MDC winter trout catch-and-keep season begins Feb. 1

Sedalia, Mo. – Starting Feb. 1, anglers can keep rainbow trout caught at Liberty Park Pond in Sedalia. Under a cooperative agreement, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Sedalia Parks and Recreation Department stocked trout in the pond last fall to give anglers an additional winter fishing opportunity. Only catch-and-release fishing is allowed until Feb. 1. After that, anglers wishing to catch, keep and eat rainbow trout have a new opportunity.

MDC stocked 1,300 trout in the three-acre pond at Third and Park streets. Included in the stocking were 12 large, trophy-sized trout that formerly served as brood stock at MDC's Bennett Spring Fish Hatchery.

For catch-and-release winter trout fishing, 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. All anglers wishing to keep trout must also have a Missouri trout permit.

Only artificial lures may be used prior to Feb. 1. After that date, live or scented baits may be used. Some anglers pursue trout with fly rods using small flies as lures. Others use spinning or spincasting rods and small lures such as spinners, spoons and jigs to catch trout.

For more information on Liberty Park Pond in Sedalia and a map, visit http://on.mo.gov/1PHEpZZ.

For information about rainbow trout in Missouri, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/975.