Stay in Touch with MDC news, newsletters, events, and manage your subscription
Xplor reconnects kids to nature and helps them find adventure in their own backyard. Free to residents of Missouri.
A monthly publication about conservation in Missouri. Started in 1938, the printed magazine is free to residents of Missouri.
St. LOUIS, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), in cooperation with the City of St. Louis, has authorized an Emergency Fish Salvage Order for North Lake at Willmore Park in St. Louis. The order is in effect immediately and continues through Feb. 1, 2027.
A recently discovered leak at Willmore Park’s North Lake has lowered the water levels, making it difficult to sustain fish populations. To salvage and make use of the lake’s remaining fish, an Emergency Fish Salvage Order temporarily suspends fishing method restrictions, allowing anglers to take all fish species except endangered species listed in 3 CSR 10-4.111 of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.
In addition to methods already allowed at the lake, anglers may use gigs, snagging, grabbing, dip nets, throw nets, seines, and hand fishing. The order also temporarily suspends length, daily, and possession limits for all fish taken from North Lake, providing expanded opportunities for anglers. All fishing methods must comply with activities permitted and restrictions established by the City of St. Louis.
“Since the fish in the pond will not survive sustained low water levels, this emergency salvage action will enable anglers to make use of the existing fish community and will help ensure that these valuable resources do not go to waste,” said MDC Fisheries Biologist John Schulte.
An investigation into the source of the water loss and potential solutions will begin in 2027, when the lake will be fully drained. Potential renovation options will also be explored.
The Emergency Fish Salvage Order will be in effect during Willmore Park’s normal public access and fishing hours.
Anglers ages 16 through 64 must still hold a valid Missouri fishing permit to fish at the lake.
Willmore Park’s North Lake is owned and managed by the City of St. Louis. MDC stocks the 1.5-acre lake and manages its fish populations through the St. Louis Urban Fishing Program. The park is located near the intersection of Jamison and Loughborough Avenues along River Des Peres.