Special Waterbody Regulations

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.
Lake Taneycomo is stocked monthly with rainbow trout and annually with brown trout.
Must also have trout permit upstream of U.S. Highway 65 bridge to fish for any species.

On the lake and its tributaries: 
Brown trout: 20 inch minimum length limit; the daily limit of 4 trout, combined total of both species, may include only 1 brown trout.

Within 760 feet below Table Rock Dam: 
No fishing is allowed.

From the closed zone 760 feet below Table Rock Dam to the mouth of Fall Creek:
Rainbow trout: 12 to 20 inches protected slot length limit
Pole and line fishing only
Only flies and artificial lures may be used, and soft plastic baits and natural and scented baits are prohibited when fishing for any species.

From the closed zone 760 feet below Table Rock Dam to U.S. Highway 65 bridge:
Fishing permit (unless exempt) and a trout permit are required to fish for any species.

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.

This area encompasses the Mississippi River, including

• the temporary overflow waters east of the Missouri Pacific Railroad between Cape Girardeau and Scott City,
• and the temporary overflow waters east of the mainline and setback levees between Commerce and the Arkansas state line.

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

Temporary overflow waters east of the Missouri Pacific Railroad between Cape Girardeau and Scott City
Nongame fish may be taken by bow and possessed at any hour of the day.

Temporary overflow waters east of the mainline and setback levees between Commerce and the Arkansas state line
Nongame fish may be taken by bow and possessed at any hour of the day.

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

Daily limit:
Crappie: 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.

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.

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