Trout

Rainbow trout side view photo with black background
Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Lance Merry
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Rainbow trout side view photo with black background

Brown Trout
Also called the "German brown," the brown trout is a native of Europe. A favorite of anglers, it can reach a size of 37 inches and 26 pounds.

Rainbow Trout
This coldwater fish isn’t native to Missouri, but this “king of sport fish”—maintained by stocking into suitable waters—is certainly appreciated by anglers.

Fishing Type
Game
Topic Category
Hunting / Fishing Guide
Seasons
Regulations
Biological Information
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Seasons
Trout

Rainbow trout side view photo with black background

Season Open
Trout Areas
  • January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023

Daily limit: 4
Possession limit: 10
Length limit: No size limit on rainbow trout; 15 inch minimum for brown trout in streams
Limits apply on all waters except on areas with special regulations.

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Permit required to possess trout, except in trout parks where a daily tag is required. This permit is also required for all winter fishing in trout parks (catch-and-release) and for harvesting trout or fishing at Lake Taneycomo upstream from the US Hwy 65 bridge.

Trout Permit, Fishing Permit, Daily Fishing Permit, Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit, Lifetime Conservation Partner (Hunting and Fishing) Permit (residents only), Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit (residents only), Military Reduced Cost Permit

Trout: Allowed Methods

Pole and line

Trotline

Throwline

Limb line

Bank line

Jug line

Some areas have additional tackle restrictions. Learn about special area fishing regulations.

Season Open
Trout Parks
  • March 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023
Hours

Hours vary. Check park information for details.

Notes

This season is open only in the following trout parks: Maramec Spring Park, Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park and Roaring River State Park.

Daily limit: 4 (5 at Maramec Spring Park)
Possession limit: 10
Length limit: minimum 15 inches for brown trout, no limit for rainbow

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In addition to a fishing permit, you must purchase a daily trout tag to fish in a trout park.

At Bennett Spring, Montauk, and Roaring River, the price for a daily trout tag is $4 for anglers 16 and older, and $3 for anglers 15 and younger. At Maramec Spring Park, the price is $5 for anglers 16 and older, and $3 for anglers 15 and younger.

Trout Permit, Fishing Permit, Daily Fishing Permit, Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit, Lifetime Conservation Partner (Hunting and Fishing) Permit (residents only), Lifetime Fishing Permit (residents only), Military Reduced Cost Permit
Season Not Open
Trout: Catch-and-Release
  • November 10, 2023 - February 12, 2024
Hours

Hours vary by park.

Notes

This season is open only in the following trout parks: Maramec Spring Park, Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park, and Roaring River State Park.

You may not keep trout during this season. Fishing is catch-and-release only.

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You must have a trout permit and a fishing permit.

Trout Permit, Fishing Permit, Daily Fishing Permit, Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit, Lifetime Conservation Partner (Hunting and Fishing) Permit (residents only), Lifetime Fishing Permit (residents only), Military Reduced Cost Permit