MDC to host free winter trout fishing clinic

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host a free winter trout fishing clinic 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19, at the Bass Pro Shops in Independence.

MDC stocks rainbow trout in lakes at four Kansas City area sites during winter to provide anglers with an additional fishing opportunity. Trout are not native to the area and cannot survive in warm summer water temperatures. But they thrive in winter-chilled ponds and small lakes.

The free clinic will showcase what tackle, lures and bait work well to catch trout. MDC staff will also demonstrate how to prepare trout for cooking. Space in the clinic is limited. Participants are asked to register in advance by calling 816-622-0900.

Lakes included in the metro area's winter trout stocking program include Coot Lake and Plover Lake at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee's Summit, Chaumiere Lake at North Cleveland Avenue and Northeast 43rd Terrace in Kansas City, and lakes at the Fountain Bluff Sports Complex in Liberty.

A hotline for information about winter trout stocking is available at 816-525-0300, ext. 4001. The information is updated after more fish are stocked in the lakes.

Statewide trout fishing regulations apply. All Missouri residents over age 15 and under 65 must have a valid fishing permit, and all non-residents over age 15 must have a fishing permit. The daily limit is four trout. To keep trout, all anglers must have a Missouri trout permit.

For information on winter trout fishing throughout Missouri, visit http://on.mo.gov/1k87SOk.