Trout Opener - Discover Nature (KRCG)

mdc.mo.gov

The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages you to discover nature and visit one of the Show-me state's four trout parks for the opening of Missouri's main trout season.

For more than 70 years, March 1st has marked the start of the catch-and-keep fishing season at trout parks.

More like a festival of fishing, anglers line the edges of streams to catch their limits.

Opening day of trout season is a great time to be outside.
Still cold, typically, last of winter, but it's fun to get out and catch fish and it's a social activity so fisherman will get together from all over the state and enjoy time being together and being outdoors.

Hatchery managers stock 3 fish, averaging 12 inches, for every angler expected on opening day.
A few lunkers, weighing 3 to 10 pounds, are also stocked.

If you have not experienced this uniquely social fishing experience, check it out.

Missouri's four trout parks cater to all levels of fishing.
If between 16 and 64, you will need a fishing permit and all anglers will need a daily trout tag.

The regular season at trout parks runs through October 31.