Special Waterbody Regulations

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 CST, 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.

Allowed lures: Flies, artificial lures, or soft plastic baits, depending on zone. See the Bennett Spring Hatchery area map for details.

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.

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

Bennett Spring State Park is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday through Monday.

Mainstem and its tributaries:
Daily limit: Black bass: 12 fish, including no more than 6 largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, combined total of both species
Length limit: Spotted bass: None

From Highway 8 bridge in Crawford County to Huzzah Creek:
Length limit: Goggle-eye: minimum 8”

Lakewide:

Area note:
Nongame fish: Snagging, snaring and grabbing are allowed from March 15 through April 30 only.

Daily limit:
Crappie: 15

Length limit:
Black bass: minimum 15” for largemouth and smallmouth bass; minimum 12” for spotted bass
Crappie: minimum 9”

On the lake and its tributaries:

Daily limit:
Do not continue to snag, snare or grab for any species after taking a daily limit of 2 paddlefish.
Blue catfish: 10 fish daily and possession limit; the daily limit may not contain more than 2 blue catfish more than 34".

Length limit:
Paddlefish: minimum 34” body length, measured from eye to fork of tail
Blue catfish: 26" to 34" protected slot length limit; 10 fish daily and possession limit; the daily limit may not contain more than 2 blue catfish more than 34".

Within 525 feet on the left descending bank and 977 feet on the right descending bank below Truman Dam in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ restricted zone:

Area note: No fishing is allowed.

From the downstream end of the no-fishing zone below Truman Dam throughout the no-boating zone (look for signs and buoys):

Area note: Paddlefish may not be possessed.

From the downstream end of the no-fishing zone below Truman Dam to U.S. Highway 65:

Prohibited methods: Trotlines, throwlines, limb lines, jug lines, snagging, snaring and grabbing are prohibited.

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.

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.

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.

Mainstem and its tributaries, except as noted below:
Daily limit: 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.
Length limit: Spotted bass—No minimum length limit

From Highway F in Washington County to the Big River:
Length limit: Smallmouth bass—minimum 15”
Daily limit: Daily and possession limit of 12 black bass, which may include no more than 6 largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, combined total of both species, may include 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.

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 Bennett Spring Branch to Prosperine Access - 11.5 miles of stocked stream: 

White Ribbon Trout Area, see restrictions below.

Lakewide

Daily limit:
Crappie: 15

Size limit:
Black bass: minimum 15" length limit on largemouth and smallmouth bass; minimum 12" length limit on spotted bass.
Crappie: minimum 9"

Allowed methods:
Nongame fish: Snagging, snaring and grabbing are allowed from March 15 through April 30 only.

On the lake and its tributaries

Daily limit:
Blue catfish: 10 fish daily and possession limit, with not more than 2 blue catfish more than 34".

Size limit:
Paddlefish: minimum 34" body length, measured from eye to fork of tail
Blue catfish: 26" to 34" protected slot length limit; the daily limit may not contain more than 2 blue catfish more than 34".

Prohibited Methods: No person shall continue to snag, snare or grab for any species after taking a daily limit of 2 paddlefish.