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"

Mainstem and its tributaries, except as noted below: 

Daily and possession limit: Black bass: 12 fish including no more than 6 largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, combined total of both species.

Size limit: Spotted bass: None

From the Council Bluff Lake Dam to the Meramec River: 

Daily and possession limit: 12 black bass including no more than 6 largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, combined total of both species, may include only 1 smallmouth bass

Size limit: Smallmouth bass: minimum 15 inches

Mainstem and its tributaries:
Spotted bass: No length limits
Black bass: The daily and possession limit is 12 fish and may include no more than 6 largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, combined total of both species.

From Highway 17 to the Current River:

Length Limits:
Smallmouth bass—minimum 15”

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

Riverwide
Walleye and sauger: No seasonal restrictions on the hours for take and possession.
Nongame fish may be taken by bow and possessed at any hour of the day in all flowing portions.

Downstream from Carl R. Noren Access to Chamois Access
All shovelnose sturgeon must be returned to the water immediately after being caught.

Length limits:
Black bass: minimum 13”
Crappie: minimum 9”

Daily limit:
Crappie: 15

Trout permits are required if trout are kept.

Trout may be taken by pole and line using all types of lures and baits allowed by state regulations, except during the dates listed below.
 

November 1 - January 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.

February 1 - October 31: You must stop fishing for all species after having 4 trout in possession.