Trout: Special Area Regulations

Waterbody Lookup

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Barren Fork Creek

Restrictions

In Shannon County
The use of porous-soled waders is prohibited.

County Road A-D to Sinking Creek - 3.2 miles.
Blue Ribbon Trout Area: see restrictions below.

Area Type

Name
Blue Ribbon Trout Area

Name
Blue Ribbon Trout Area
Fish Image
Blue Ribbon Trout Area
Area Information

Harvest is limited to maintain the maximum density of adult trout, create excellent catch-and-release fishing, and provide the occasional chance to harvest a trophy. These areas on the Current and North Fork of the White rivers are stocked with brown trout, and the Eleven Point River is stocked with rainbows.

Area Restrictions

Length Limit: At least 18"
Daily Limit: 1
Authorized Lures: Artificial lures and flies

Only flies and artificial lures may be used, and soft plastic baits and natural and scented baits are prohibited when fishing for any species.
Gigging, bowfishing, and using an atlatl are prohibited, and fish taken by these methods may not be possessed on these waters or their banks.

Bennett Spring State Park

Restrictions

Unless exempt, you need fishing permit as well as a daily trout tag from March 1 to October 31. The daily trout tag is $5 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 8 trout in your possession.

Fishing Times
March 1 - October 31
MonthBeginEnd
March6:30 am CST
7:30 am CDT
6:00 pm CST
7:00 pm CDT
April7:00 am7:30 pm
May6:30 am8:15 pm
June/July6:30 am8:30 pm
August7:00 am8:00 pm
September7:30 am7:15 pm
October7:30 am6:30 pm

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.

Area Type

Name
Trout Parks

Name
Trout Parks
Fish Image
Trout Park
Area Information

Several of the onsite fish hatcheries offer visitor centers and displays and tours.

Beuth Park Lake (Moberly)

Restrictions

Trout permits are required if trout are kept.

Year-round: Statewide trout methods and limits.

Area Type

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area
Fish Image
Winter Trout Area
Area Information

Fishing is permitted year-round during normal park or area hours. Unless indicated in the area rules, trout may be taken by pole and line using all types of lures and baits under statewide limits. A trout permit is required to keep trout.

Blue Springs Creek

Restrictions

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.

Spotted bass: No minimum length limit.

In Crawford County

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.

In Crawford County from Blue Springs to the Meramec River - 4 miles.

Blue Ribbon Trout Area: see restrictions below.

Area Type

Name
Blue Ribbon Trout Area

Name
Blue Ribbon Trout Area
Fish Image
Blue Ribbon Trout Area
Area Information

Harvest is limited to maintain the maximum density of adult trout, create excellent catch-and-release fishing, and provide the occasional chance to harvest a trophy. These areas on the Current and North Fork of the White rivers are stocked with brown trout, and the Eleven Point River is stocked with rainbows.

Area Restrictions

Length Limit: At least 18"
Daily Limit: 1
Authorized Lures: Artificial lures and flies

Only flies and artificial lures may be used, and soft plastic baits and natural and scented baits are prohibited when fishing for any species.
Gigging, bowfishing, and using an atlatl are prohibited, and fish taken by these methods may not be possessed on these waters or their banks.

Boathouse Lake

Restrictions

Trout permits are required if trout are kept.

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.

Area Type

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area
Fish Image
Winter Trout Area
Area Information

Fishing is permitted year-round during normal park or area hours. Unless indicated in the area rules, trout may be taken by pole and line using all types of lures and baits under statewide limits. A trout permit is required to keep trout.

Cape Girardeau City (Capaha Park Lake)

Restrictions

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.

Area Type

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area
Fish Image
Winter Trout Area
Area Information

Fishing is permitted year-round during normal park or area hours. Unless indicated in the area rules, trout may be taken by pole and line using all types of lures and baits under statewide limits. A trout permit is required to keep trout.

Capitol Federal Sports Complex

Restrictions

Trout permits are required if trout are kept.

Year-round: statewide trout methods and limits. Only 3 poles may be used.

Length limits: Black bass: minimum 15 inches 

Daily limits: 

Black bass: 2

Bluegill: 10

Trout: 4

Area Type

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area
Fish Image
Winter Trout Area
Area Information

Fishing is permitted year-round during normal park or area hours. Unless indicated in the area rules, trout may be taken by pole and line using all types of lures and baits under statewide limits. A trout permit is required to keep trout.

Capps Creek

Restrictions

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.

4 miles upstream from its junction with Shoal Creek: White Ribbon Trout area, see restrictions below.

Area Type

Name
White Ribbon Trout Area

Name
White Ribbon Trout Area
Fish Image
White Ribbon Trout Area
Area Information

Coldwater streams capable of supporting trout populations year-round. All receive periodic stockings of rainbow trout, and some also receive brown trout. They provide great opportunities for catching and harvesting trout and the occasional chance to harvest a large trout.

Area Restrictions

Length Limit: Rainbows -- none; Browns -- at least 15"
Daily Limit: 4
Authorized Lures: All

Carp Lake

Restrictions

Trout permits are required if trout are kept.

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.

Area Type

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area
Fish Image
Winter Trout Area
Area Information

Fishing is permitted year-round during normal park or area hours. Unless indicated in the area rules, trout may be taken by pole and line using all types of lures and baits under statewide limits. A trout permit is required to keep trout.

Chaumiere Lake

Restrictions

Trout permits are required if trout are kept.

Year-round: statewide trout methods and limits. Only 3 poles may be used.

Daily limits: Trout 4 

Area Type

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area
Fish Image
Winter Trout Area
Area Information

Fishing is permitted year-round during normal park or area hours. Unless indicated in the area rules, trout may be taken by pole and line using all types of lures and baits under statewide limits. A trout permit is required to keep trout.

Cleveland Lake (Belton)

Restrictions

Trout permits are required if trout are kept.

  • Statewide limits
  • Only 3 poles may be used.
Area Type

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area
Fish Image
Winter Trout Area
Area Information

Fishing is permitted year-round during normal park or area hours. Unless indicated in the area rules, trout may be taken by pole and line using all types of lures and baits under statewide limits. A trout permit is required to keep trout.

Coot Lake

Restrictions

Year-round: statewide trout methods and limits. Only 3 poles may be used.

Trout permits are required if trout are kept.

Area Type

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area
Fish Image
Winter Trout Area
Area Information

Fishing is permitted year-round during normal park or area hours. Unless indicated in the area rules, trout may be taken by pole and line using all types of lures and baits under statewide limits. A trout permit is required to keep trout.

Cosmo-Bethel Lake

Restrictions

You must have a trout permit to keep trout during other times of the year.

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.
Only flies, artificial lures and unscented soft plastic baits are allowed.

Area Type

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area
Fish Image
Winter Trout Area
Area Information

Fishing is permitted year-round during normal park or area hours. Unless indicated in the area rules, trout may be taken by pole and line using all types of lures and baits under statewide limits. A trout permit is required to keep trout.

Crane Creek

Restrictions

In Stone and Lawrence counties:

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.

In Stone and Lawrence counties upstream from Quail Spur Crossing on Stone County Road 13-195 - 8 miles

Blue Ribbon Trout Area - see restrictions below

Area Type

Name
Blue Ribbon Trout Area

Name
Blue Ribbon Trout Area
Fish Image
Blue Ribbon Trout Area
Area Information

Harvest is limited to maintain the maximum density of adult trout, create excellent catch-and-release fishing, and provide the occasional chance to harvest a trophy. These areas on the Current and North Fork of the White rivers are stocked with brown trout, and the Eleven Point River is stocked with rainbows.

Area Restrictions

Length Limit: At least 18"
Daily Limit: 1
Authorized Lures: Artificial lures and flies

Only flies and artificial lures may be used, and soft plastic baits and natural and scented baits are prohibited when fishing for any species.
Gigging, bowfishing, and using an atlatl are prohibited, and fish taken by these methods may not be possessed on these waters or their banks.

Current River (Blue Ribbon)

Restrictions

While on any waters with length limits, all trout you possess must be kept with head, tail, and skin intact.

Mainstem and its tributaries: Walleye and sauger—18” minimum length limit

In Dent, Texas and Shannon counties: The use of porous-soled waders is prohibited.

River and its tributaries from lower boundary of Montauk State Park to Cedar Grove Bridge - 9 miles: Blue Ribbon Trout Area

Area Type

Name
Blue Ribbon Trout Area

Name
Blue Ribbon Trout Area
Fish Image
Blue Ribbon Trout Area
Area Information

Harvest is limited to maintain the maximum density of adult trout, create excellent catch-and-release fishing, and provide the occasional chance to harvest a trophy. These areas on the Current and North Fork of the White rivers are stocked with brown trout, and the Eleven Point River is stocked with rainbows.

Area Restrictions

Length Limit: At least 18"
Daily Limit: 1
Authorized Lures: Artificial lures and flies

Only flies and artificial lures may be used, and soft plastic baits and natural and scented baits are prohibited when fishing for any species.
Gigging, bowfishing, and using an atlatl are prohibited, and fish taken by these methods may not be possessed on these waters or their banks.

Current River (White Ribbon)

Restrictions

While on any waters with length limits, all trout you possess must be kept with head, tail, and skin intact.

Mainstem and its tributaries: Walleye and sauger—18” minimum length limit

In Dent, Texas and Shannon counties: The use of porous-soled waders is prohibited.

From Cedar Grove to the Arkansas line: Nongame fish—The daily limit may include no more than 5 hogsuckers.

Downstream from Cedar Grove Bridge crossing - 7.7 miles: White Ribbon Trout Area

Area Type

Name
White Ribbon Trout Area

Name
White Ribbon Trout Area
Fish Image
White Ribbon Trout Area
Area Information

Coldwater streams capable of supporting trout populations year-round. All receive periodic stockings of rainbow trout, and some also receive brown trout. They provide great opportunities for catching and harvesting trout and the occasional chance to harvest a large trout.

Area Restrictions

Length Limit: Rainbows -- none; Browns -- at least 15"
Daily Limit: 4
Authorized Lures: All

Dry Fork Creek

Restrictions

Mainstem and its tributaries:
Length limit: Spotted bass—No minimum length limit.
Daily limit: Black bass—12 fish including no more than 6 largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, combined total of both species.

In Crawford and Phelps counties:
The use of porous-soled waders is prohibited.

In Crawford and Phelps counties from the elevated cable crossing to the Meramec River:
Part of the Meramec River Red Ribbon Trout Area, see restrictions below.

In Phelps and Dent counties, upstream from the elevated cable crossing:
Length Limit: Trout minimum—15 inch
Daily limit: Trout—2

Area Type

Name
Red Ribbon Trout Area (Artificial Lures)

Name
Red Ribbon Trout Area (Artificial Lures)
Fish Image
Red Ribbon Trout Area
Area Information

They provide catch-and-release fishing and a chance to harvest quality-size trout.

Area Restrictions

Length Limit: At least 15"
Daily Limit: 2
Authorized Lures: Artificial lures and flies

Eleven Point River

Restrictions

While on any waters with length limits, all trout you possess must be kept with head, tail, and skin intact.

Mainstem and its tributaries: Walleye and sauger—18 inch minimum length limit

In Oregon County: The use of porous-soled waders is prohibited.

From Thomasville Access to the Arkansas line:
Goggle-eye—8 inch minimum length limit.
Smallmouth bass—15 inch minimum length limit. The daily limit of 6 black bass may include only 1 smallmouth bass.

Greer Spring Branch junction to Turner Mill Access - 5.5 miles: Blue Ribbon Trout Area

Downstream from Turner Mill Access - 14.2 miles: White Ribbon Trout Area

Area Type

Name
Blue Ribbon Trout Area

Name
Blue Ribbon Trout Area
Fish Image
Blue Ribbon Trout Area
Area Information

Harvest is limited to maintain the maximum density of adult trout, create excellent catch-and-release fishing, and provide the occasional chance to harvest a trophy. These areas on the Current and North Fork of the White rivers are stocked with brown trout, and the Eleven Point River is stocked with rainbows.

Area Restrictions

Length Limit: At least 18"
Daily Limit: 1
Authorized Lures: Artificial lures and flies

Only flies and artificial lures may be used, and soft plastic baits and natural and scented baits are prohibited when fishing for any species.
Gigging, bowfishing, and using an atlatl are prohibited, and fish taken by these methods may not be possessed on these waters or their banks.

Name
White Ribbon Trout Area

Name
White Ribbon Trout Area
Fish Image
White Ribbon Trout Area
Area Information

Coldwater streams capable of supporting trout populations year-round. All receive periodic stockings of rainbow trout, and some also receive brown trout. They provide great opportunities for catching and harvesting trout and the occasional chance to harvest a large trout.

Area Restrictions

Length Limit: Rainbows -- none; Browns -- at least 15"
Daily Limit: 4
Authorized Lures: All

Everyday Pond

Restrictions

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:
Only flies, artificial lures, and unscented soft plastic baits are allowed for all species.
Catch-and-release only for all species.

Area Type

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area
Fish Image
Winter Trout Area
Area Information

Fishing is permitted year-round during normal park or area hours. Unless indicated in the area rules, trout may be taken by pole and line using all types of lures and baits under statewide limits. A trout permit is required to keep trout.

Gendron Lake (St. Ann)

Restrictions

Trout permits are required if trout are kept.

Year-round: Statewide trout methods and limits. Only 3 poles may be used.

Length limits: Black bass: minimum 18 inches

Daily limits:

  • Black bass: 2
  • Crappie: 15
Area Type

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area

Name
Winter Trout Fishing Area
Fish Image
Winter Trout Area
Area Information

Fishing is permitted year-round during normal park or area hours. Unless indicated in the area rules, trout may be taken by pole and line using all types of lures and baits under statewide limits. A trout permit is required to keep trout.