Trout Season Opens March 1 in Missouri

Mark Saturday, March 1 on your calendar if you are an avid angler.

That is the date when catch-and-keep trout season opens in Missouri. That means as long as you have purchased a fishing permit and a daily trout tag, you can keep what you catch within limits, of course.

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In years past, anglers have faced frigid winter temperatures, snow, sleet and ice, as well as sunshine and spring-like weather, all in the attempt of catching a keeper.

On March 1 at 6:30 a.m., the 2025 catch-and-keep season will officially open and run through Oct. 31.

And now the requirements:

To participate, Missouri residents ages 16 to 64 and non-residents age 16 and older are required to purchase a fishing permit.

And now the locations:

In addition to a fishing permit, trout anglers must also purchase a daily trout tag at one of three trout parks:

• Roaring River State Park near Cassville
• Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon
• Montauk State Park near Salem

And now the costs:

A daily trout tag at the three state parks costs $5 for adults and $3 for youth 15 years of age and younger. Daily fishing permits are $9, and the daily limit is four trout, while possession limit is eight. For more information on fishing at Missouri trout parks, visit Missouri Department of Conservation for more information.

Anglers are encouraged to purchase their fishing permits ahead of time from any of numerous vendors throughout the state, online at Missouri Dept. of  Conservation.

Roaring River State Park

• Open 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, and will not close until 7 p.m. Saturday, March 1,

Montauk State Park

• Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28.
• Open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, March 1.

Bennett Spring State Park

• Open 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, and will not close until 7 p.m. Saturday, March 1.

Remember, the parks’ campgrounds, lodging units and restaurants will be busy. Visitors should be prepared with their own water and snacks, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Opening day activities at Bennett Spring and Roaring River state parks will be available for online viewing at Missouri State Parks.

In addition, trout cams are located near the most popular fishing spots so you can follow all the fishing action. This is a great option for anglers who are unable to participate in person or for family members wanting to share in the excitement from home.

Opening day photos and trout tag sales information from all three state trout parks will be available on the trout season opening day webpage.

Anglers can share their photos from opening day through social media by tagging @MoStateParks or using #MOTrout on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Here’s who makes it possible:

Trout season in Missouri is a cooperative effort of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks managing the state parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation operating the hatcheries and stocking the streams with trout.

To help prevent the spread of the invasive alga didymo (commonly known as rock snot), the use of shoes, boots or waders with porous soles of felt, matted or woven fibrous material is prohibited at all trout parks, trout streams, Lake Taneycomo and buffer areas.

Trout park phone numbers:

For more information on trout season opening, visit mostateparks.com or call Roaring River State Park at 417-847-2539, Bennett Spring State Park at 417-532-4338 or Montauk State Park at 573-548-2201.

Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR).