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
Spur 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.
Nov. 1 - Jan. 31:
- Catch and release only for trout
- Flies, artificial lures and unscented soft plastic baits only
St. Francis River
Above Wappapello Dam, from the lake and its tributaries including the St. Francis River and its tributaries:
- Walleye and sauger—18” minimum length limit.
Within 225 feet below Wappapello Dam:
From within 700 feet below the spillway walls of Wappapello Dam:
- Trotlines, throwlines, limb lines, bowfishing, gigging and atlatls are prohibited.
Within that part of the river that forms a boundary between Arkansas and Missouri
- Nongame fish may be taken by bow and possessed at any hour of the day in the flowing portions.
Stockton Lake
- Black bass—15” minimum length limit
- Crappie—10” minimum length limit; 15 fish daily limit
Stone Mill Spring
The use of porous-soled waders is prohibited
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.
Table Rock Lake
Lakewide:
- Black bass—15” minimum length limit
- Catfish (channel, blue and flathead)—Daily limit of 10 fish, combined total of these species
- Crappie—10” minimum length limit; 15 fish daily limit
- Walleye and sauger—18” minimum length limit
On the lake and its tributaries:
- Paddlefish—34” minimum body length, measured from eye to fork of tail
Tenmile Creek
From Highway B in Carter County to Cane Creek:
- Smallmouth bass—15” minimum length limit. The daily limit of 6 black bass may include only 1 smallmouth bass.
Thomas Hill Lake
- Black bass—15” minimum length limit
- Crappie—15 fish daily limit
- Hybrid striped bass—20” minimum length limit; daily limit of 4
Tilles Park 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.
Feb. 1 - Oct. 31:
- You must stop fishing for all species after having 4 trout in possession.
Truman Lake
Lakewide:
- Black bass—15” minimum length limit
- Crappie—9” minimum length limit; 15 fish daily limit 31
- Nongame fish—Snagging, snaring and grabbing are allowed from March 15 through April 30 only.
On the lake and its tributaries:
- Paddlefish—34” minimum body length, measured from eye to fork of tail
- No person shall continue to snag, snare or grab for any species after taking a daily limit of 2 paddlefish.
Vlasis Park 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.
