The Midwest isn’t known as a Trout fishing destination, but you’d be surprised by some of the quality opportunities to pursue these fish! Missouri has great warm water fishing, and I’ve spent the majority of my time in the state chasing Bass. But Trout fishing in Missouri goes under the radar.
There’s plenty of great Trout fishing here, with spring-fed rivers and unique reservoir and lake systems. Abundantly stocked and hatchery fish offer plenty of opportunities, while natural spawning fish also create wild populations. With such little angling pressure, it’s a dream come true.
Read on to learn about the best places and techniques for Trout in Missouri, as I let you in one one of the best-kept secrets in the Midwest!!
Why Go Trout Fishing in Missouri
Missouri is a beautiful state with great forests, abundant wildlife, and plenty of rivers and lakes to enjoy. It has the Ozarks in the south and the Mark Twain Forest in the central-eastern region, among many more. It pretty much doesn’t matter where you go in Missouri, there’s always a place to fish nearby.
For Trout specifically, you’ll find fishing in Missouri’s Trout parks, stocked lakes and ponds, and places with wild fish. Many of the top locations are convenient, and there’s actually quite a bit of fishing near St. Louis and Kansas City!
In a state dominated by warm water fishing, it’s nice to mix things up with Trout. Although many of the fish are hatchery-reared, there are some big specimens and a few great places to tackle wild Trout as well. It’s a wonderful landscape, and there seems to be great camaraderie among Trout anglers in Missouri, which you’ll love.
Top Trout Species in Missouri
While the southern neighbor state of Arkansas stocks a wide variety of Trout species, Missouri sticks to a few. You’ll find the majority of stocked and hatchery fish are Rainbow Trout. These fish grow quickly and are very popular throughout the state. You might also be surprised that some wild Rainbow Trout also exist in Missouri. This means populations are spawning and reproducing successfully!
Brown Trout constitute the second species, and the majority of these are stocked as fingerlings or as mature fish. In big reservoirs with deep, cold waters, they can reach large sizes here. In fact, the state record is over 40 pounds, which is absolutely insane for any species of Trout! Like Rainbows, they can also spawn, but minimal wild populations exist.
Missouri doesn’t have the abundant wild Trout populations that some other states boast, but they do have some amazing opportunities for both Browns and Rainbows. It’s a sleeper state for very large fish, with some true monsters lurking in the southern reservoirs of the Ozarks.
How to Go Trout Fishing in Missouri
The techniques you’ll choose for targeting Trout will often depend on regulations for the water you’re fishing in. Sometimes, you’ll be allowed to fish baits, while there are many waters that allow only artificial flies and lures.
Depending on where you are and the rules for where you’re fishing, you can try:
- Bait fishing. “White Ribbon” waters are the perfect opportunity for bait fishing. Try powerbaits, worms, and other simple baits. Just make sure to use small portions to help with hook sets.
- Fly fishing. You can do really well drifting egg patterns and fishing classic dry flies and nymphs in Missouri. It’s a great way to target wild Trout populations in the many rivers and streams.
- Casting lures. Spinners and other small lures are perfect for Trout when they are aggressive. This isn’t productive all the time, but lures can really produce on the right days.
- Bouncing jigs. Many anglers overlook this great technique, but I think it’s especially effective in lakes with Trout. Suspend a small jig and bounce it to entice the bite.
Where to Go Trout Fishing in Missouri
As with any state, the list of potential fishing spots is endless. My selection below is just a short rundown of some popular waters across the state. There are plenty more to explore and the Missouri Department of Conservation publishes a list of all Trout waters as well.
- Lake Taneycomo. This massive reservoir is the place to visit if you plan on attempting to break the state record. It’s a large body of water with depth, great forage, and cold waters that allow for solid Trout growth. It offers diversity with warm water species and great Trout fishing in the cooler months.
- Maramec Spring. A favorite Trout park in the “Show-Me State,” Maramec Springs has plenty of cold, spring-fed waters. The fishing is primarily for stocked Rainbow Trout, while the park offers ADA access, campsites, and picnic sites. It’s the perfect place for a solo or family trip, and it has fishing directly below the springs with a trophy Trout section in the Maramec River.
- Bennett Springs. Likely the most popular Trout park in Missouri, this state-run operation sits on a spring with a hatchery on-site. They stock at night and anglers can fish for freshly stocked Rainbow Trout each morning! The park is large with plenty of recreation to enjoy beyond the fishing as well.
- Little Piney Creek. This is a great little creek with several sections. It has a Blue Ribbon section where only artificial lures and flies are allowed. It also has options for bait fishing and other methods of fish and take. There are plenty of classic creeks throughout the state, but this one has a solid population of wild Rainbow Trout as well.
- Current River. From Montauk State Park downstream, you’ll find quality Trout waters to explore. The river has different sections for bait fishing and others for artificial flies and lures. It also has a healthy population of wild Trout.
- Roaring River. A favorite Trout fishery in the state, anglers will find easy access at the state park. It has a hatchery and the river offers a sequence of drop pools where Trout congregate. It’s split into zones, each with a different regulatory structure, so make sure to do your research ahead of time.
- Jefferson Lake. While Missouri is home to numerous lakes with stocked Trout, Jefferson Lake is a little oasis in St. Louis County where anglers can choose to catch and release or catch and keep. It’s open year-round with a catch-and-release-only season for a few months of winter.
Trout Fishing Seasons in Missouri
Some Trout waters have seasonal closures while others remain open throughout the year. You can find some quality winter Trout fishing, and it’s a great move considering warm water species are slower moving in the cold months.
There are three distinct seasons, and they apply to water classifications in Missouri. Designated Trout areas are open the entire year, while individual waters can have exceptions. Trout parks typically run from March through the end of October. Lastly, catch-and-release-specific waters are primarily open during the winter months, from mid-November to February.
As with any state, seasons are set annually and can change based on harvest numbers. Missouri is pretty consistent, however, and anglers can expect relative stability in the seasons and regulations.
Missouri Trout Fishing Regulations
Alongside getting a Missouri fishing license and Trout permit, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for the different designated Trout waters. Each has its own set of rules that apply to those specific sections of water. Keep in mind, there are different designations that can apply to the same waters. For example, one section of a river can have White Ribbon rules while another section of the same river has Blue Ribbon waters. Let me break it down:
- White Ribbon areas. These are areas where bait fishing is generally allowed. Of course, lures and flies are also welcome, too.
- Blue Ribbon areas. Here, artificial flies and lures are the primary requirement for these waters. They are more subject to seasonal closures and catch-and-release restrictions as well.
- Winter-specific Trout waters. This is essentially a list published by the state that shows all waters that are open during the winter months.
Missouri Trout Fishing FAQs
When will you go Trout fishing in Missouri?
If you want to search for a monster Trout, give Lake Taneycomo a try. It has as much trophy potential as anywhere else in the country! I’ve enjoyed fishing several streams and rivers in Missouri, too, and the state has some beautiful waters. Winter is the best time to pursue Trout with chances of bigger – and wild – fish. Warm water species are excellent during the summer months, though, so Trout offer a great option throughout the year. It’s time for you to get in on it!
Are you a Missouri Trout angler? We’d love to hear about your favorite destinations and tips for finding fish in the state. Chime in the comments below!
