Trout Season Kicks off March 1

If you've been practicing your fly-tying skills all fall and winter long, here's your chance to put them to good use starting Thursday, March 1.

For many trout fisherman putting new fishing line on reels, checking waders for holes and practicing casting has been something they've done to keep them occupied until the big day arrives. The actual experience begins soon in the Show Me State.

Thursday, March 1, marks the opening of catch-and-keep trout fishing at Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Licking, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, and Maramec Spring Park near St. James. The catch-and-keep season at the trout parks runs through Oct. 31.

Trout anglers will need a daily trout tag to fish in Missouri's trout parks. Daily trout tags can only be purchased at each of the four trout parks. Missouri residents 16 through 64 and nonresidents 16 and older need a fishing permit in addition to the daily tag.

You can buy Missouri fishing permits from numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s free mobile apps.