The first frost has arrived in central Missouri, and winter trout fishing is back as well in Pettis and Saline Counties.

A news release says on Monday, November 1, the catch-and-release trout season opened at ponds under the Missouri Department of Conservation’s urban trout fishing program. Anglers will be able to catch and keep the trout after January 31.

At Sedalia, MDC stocked 1,300 trout in Liberty Park Pond. The 12-inch trout were raised at MDC’s Shepherd of the Hills hatchery in Branson. The pond is a popular winter trout spot for anglers using flyrods, spinning or spin-casting gear. Flyrodders have good open areas around the pond for the backcast that precedes casting the lure into the water. The trout fishing is provided in a partnership with the Sedalia Parks and Recreation Department.

MDC also stocked 800 trout in the Indian Foothills Park Lake (Lake Minessa) in Marshall on November 1.

Trout are not native to Missouri. But water temperatures are cold enough and oxygen levels high enough in winter to support them. MDC stocks winter trout to give anglers a close-to-home opportunity to catch a unique sport fish.

Only flies and unscented artificial lures may be used by anglers during the catch-and-release season. Natural baits such as worms, scent baits, corn, hot dogs, shrimp and chicken livers may not be used during this time. Scented soft plastic lures are also prohibited.

Missouri residents over age 15 and under 65 will need a state fishing permit. All nonresidents over age 15 will need a state fishing permit.

Starting February 1, anglers with valid permits and a Missouri trout fishing tag may keep up to four trout. Anglers fishing in waters stocked under MDC’s winter trout fishing program should check sign postings for specific regulations for those waters.
For more information on urban winter trout fishing in cities throughout Missouri, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoH.

Photo courtesy the Missouri Department of Conservation.