MDC approves fishing regulation changes at Lost Valley Hatchery

THIS CONTENT IS ARCHIVED
News from the region
Statewide
Published Date
08/27/2021
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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Conservation Commission gave initial approval during its Aug. 27 open meeting in Jefferson City to a proposed regulation by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) that adds Lost Valley Fish Hatchery near Warsaw to MDC areas where free fishing is permitted only by reservation for educational and other organized groups.

Currently, Lost Valley Hatchery offers catch-and-release fishing for kids ages 15 and under from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday from March through November on designated waters. Due to staffing limitations, it was necessary to change fishing at Lost Valley to by reservation only for educational and other organized groups, such as school classes.

The next step in the rulemaking process is for MDC to have a public comment period during October. MDC invites public comments during October online at mdc.mo.gov/about-regulations/wildlife-code-missouri/proposed-regulation-changes. Comments received will be considered and final proposals will go to the Commission for further action at its Dec. 10 meeting. If enacted, the changes will become effective Feb. 28, 2022.

Lost Valley Hatchery near Warsaw is one of the nation’s most advanced and largest public fish hatcheries. Lost Valley is known for raising walleye and white bass/striped bass hybrids. It has 969 acres of land containing glades, prairies, and wooded areas. Small game, deer, and turkey hunting is allowed on limited areas. Learn more about Lost Valley Fish Hatchery from MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/lost-valley-fish-hatchery.