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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

Plover Lake
  • 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.

Pomme de Terre Lake
  • Black bass—13” minimum length limit
  • Crappie—9” minimum length limit; 15 fish daily limit

Roaring River

In Barry County:

The use of porous-soled waders is prohibited.

From the lower boundary of Roaring River State Park to Table Rock Lake:

White Ribbon Trout Area - Daily limit 4

  • Rainbow Trout - no length limit
  • Brown Trout - minimum length of 15"
  • All lures allowed

Roaring River State Park

Is open and stocked daily from March 1 through Oct. 31. Anglers need a fishing permit, unless exempt, as well as a daily trout tag. The daily trout tag is $3 for adults and $2 for those 15 and younger. Note: At Roaring River State Park, a daily tag or a trout permit may be used for fishing from the first bridge below the old dam in Zone 3 to the downstream park boundary.

The daily limit is 4, and you must stop fishing for any species after having 4 trout in possession. As for details about area regulations when you purchase your tag.

Catch-and-release fishing is only available from Nov.9 through Feb. 11. Roaring River State Park is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday through Monday. A fishing permit, unless exempt, and a trout permit are required. Only flies may be used.

Rotary 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.

Nov. 1 - Jan. 31: 

  • Catch and release only for trout
  • Flies, artificial lures and unscented soft plastic baits only
  • Only 1 pole may be used.
  • Use of chum is prohibited.

Roubidoux Creek

In Pulaski County:

The use of porous-soled waders is prohibited.

Downstream of the elevated utility cable crossing approximately 1/2 mile below the Business I-44 bridge in Waynesville to the Gasconade 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.

Upstream of the elevated utility cable crossing approximately 1/2 mile below Business I-44 bridge in Waynesville:

White Ribbon Trout Area - Daily limit 4

  • Rainbow Trout - no length limit
  • Brown Trout - minimum length of 15"
  • All lures allowed

Sac River

From below Stockton Dam to Highway 32:

  • Pole and line fishing only

Salt River

On the Clarence Cannon Reregulation Pool within 400 feet below Clarence Cannon Dam in the no boating zone:

  • No fishing is allowed.

From the downstream end of the no fishing zone below Clarence Cannon Dam to the posted powerline crossing on the Clarence Cannon Reregulation Pool:

  • Pole and line fishing only.

From the Clarence Cannon Reregulation Pool below Mark Twain Lake dam:

  • Black bass—12” minimum length limit

From the no-boating zone 1,100 feet below the Clarence Cannon Reregulation Pool Dam to Route A:

  • Fishing by pole and line and bow only

Smithville Lake
  • Black bass—15” minimum length limit
  • Crappie—9” minimum length limit; 15 fish daily limit

Spring Creek

In Phelps County:

The use of porous-soled waders is prohibited.

In Phelps County from Relfe Spring to the Big Piney River:

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

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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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