Trout

Rainbow trout side view photo with black background
Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Lance Merry
1/1
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, 2021 to December 31, 2021

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.

+ see more - show less

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, 2021 to October 31, 2021
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

+ see more - show less

In addition to a fishing permit, you must purchase a daily trout tag to fish in a trout park. The daily trout tag is $3 for adults and $2 for those 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 Closed
Trout: Catch and Release
  • November 12, 2021 to February 14, 2022
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.

+ see more - show less

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