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Game Fish Regulations

Find out specific regulations and permit requirements for a variety of Missouri's game fish.

Regulations by Species

Species Area Primary Dates
Bass Regulations: White, yellow, striped and hybrid Open All Year
Bass Regulations: Largemouth, smallmouth, spotted/Kentucky Impoundments Open All Year
Bass Regulations: Largemouth, smallmouth, spotted/Kentucky From other streams Open All Year
Bass Regulations: Largemouth, smallmouth, spotted/Kentucky From Ozark streams Sat, 05/25/2013 - Fri, 02/28/2014
Catfish Regulations: Blue Open All Year
Catfish Regulations: Channel Open All Year
Catfish Regulations: Flathead Open All Year
Crappie Regulations: Black and white Open All Year
Goggle-eye (Rock Bass) Regulations Open All Year
Muskellunge Regulations Open All Year
Northern Pike Regulations Open All Year
Paddlefish (Spoonbill) Regulations Fri, 03/15/2013 - Tue, 04/30/2013
Paddlefish (Spoonbill) Regulations Mississippi River Fri, 03/15/2013 - Wed, 05/15/2013
Pickerel Regulations: Chain and Grass Open All Year
Shovelnose Sturgeon Regulations Open All Year
Trout Regulations Trout Areas Open All Year
Trout Regulations: No Creel Trout Parks Fri, 11/08/2013 - Mon, 02/10/2014
Trout Regulations Trout Parks Fri, 03/01/2013 - Thu, 10/31/2013
Walleye and Sauger Regulations Open All Year

Related Information

  • Fish ID and Measuring

    Learn to identify and measure the fish and other aquatic life you catch so you can abide by Missouri's seasons, daily limits, length limits, and other regulations. When in doubt, play it safe, and return the fish to the water unharmed immediately.

  • Nongame Fish Regulations

    Missouri's nongame fish include bluegill, green sunfish, carp, carpsuckers, suckers, buffalo, drum, gar and all other species other than those defined as game fish or listed as endangered.

  • Special Area Fishing Regulations

    Most public fishing areas at large reservoirs, lakes, rivers, streams and trout areas have methods, seasons, limits or other fishing regulations that are different from the statewide rules. These special regulations are summarized here.

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Lookup Regulations
Check the Code

This is NOT a legal document. Regulations are subject to revision during the current year. Refer to the Wildlife Code.

Keep ATVs out of streams!

It’s illegal to drive ATVs in Missouri’s streams unless …

  • You’re a landowner or lessee on land you own or lease.
  • You’re a farm worker.

AND

  • You’re using your ATV on a crossing that is part of the highway system.

Violators could lose their fishing and hunting privileges!

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MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.

We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.

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We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.

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