Special Waterbody Regulations

From Highway 17 to the Gasconade River:
Length limit: Goggle-eye: minimum 8"

From Slabtown Access to the Gasconade River:
Daily limit: 6 black bass including only 1 smallmouth bass.
Length limit: Smallmouth bass: minimum 15"

From Highway 17 to the Current River:

Length Limits:
Smallmouth bass—minimum 15”

Daily Limit:
6 black bass including only 1 smallmouth bass.

This area encompasses the Mississippi River, including

• Pools 20-26,

Mississippi River, including Pools 20-26
Paddlefish—The open season is March 15 through May 15 and Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.
Nongame fish—Snagging, snaring and grabbing are allowed from March 15 through May 15 and from Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.

Daily limits:
Channel catfish and blue catfish—The daily and possession limit is 20, combined total of these species.
Flathead catfish—The daily and possession limit is 10 fish.
Walleye and sauger—The daily and possession limit is 8, combined total of both species.
White bass, yellow bass, striped bass and their hybrids—The daily and possession limit is 30, combined total of these species.
Nongame fish—The daily and possession limit is 100, combined total of these species, except that bighead carp, common carp, goldfish, grass carp and silver carp may be taken and possessed in any number.

Length limits:
Black bass—minimum 12”
Walleye and sauger—None
White bass, yellow bass, striped bass and their hybrids—None

Allowed methods:
Nongame fish may be taken by bow and possessed at any hour of the day in all flowing portions, except in Sand Chute below the mouth of the Salt River in Pike County where they may only be taken by bow from sunrise to midnight.
Limit of 2 poles per licensed angler
Limit of 50 hooks on a trotline

From Skyline Drive bridge near Orla in Laclede County to the Gasconade River:

Daily limit: 6 black bass including only 1 smallmouth bass

Length limit:
Smallmouth bass—minimum 15”

The use of porous-soled waders is prohibited.
While on any waters with length limits, all trout you possess must be kept with head, tail, and skin intact.

From the lower boundary of Roaring River State Park to Table Rock Lake - 4 miles:

White Ribbon Trout Area, see restrictions below.

Unless exempt, you need fishing permit as well as a daily trout tag from March 1 to October 31. The daily trout tag is $4 for adults and $3 for youth 15 and younger. Trout tags and permits can be purchased at the park.

During the November through February catch-and-release season the annual trout permit replaces the daily trout tag.

November 10, 2023 - February 12, 2024
Trout fishing is allowed from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Fridays through Mondays.
Catch-and-release fishing only.  (Fishing permit and annual trout permit required.)
Allowed lures: flies only

March 1 - October 31
Daily limit: 4 of all species combined. You must stop fishing after have 4 trout in your possession.

Methods:

• Not more than one pole and line may be used by one person at any time.
• Gigging, snaring, snagging, and the taking of live bait are prohibited.
• Some waters are posted as restricted to specific baits or lures.
• The use of any foods to attract fish, except when placed on a hook, is prohibited.

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.

Fishing zones, allowed methods, and regulations vary. Ask for additional information when you purchase your tag.

Lakewide:

Daily limit:

Do not continue to snag, snare or grab for any species after taking a daily limit of 2 paddlefish.
Catfish (channel, blue and flathead): 10, combined total of these species
Crappie: 15

Size limit:
Black bass: minimum 15"
Crappie: minimum 10"
Walleye and sauger: minimum 18"

On the lake and its tributaries:

Size limit: Paddlefish: 34" minimum body length, measured from eye to fork of tail

You must have a trout permit to keep trout during other times of the year.

Trout may be taken by pole and line using all types of lures and baits under statewide limits, except during the dates listed below.

November 1 - January 31:
Catch-and-release only for trout.
Only flies, artificial lures, and unscented soft plastic baits are allowed.