Every year on March 1, thousands of die-hard anglers will line up in droves along the banks at one of the Show-Me State’s four trout parks for the opening day of catch-and-keep trout season. Anglers will brave possible frigid winter temperatures to cast their luck at catching an elusive lunker. The trout opener is a pretty big day for those who enjoy chasing rainbows and brown trout.
It’s a Missouri tradition that creates memories and some of the biggest fish stories ever told.
Bennett Spring State Park
Located just outside Lebanon Missouri, Bennett Spring State Park is one of the earliest state parks and continues to be a favorite among trout enthusiasts and nature lovers. More than 100 million gallons of clear, cool water gush from Bennett Spring each day and form a spring branch stocked daily with rainbow trout by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Aside from camping, Bennett Spring State Park offers stays in a motel room, duplex cabin, individual cabin or a fourplex unit. There is also dining onsite in a rustic circa 1930 dining hall. When you are not fishing, check out the hiking trails. They carry the area’s history as they are a combination of roads used by people living in the area in the 1840s to access fields and ponds.
Before you head home, visit the Route 66 Museum. Enjoy a self-guided tour that will give you a glimpse into the history and progression of Route 66, with an emphasis on local history and touches of nostalgia.
Maramec Spring Park
Maramec Spring Park is owned and operated by The James Foundation. The park, located in St. James, Missouri, offers 1,588 acres of forest and fields. Anglers will find the Maramec Spring branch and the Meramec River, which meanders through the park and offers superb fishing opportunities. The park offers 100 well-maintained campsites open for camping in late February to late October.
While in the area, stop by St. James Winery for a tasting and light fair or step next door to Public House Brewing Company for a Missouri craft beer and a full menu including wood-fired pizzas, burgers and more.
Montauk State Park
Montauk State Park is located at the headwaters of the famed Current River near Salem, Missouri. The park’s springs combine with tiny Pigeon Creek to supply more than 40 million gallons of water to the river each day. The cool spring water is perfect for rainbow trout and this makes the park popular with anglers. Montauk offers camping and lodging in both cabins and a rustic motel, The Dorman L. Steelman Lodge which, features a full-service restaurant serving home-cooked meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Local favorites include fresh bread, rolls, freshly made pies and steaks. For those wanting a quick meal, the lodge features a snack bar and soda fountain. Their hand-dipped ice cream is a special treat after a early morning of fishing.
The park offers great hiking opportunities for all skill levels. The Montauk Lake Trail and Paved Bike Trail are great for a leisurely walk in nature or try the Pine Ridge Trail for something more strenuous.
Roaring River State Park
Roaring River State Park is located near Cassville, Missouri. The park is home to Roaring River Spring, the deepest spring in Missouri. With a deep, narrow valley surrounded by a striking and rugged landscape, Roaring River is one of Missouri’s most popular state parks. The park traditionally sells the most trout tags among the state parks on opening day. The park has cabins scattered throughout the park, modern rooms located in the historic 1938 CCC Lodge, or the Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center, home to the park’s full-service restaurant.
Stocking Trout
Trout require year-round cold streams to live. They are typically native to the northwestern parts of America. The Missouri Department of Conservation(MDC) operates trout hatcheries to stock them as game fish in the Show-Me State. According to MDC they stock approximately 20,000 trout across their four trout parks for the opening day of the catch-and-keep trout season each year.
Fishing Regulations
A fishing permit is required to fish for any species of fish in the state. To keep and possess trout, an angler must also purchase a trout tag or permit, too, regardless of your age.
Anglers should brush up on the regulations before heading out for experience. Regulations vary from park to river and even within the parks’ zones.
Find more places to Go Fishing in Missouri This Winter.