Missouri Department of Conservation

Fishing Regulations

Fishing Regulations

What's New in 2012

  • Any member of the U.S. military currently assigned as a patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition Unit or a military medical center now may take fish, live bait, clams, mussels, turtles and frogs without permit. However, a trout permit or daily tag is needed in areas where prescribed. See MDC Permits below.
  • The use of porous-soled waders or footwear with soles of felted, matted or woven fibrous material is prohibited at trout parks and in certain trout streams to prevent the spread of didymo, an invasive alga. See Felt-Soled Wader Ban below.

2012 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations

This annually updated booklet includes fishing regulations, permits, general rules, fishing areas, live bait and an illustrated guide to Missouri's sport fish. 2012 regulation changes take effect March 1. More

Do Not Harvest List

The "Do Not Harvest" list protects rare, threatened and endangered native Missouri fish. More

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. More

Game Fish Regulations

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

General Fishing Rules

Check this section for Missouri's rules on fishing methods, length limits, jug-line regulations, possession limits, culling and transportation. More

Live Bait Regulations

Know the regulations for using live bait. More

Nongame Species Regulations

Know the regulations for some of Missouri's nongame fish and aquatic species. More

Reciprocal Fishing Privileges

Fishing privileges on boundary waters common to Missouri and an adjoining state are mutually agreed upon by the two states. It is your responsibility to know which state you are fishing in and the regulations that apply to the waters that you are fishing. More

Regulations and Permits Definitions

Knowing regulations and permits definitions helps you abide by the Wildlife Code of Missouri. More

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. More

St. Louis Region Lakes Special Fishing Regulations

Download and print these special regulations for August A. Busch Conservation Area Lakes, St. Louis Urban Fishing Program Lakes and MDC and Community Assistance Program (CAP) Lakes. More

Why "No" to Noodling?

Agent Eric Abbott with flathead caught by illegal handfishing
Hand-fishing has been illegal in Missouri since 1919, yet efforts to legalize it continue. This page explains why the Missouri Department of Conservation opposes hand-fishing. More
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mdc.mo.gov/node/3104