Winter trout fishing is available again in the Kansas City metro area.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) says it recently stocked rainbow trout in several lakes, giving anglers a chance to catch cold-water fish in a close-to-home fishing opportunity.

Trout raised at MDC’s Bennett Spring Fish Hatchery were stocked on November 10. A few lunker trout are swimming with the pan-sized rainbows. The big trout are culled from brood stock no longer needed at the hatchery.

Rainbow stockings in the Kansas City area included:
· Chaumiere Lake, Kansas City Parks and Recreation.
· Capitol Federal Sports Complex, Liberty.
· Johnston Lake, Raymore.
· Jesse James Park Lake, Kearney.
· Cleveland Lake, Belton.

Those lakes were opened for fishing on November 10.

Rainbow trout also were stocked at Coot and Plover lakes at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area at Lee’s Summit. However, the Reed Area is currently closed to fishing due to a managed deer hunt in progress. The area will reopen for fishing on Friday, November 13.

Trout were also stocked at Honker Pond at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area. But that pond is for fishing by youths only and will also open for fishing on Friday, November 13. Youths must be 15 or under to fish at Honker Pond. They may keep trout up to a limit of four if they have a Missouri trout permit.

Missouri residents over age 15 and under 65 need a valid fishing permit. Nonresidents over 15 need a state fishing permit. Anglers wishing to keep the trout they catch also need a Missouri trout fishing permit.