Missouri Department of Conservation

Fishing Regulations

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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

MDC Applications

  • Fishing Prospects Survey

    Prospects is a modification of monitoring surveys written by the biologists managing those bodies of water referenced.

  • MDC Atlas

    Browse more than 1,000 conservation areas, including stream accesses, natural areas and wildlife management areas. You'll find lots of places to camp, hunt, fish, float, hike, ride your horse, bird, gather mushrooms, photograph wildlife, picnic and discover nature with your family. Each entry includes recreation info, regulations, map and brochure.

Related Information

  • Disabled-Accessible Outdoors

    This downloadable booklet lists MDC owned/affiliated public areas around Missouri that have ADA-compliant facilities.

  • Felt-Soled Wader BanTo prevent the spread of didymo, an invasive alga, 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. This ban goes into effect March 1, 2012.
  • Fishing Records

    Our awards recognize major achievements in an angler's life: Master Angler and State Record Fish.

  • Free Fishing DaysTry Missouri fishing without having to buy a permit or tackle at a Free Fishing Days program the first weekend in June.
  • Missouri Stream Team

    The Stream Team program provides an opportunity for all interests to get involved in river conservation.

  • Only three-hooked lures allowed on Alabama rigs in MissouriAlabama or umbrella rigs are legal to use in Missouri only if no more than three lures or baits with hooks are attached to each rig.
  • Operation Game ThiefStop wildlife poachers! Remain anonymous. Reward possible. Program 1-800-392-1111 into your cell phone—so you can act fast!
  • Permits

    Before you hunt or fish this season, make sure you purchase your Missouri hunting and fishing permits.

  • Point System for Wildlife Code ViolationsWhen you violate the Wildlife Code, the state assesses points against your hunting, trapping or fishing permits. You can lose your hunting, trapping and fishing privileges if you're assessed too many points.
  • Protect Your FishingCheck this section for simple things you can do to protect Missouri’s waters—and your fishing and boating pleasure—from aquatic invaders like "rock snot," zebra mussels and Asian carp.
  • Regulations and Permits Definitions

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

  • Sport Fish Restoration: Where Money Does Buy Happiness

    Missouri uses its share of a federal excise tax on fishing and boating equipment to improve angling.

  • Wildlife Code of Missouri

    The Wildlife Code is available online as part of the Code of State Regulations and is published by the Missouri Secretary of State. Printed versions are available at permit vendors statewide.

External Links

  • Report Stream Pollution

    To report a chemical spill in Missouri, call the Department of Natural Resource's 24-hour environmental emergency hotline at 573-634-2436.

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!

Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
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