Special Area Fishing Regulations
Most public fishing areas have methods, seasons, limits or other fishing regulations that are different from the statewide rules. These special regulations are posted at the areas. It is your responsibility to know what regulations apply to the waters you are fishing. Please refer to area brochures, signs and bulletin boards before fishing these waters.
Special regulations on large reservoirs, rivers, streams and trout areas are summarized below. Special regulations also apply to the tributaries of some large reservoirs. These rules are listed under the name of the lake or stream. Statewide regulations apply unless otherwise indicated below.
Specific Fishing Regulations
Elk River
- Black bass—15” minimum length limit; 2 fish daily limit
Everyday Pond
- 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.
Oct. 16 - Jan. 31:
- Catch and release only for all species including trout
Nov. 1 - Jan. 31:
- Flies, artificial lures and unscented soft plastic baits only
Fountain Bluff Sports Complex
- 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.
Gasconade River
From Highway Y in Pulaski County to Highway D in Phelps County:
- Smallmouth bass—18” minimum length limit. The daily limit of 6 black bass may include only 1 smallmouth bass.
Greer Spring Branch
As posted upstream from the south boundary of the private reservation:
Hickory Creek
Mainstem and its tributaries
The use of porous-soled waders is prohibited.
From Highway 86 bridge to Shoal Creek:
White Ribbon Trout Area
March 1 - Oct. 31
- Rainbow Trout - no length limit
- Brown Trout - 15" minimum length limit
- Daily limit 4
- All lures allowed
Nov. 1 - Feb. 28
- Catch and release only; Daily limit 0
- Only flies and artificial lures may be used, and soft plastic baits and natural and scented baits are prohibited when fishing for any species from Nov. 1 through Feb. 28.
Huzzah Creek
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
From Willhite Road in Crawford County to the Meramec River:
- Goggle-eye—8” minimum length limit
Island Lake
- 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.
Year 'round:
You must stop fishing for all species after having 4 trout in possession
Nov. 1 - Jan. 31:
- Only 1 pole may be used.
- Use of chum is prohibited.
Jacks Fork River
From Highway 17 to Highway 106:
- Smallmouth bass—18” minimum length limit. The daily limit of 6 black bass may include only 1 smallmouth bass.
James River
From Hooten Town bridge on Stone County Road A-90 to Highway 13:
- Largemouth bass—15” minimum length limit
- Smallmouth bass—15” minimum length limit. The daily limit of 6 black bass may include only 1 smallmouth bass.
