com. The trout cams are located near the most popular fishing spots and follow all the fishing action.
For more information on trout season opening, 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.