Special Area Fishing Regulations

• Trout fishing is allowed year 'round.
• Trout may be taken by pole and line using all types of lures and baits under statewide limits.
• Trout permits are required if trout are kept.

• Trout permits are required if trout are kept.
• Trout may be taken by pole and line using all types of lures and baits under statewide limits, except during the dates listed below.

Nov. 1 - Jan. 31: 

• Catch and release only for trout
• Flies, artificial lures and unscented soft plastic baits only

In Stone and Lawrence counties:

The use of porous-soled waders is prohibited.

In Stone and Lawrence counties upstream from Quail Spur Crossing on Stone County Road 13-195:

Blue Ribbon Trout Area—Length limit at least 18"; Daily limit of 1.

• Only flies and artificial lures may be used, and soft plastic baits and natural and scented baits are prohibited when fishing for any species.
• Gigging, bowfishing and using an atlatl are prohibited, and fish taken by these methods may not be possessed on these waters or their banks.

Mainstem and its tributaries:

• Black bass—The daily and possession limit is 12 fish and may include no more than 6 largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, combined total of both species.
• Spotted bass—No minimum length limit.

In Crawford and Phelps counties:

The use of porous-soled waders is prohibited.

In Crawford and Phelps counties from the elevated cable crossing to the Meramec River:

Part of the Meramec River Red Ribbon Trout Area—Length limit at least 15"; Daily limit 2.

• Only flies and artificial lures may be used, and soft plastic baits and natural and scented baits are prohibited when fishing for any species.

In Phelps and Dent counties, upstream from the elevated cable crossing:

• Trout—15” minimum length limit; daily limit 2.