MDC stocks rainbow trout at Kansas City urban lakes

Kansas City, Mo. – Tis the season for evergreen trees found indoors and rainbow trout to swim in waters normally known for catfish and bass. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) stocked trout at a wildlife area and two parks in the Kansas City metro area on Nov. 22.

Three lakes were stocked at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area at Lee’s Summit. Coot Lake and Plover Lake each received 1,400 trout. Plus lunker trout from the MDC Fish Hatchery at Bennett Spring were stocked in each lake, seven in Coot Lake and eight in Plover Lake. Also, 200 trout were stocked in Honker Pond, which is open for youth fishing only.

Lakes at the Fountain Bluff Sports Complex in Liberty were stocked with 654 pan-sized rainbow trout and 7 lunkers. The complex is at 2200 E. Old 210 Highway in Liberty, east of Missouri 291.

MDC stocked 577 trout in Chaumiere Lake, including five lunkers. Chaumiere Lake is in the Kansas City park system near Interstate 35 and the intersection of North Cleveland Avenue and Northeast 43rd Terrace.

Trout require cold, clear water and are not native to the Kansas City area. But winter temperatures cool lakes and enable them to support trout. MDC stocks trout in urban lakes to give anglers additional opportunities to catch a fun, good-eating fish close to home. 

Statewide trout fishing regulations apply. All Missouri residents over age 15 and under 65 must have a valid fishing permit, and all non-residents over age 15 must have a fishing permit. The daily limit is four trout. To keep trout, all anglers must have a Missouri trout permit.

MDC will also be re-stocking the lakes with trout at intervals throughout the winter. A winter trout fishing hotline for the Kansas City metro area with updates on stocking is available at 816-525-0300, ext. 4001.

For information on winter trout fishing in Missouri, visit http://on.mo.gov/1k87SOk.