Missouri Fishing Season and Limits for 2025–2026 by Month – Species, Licenses & Hotspots

Dropping a line into Missouri waterways has a certain allure; whether it’s the thrill of seeing your bobber dance on Table Rock Lake’s surface or the exhilaration you get when a smallmouth bass in an Ozark stream hits your bait. Missouri has some of the most varied and fulfilling freshwater fishing possibilities in the Midwest, regardless of whether you’ve been a fisherman your entire life or are considering it for the first time.

The Show-Me State is a fishing paradise, with expansive lakes teeming with largemouth bass and crappie, as well as limestone-fed trout streams nestled within state parks. In addition to certain well-known favorites, the 2025–2026 season will see some regulation changes aimed at maintaining the health and prosperity of fish populations. Everything you need to know is included in this book, including when certain species are in season, bag restrictions, stocked waterways, and—above all—where to wet your line for the best chance of catching a prise.

Knowing the laws and seasons can help you make the most of every expedition, whether you’re a guest taking in our stunning lakes and rivers or a Missouri resident planning weekend getaways. So grab your tackle box, make sure you have a licence, and let’s explore the amazing world of fishing in Missouri.

Table of Contents

📅 Quick Reference Table by Month

Here’s a snapshot of Missouri’s major game fish seasons and daily bag limits for 2025-2026:

Species	Season Dates	Daily Bag Limit	Size/Special Regulations
Largemouth/Smallmouth/Spotted Bass (Impoundments)	Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025	6 fish (combined)	No size limit; check area-specific rules
Black Bass (Ozark Streams)	May 24, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026	6 fish (combined)	12-inch minimum
Black Bass (Non-Ozark Streams)	Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025	6 fish (combined)	12-inch minimum
Trout (Parks: Bennett, Montauk, Roaring River, Maramec)	March 1 – Oct 31, 2025	4 trout	Trout permit required
Trout (Catch & Release Season – Parks)	Nov 14, 2025 – Feb 9, 2026	Catch & Release Only	Artificial lures only
Trout (Winter Stocked Urban Lakes)	Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026	Varies by water	Check local regulations
Channel Catfish 🐟	Year-round	10 fish	No size limit (some waters vary)
Blue Catfish	Year-round	5 fish	No size limit statewide
Flathead Catfish	Year-round	5 fish	No size limit statewide
Crappie (Black & White)	Year-round	30 fish (combined)	15 fish on major reservoirs
White/Yellow/Striped Bass & Hybrids	Year-round	15 fish (combined)	Max 4 over 18 inches
Walleye & Sauger	Year-round	4 fish (combined)	Check specific lake regulations
Muskellunge	Year-round	1 fish	36-inch minimum
Paddlefish (Snagging) 🦈	March 15 – May 15, Sept 15 – Dec 15, 2025	2 fish	32-inch minimum (eye to tail fork)
Bullfrogs 🐸	June 30 – Oct 31, 2025 (sunset start)	8 frogs	Combined bullfrog & green frog

Note: Possession limits are typically double the daily limit. Always verify area-specific regulations before fishing.

🐟 Popular Sport Fish in Missouri

Bass: The Heartbeat of Missouri Angling 🎣

If bass fishing were a religion, Missouri would be a cathedral. The state’s varied topography—from Ozark hill country streams to massive man-made impoundments—creates ideal habitat for three bass species: largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted (Kentucky) bass.

Largemouth Bass: These are your heavy hitters in reservoirs like Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, and Stockton Lake. The season runs year-round on impoundments with a daily limit of 6 fish (combined with other black bass species). No minimum size on lakes, but check for special regulations on certain waters. Spring (April-May) is prime time when bass move shallow to spawn, making them more accessible to bank anglers and boaters alike.

Smallmouth Bass: Head to the clear, rocky streams of the Ozarks for some of the finest smallmouth fishing in America. On Ozark streams south of the Missouri River, there’s a special season from May 24, 2025, through February 28, 2026, with a 12-inch minimum length. These feisty bronze beauties love current breaks, gravel bars, and bluff pools. The Current River, Eleven Point River, and James River are legendary smallmouth destinations.

Spotted Bass: Often overlooked, spotted bass (also called Kentucky bass) thrive in many Missouri reservoirs and have similar regulations to largemouth. They’re aggressive strikers and put up a great fight on light tackle.

Pro Tip: During the closed season on Ozark streams (March-May), focus your bass efforts on lakes and non-Ozark streams, which remain open year-round.

Trout: Cold-Water Gems 🐠

Missouri might not be the first place that comes to mind for trout fishing, but the state’s limestone springs create perfect cold-water habitat. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) operates four premier trout parks that are stocked regularly with rainbow and brown trout.

The Big Four Trout Parks:

Bennett Spring State Park: Perhaps the most famous, with thousands of anglers lining the banks on opening day (March 1)
Montauk State Park: Offers beautiful scenery and excellent fly-fishing opportunities
Roaring River State Park: Known for its picturesque setting and productive waters
Maramec Spring Park: Features one of the largest springs in Missouri

Regular Season: March 1 – October 31, 2025. Daily limit is 4 trout. You’ll need both a fishing permit and a trout permit.

Catch & Release Season: November 14, 2025 – February 9, 2026. Trout parks close briefly for maintenance (Nov 1-10), then reopen for catch-and-release fishing with artificial lures only. This is a magical time with fewer crowds and beautiful winter scenery.

Winter Trout Program: Starting November 1, MDC stocks nearly 40,000 rainbow trout in urban lakes across the state, particularly in the St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas. These family-friendly spots offer convenient trout fishing close to home and run through January 31, 2026.

Bonus Waters: Lake Taneycomo below Table Rock Dam is a year-round trout fishery—it’s not technically a “trout park,” but it’s world-class coldwater fishing fed by dam releases.

Catfish: The People’s Fish 🐟

Catfish are Missouri’s most accessible and democratic fish—they bite year-round, they’re found in virtually every water body, and they make excellent table fare. Plus, you can catch them with everything from expensive rods to cane poles with hot dogs.

Channel Catfish: The most common species. Daily limit is 10 fish with no size restrictions on most waters. They’re active in spring and summer, especially after dark. Look for them around submerged timber, creek channels, and rocky points.

Blue Catfish: These monsters can exceed 100 pounds in Missouri’s big rivers. Daily limit is 5 fish. The Missouri River, Mississippi River, and Osage River produce true giants. Some waters have special slot limits, so verify before keeping trophy-sized blues.

Flathead Catfish: Solitary predators that prefer live bait. Daily limit is 5 fish. They’re primarily nocturnal and love logjams, deep holes, and undercut banks. A 40-pounder is a realistic goal in Missouri.

Best Techniques: Use cut bait (shad, skipjack), chicken liver, stinkbaits, or live bait. Trotlines, limb lines, and jug fishing are legal in Missouri with proper labeling.

Crappie: Panfish Royalty 🐠

Black and white crappie are beloved for their delicate flavor and willingness to bite. Missouri’s year-round crappie season makes them a go-to species when other fish aren’t cooperating.

Daily Limits: The statewide limit is 30 crappie (combined black and white), but major reservoirs like Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, Truman Lake, and Bull Shoals Lake have a reduced limit of 15 fish to maintain quality populations.

Where to Find Them: Crappie relate to structure—brush piles, standing timber, dock pilings, and rocky points. In spring (March-April), they move shallow to spawn around woody cover. In summer and winter, target deeper structure with vertical presentations.

Top Crappie Lakes: Truman Lake, Pomme de Terre Lake, and Stockton Lake consistently produce excellent crappie fishing. Night fishing with lights in summer can be incredibly productive.

Walleye: The Marble-Eyed Mystery 🎣

Walleye aren’t as abundant in Missouri as they are in states farther north, but dedicated anglers find quality fish in select waters. The statewide daily limit is 4 walleye (combined with sauger), with possession limits at 8 fish.

Prime Walleye Waters:

Mark Twain Lake: Known for consistent walleye fishing with an 18-inch minimum length limit
Table Rock Lake: Holds walleye, especially in the cooler months
Stockton Lake: Produces good numbers of eater-size walleye

When to Target Them: Early spring (March-April) when they’re spawning in shallow rocky areas and river channels. Nighttime trolling with crankbaits or jigging with minnows near structure works well.

Similar to walleye you might enjoy exploring Wisconsin fishing season opportunities, which offer excellent walleye populations in northern waters.

🦈 Specialty Species You Can’t Miss

Paddlefish: Ancient Giants 🦈

Paddlefish—locally called “spoonbills”—are prehistoric filter feeders that can weigh over 100 pounds. They’re one of Missouri’s most unique fishing opportunities, and catching one is on every serious angler’s bucket list.

Snagging Season:

March 15 – May 15, 2025
September 15 – December 15, 2025

Where: Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, and the Osage River below Table Rock Dam are the primary snagging locations.

Regulations: Daily limit is 2 paddlefish with a 32-inch minimum length (measured from eye to tail fork). You need a standard fishing permit—no special paddlefish tag. Since paddlefish don’t eat conventional bait, snagging with weighted treble hooks is the legal method.

Important: Paddlefish eggs (roe) cannot be possessed while on the water and cannot be bought or sold. Once you harvest a paddlefish, gigging, snaring, and snagging for any species must stop for the day on Lake of the Ozarks and Truman Lake tributaries.

Muskellunge: The Fish of 10,000 Casts 🐟

Muskie fishing is a test of patience and persistence, but Missouri offers a legitimate chance at these apex predators. The daily limit is 1 muskie (or 1 northern pike), with a 36-inch minimum length. Possession limit is 2 fish.

Where to Find Them: Pomme de Terre Lake and Hazel Creek Lake are your best bets. Use large lures—bucktails, jerkbaits, and swimbaits—and be prepared for follows without strikes. Fall (October-November) is prime muskie time.

Striped Bass & Hybrids 🦈

White bass, yellow bass, striped bass, and their hybrids (wipers) provide fast action, especially during spring spawning runs. Daily limit is 15 fish combined, with no more than 4 fish over 18 inches.

Spring Runs: April and May bring massive white bass runs up tributary streams. Stockton Lake, Truman Lake, and Table Rock Lake are legendary for white bass fishing. Use small jigs, spinners, or crankbaits.

🐠 Panfish & Everyday Catches

Missouri’s panfish populations provide consistent action and great meals. Here’s the breakdown:

Species	Daily Limit	Size Limit	Season
Bluegill	No limit	None	Year-round
Green Sunfish	No limit	None	Year-round
Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker)	No limit	None	Year-round
Pumpkinseed	No limit	None	Year-round
Rock Bass (Goggle-eye)	15 fish	7-inch minimum	Year-round
Warmouth	15 fish	7-inch minimum	Year-round
Yellow Perch	No limit	None	Year-round

Bluegill Bonanza: Bluegill are arguably the perfect beginner fish—they’re abundant, eager biters, and found in nearly every pond, lake, and stream. Spring and early summer (May-June) is peak time when they’re bedding in shallow water. Use worms, crickets, small jigs, or flies.

Where to Go: Nearly any public lake or conservation area will have good panfish populations. Farm ponds (with permission) are panfish heaven.

🦆 Stocked & Managed Waters

The Missouri Department of Conservation actively manages fish populations through stocking programs, especially for trout and urban fishing opportunities.

Trout Stocking

Four Major Trout Parks (stocked year-round during regular season):

Bennett Spring State Park
Montauk State Park
Roaring River State Park
Maramec Spring Park

Winter Trout Program (November – January):
MDC stocks nearly 40,000 rainbow trout annually in urban lakes, making trout fishing accessible to metro-area residents. St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, and Springfield all have nearby stocked waters.

Popular winter trout lakes include:

St. Louis Area: Creve Coeur Lake, Queeny Park Lake, Bettendorf Park Lake, Union City Lake
Kansas City Area: Hawk Lake (Raymore), Shawnee Mission Park Lake
Southeast Missouri: Sikeston Recreation Complex Lake, Cape Girardeau County Park Lake

How to Check Stocking Schedules: Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website or call the fish stocking hotline for up-to-date information on recent stockings.

Community Fishing Lakes

MDC maintains dozens of Community Fishing Lakes and Conservation Areas stocked with bass, catfish, and sunfish. These family-friendly spots often have accessible fishing docks, shore access, and simplified regulations perfect for introducing kids to fishing.

Notable Community Lakes:

Henry Sever Lake (Clinton) – Bass and crappie
Pony Express Lake (St. Joseph) – Stocked catfish
Twin Pines Conservation Area (St. Louis County) – Bluegill and bass

Many of these waters have special regulations like “kids-only” fishing areas or catch-and-release zones—check signage before fishing.

🌍 Public vs Private Waters: What You Need to Know

Missouri is blessed with abundant public fishing access, but understanding the difference between public and private waters is crucial.

Public Waters

Public waters include:

State Parks and Conservation Areas: Hundreds of lakes, ponds, and stream accesses managed by MDC
Corps of Engineers Lakes: Major reservoirs like Truman Lake, Stockton Lake, and Table Rock Lake
Navigable Streams: Missouri law considers streams with a “sufficient and sustained volume to support commerce” as public. This includes most major rivers and many Ozark streams.

Access: MDC provides free fishing access areas, boat ramps, and parking at hundreds of locations. The Missouri Fishing Atlas (available online and as a mobile app) shows boat ramps, fish attractors, and underwater structure.

Private Waters

Private ponds and small lakes require landowner permission. Statewide fishing regulations still apply on private waters unless the landowner has received special permission from MDC for alternative regulations (rare).

How to Get Permission: Simply ask! Many Missouri landowners are generous with access, especially if you’re respectful, offer to share your catch, or help with property maintenance.

Stream Access

Missouri’s stream access laws are nuanced. Anglers can fish from the water (wading) on navigable streams, but you cannot trespass across private property to reach the stream without permission. Gravel bars below the “ordinary high-water mark” are generally considered public.

For clarity: Use public access points like road bridges, conservation accesses, or state park stream sections.

🎟️ Fishing License Guide: What You Need

Nobody likes license confusion, so let’s break down exactly what you need for the 2025 season.

Resident Fishing Permits

Who Qualifies: Missouri residents who have lived in the state for at least six consecutive months.

Annual Fishing Permit: $13.00 (ages 16-64)
Daily Fishing Permit: $9.00 (valid for one day)
Trout Permit (required for trout parks): $7.00 annual
Combination Fishing + Trout Permit: $19.00 (best value if you fish trout parks)

Non-Resident Fishing Permits

Annual Fishing Permit: $53.50
Daily Fishing Permit: $9.00 (same as residents!)
3-Day Fishing Permit: $24.00
Trout Permit (for non-residents): $7.00 annual

Pro Tip: If you’re visiting Missouri for just a weekend of fishing, the daily permit is a fantastic deal at $9.

Who Fishes for FREE?

Youth: Anyone 15 years old or younger (resident or non-resident)
Seniors: Missouri residents 65 years or older
Landowners: Residents who own 5 acres or more of land, and their immediate household, when fishing on their own property
Disabled Veterans: With proper documentation

Free Fishing Days: Missouri typically hosts Free Fishing Days during the summer (usually Father’s Day weekend) when anyone can fish without a license. Check MDC’s website for exact 2025 dates.

Where to Buy Your License

Online: Missouri Department of Conservation website
MDC Offices: In person at regional and county offices
Retail Vendors: Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, sporting goods stores, bait shops, and many gas stations
Mobile App: Download the MO Hunting & Fishing app for instant digital permits

Keep Your License Handy: Carry your permit while fishing—conservation agents check frequently, and fines for fishing without a license start at $43.50 for residents.

Special Permits & Stamps

Trout Permit: Required if fishing at any of the four trout parks during regular season (March 1 – Oct 31)
Paddlefish: No special permit needed—just a standard fishing license
Bullfrogs: Covered under regular fishing permit (gigging season June 30 – Oct 31)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do kids need a license to fish in Missouri?
Nope! Anyone 15 years old or younger can fish without a license or permit, whether they’re Missouri residents or visiting from out of state. It’s one of the best ways to introduce young anglers to the sport without worrying about extra costs.

Can I use live bait in Missouri?
Yes, live bait is legal in most Missouri waters. Common live baits include minnows, worms, crickets, leeches, and crayfish. However, be aware of bait regulations:

You cannot transport live fish from one water body to another (except minnows from licensed dealers)
Some trout park areas during catch-and-release season require artificial lures only
Asian carp species (grass carp, silver carp, bighead carp) can never be used as live bait

Are night fishing and bowfishing allowed?
Absolutely! Night fishing is legal on most Missouri waters—in fact, catfishing and crappie fishing are often better after dark. Bowfishing is also legal with some restrictions:

Nongame fish only (carp, gar, buffalo, suckers, etc.)
Time restrictions vary by water type (sunrise to sunset on some waters, 24 hours on big rivers)
Special regulations on paddlefish waters

Note: You cannot bowfish for game fish like bass, crappie, walleye, or catfish.

What waters are catch-and-release only?
Missouri’s four trout parks (Bennett Spring, Montauk, Roaring River, Maramec Spring) become catch-and-release only from November 14, 2025, through February 9, 2026. During this period, you must use artificial lures and immediately release all trout unharmed.

Some special management areas and urban lakes also have catch-and-release regulations for certain species—check area-specific rules.

How do I report a trophy catch?
Missouri recognizes outstanding catches through its Master Angler Program. If you catch a fish that meets the minimum weight requirements (e.g., 8-pound largemouth bass, 15-pound blue catfish), you can submit your catch for recognition. You’ll need:

A photo of the fish
Accurate weight (certified scale preferred)
Location and date of catch

Submit online at the MDC website. You’ll receive a certificate and your catch will be listed in the Master Angler records.

Is jug fishing legal?
Yes! Jug fishing (also called jug lining) is legal in Missouri. Each jug must be labeled with your name and address or Conservation Number. You can use up to 33 hooks total across all your fishing methods (poles, jugs, trotlines combined), except on the Mississippi River where more hooks are allowed.

Can I fish the same day I buy my license?
Yes! Licenses are valid immediately upon purchase. Buy online, download to your phone, and start fishing within minutes.

🗺️ Missouri’s Top 5 Fishing Hotspots

1. Table Rock Lake 🎣

This 43,000-acre reservoir on the Arkansas border is Missouri’s crown jewel for bass fishing. Crystal-clear water, rocky bluffs, and abundant forage make it a bass factory. It’s also excellent for crappie, white bass, and walleye.

Why Fish Here: Consistently produces trophy largemouth and spotted bass. The lower end near the dam stays cool enough for trout (Lake Taneycomo downstream is a world-class trout fishery).

2. Lake of the Ozarks 🐟

With 1,150 miles of shoreline, the “Magic Dragon” offers something for everyone. Bass, crappie, catfish, and even paddlefish (snagging season) call this lake home. It’s also a popular vacation destination, so you can combine fishing with family fun.

Special Note: Reduced crappie limit of 15 fish. Check regulations for specific coves and tributaries.

3. Truman Lake (Harry S. Truman Reservoir) 🦈

At 55,000 acres, Truman is Missouri’s largest lake and a powerhouse for crappie, white bass, and catfish. Spring white bass runs up tributary creeks are legendary—sometimes you can catch fish on every cast.

Best Time: April-May for white bass and crappie spawning runs.

4. Current River 🐠

One of America’s most beautiful and pristine rivers, the Current is a National Scenic Riverway. It’s world-famous for smallmouth bass fishing and also holds goggle-eye (rock bass), sunfish, and seasonal trout in cooler sections.

Float Fishing: Rent a canoe or johnboat and float fish—it’s a quintessential Missouri experience. Multiple access points from Van Buren to the Arkansas line.

For river fishing enthusiasts, consider checking out Pennsylvania fishing season for excellent trout stream opportunities.

5. Bennett Spring State Park 🎣

If you’ve never experienced a Missouri trout park on opening day (March 1), add it to your bucket list. Thousands of anglers line the banks shoulder-to-shoulder for the opening bell at 6:30 a.m. It’s part fishing, part tradition, part carnival.

What Makes It Special: Consistently stocked with rainbow and brown trout, beautiful limestone spring, and excellent facilities. Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll catch fish here.

Interactive Map: Visit the MDC Fishing Atlas to explore detailed lake maps, boat ramps, and underwater structure. The mobile app includes GPS navigation to access points.

✅ Wrap-Up: Time to Hit the Water!

Regardless of your level of experience or preferred species, Missouri’s 2025–2026 fishing season has something unique to offer. This state offers amazing experiences, whether you’re pursuing trophy bass on Table Rock, catching ancient paddlefish in the Osage River, or teaching your children to fish at a stocked community lake.

Prior to leaving, keep the following items in mind:

Check bag limits and size restrictions—they vary by species and water body
Get the right license—resident annual ($13), non-resident annual ($53.50), or daily ($9)
Respect the resource—practice catch-and-release when appropriate and handle fish with care
Stay safe—wear a life jacket in boats, watch weather conditions, and let someone know your plans

The waterways of Missouri are full of fish that are just eager to test your abilities. The access is plentiful, the seasons are kind, and the memories you will create are invaluable. So grab your favourite rod, read those rules again, gather your family or fishing friends, and find out why Missouri fisherman return year after year.

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