Driving directions: Seven miles south of Cassville on Highway 112.
Annual Prospects Report
Anglers can look forward to good fishing at Roaring River for both rainbow trout and limited numbers of brown trout. The park is divided into three zones: Zone 1 from the hatchery to the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek is flies, artificial lures, and soft plastic (scented or unscented) bait only; Zone 2 from the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek to the posted sign upstream from the old dam in campground 3 is flies only; Zone 3 is from the posted sign upstream from the old dam to the park boundary and flies, artificial lures, soft plastic bait, and natural or scented bait may be used.
The winter catch-and-release season will run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday through Monday from the second Friday in November through the second Monday in February. Trout will be stocked periodically throughout the winter catch-and-release season. Winter catch-and-release fishing is open from the first hole adjacent to the hatchery to the park boundary.
Roaring River State Park will host two Kid's Fishing Days during this year. These will be on Saturday, May 17 and Saturday, August 16. These events are free to children age 15 and younger. An area of the stream will be reserved for kids, and numerous trout will be stocked throughout the day. Volunteers will be on hand to assist kids with rigging, baits, tackle, etc. There will be various contests and drawings for prizes. Free classes related to fishing and the outdoors will be offered, and prizes will be awarded by a large drawing to kids who attend at least three classes during the event. Free hot dogs, chips, and soda will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Downstream of the park, Roaring River Conservation Area provides additional opportunity for anglers to pursue trout. There is a good population of trout in the lower section of Roaring River below the park, with a density of about seventy trout per mile. Look for pools and current breaks such as boulders, trees/root wads, and outside bends where trout tend to congregate. The water is usually very shallow and clear and the trout are very wary. Light line and approaching good habitats carefully is usually necessary for success.
Seven miles south of Cassville on Highway 112.