Picture this: You woke up early to catch the sunrise at your favorite fishing spot. It’s a quiet, peaceful location with crystal clear water, and you can perfectly see the fish lazily swimming in the depths. You wade out into the water and cast a line. It’s not long before a brown trout (probably around 20 inches long, but you’ll tell your friends it was definitely 22 inches long) takes the bait and you reel the fish in before it becomes skittish and breaks away.
It’s an angler’s paradise.
But enough daydreaming, your trout fishing dreams can become a reality at these top-tier Missouri fishing locations!
Missouri’s Premier Trout Fishing Destinations
Bennett Spring State Park, Dallas County
One of Missouri’s four trout parks, Bennett Spring State Park is home to Bennett Spring and a section of the Niangua River. More than 100 million gallons of water flow from the spring each day and form a branch that is stocked daily with rainbow trout.
Boathouse Lake, Jefferson Lake, O’Fallon Park Lake-St. Louis
A variety of options for urban fishing can be found in St. Louis. Fishing is permitted year-round during normal park hours at Boathouse Lake, Jefferson Park Lake and O’Fallon Park Lake.
Capitol Federal Sports Complex, Liberty
While the Capitol Federal Sports Complex is primarily for baseball, there are several ponds on the property that are available for public fishing. Pond 3 is stocked with trout from November through March.
Current River, Dent and Shannon counties
The Current River is a popular choice for trout fishing due to its clear, productive waters. Both brown trout and rainbow trout are stocked in different parts of the river by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Eleven Point River, Oregon County
You’re sure to get scenic views of the Mark Twain National Forest while you embark on a fishing adventure on the Eleven Point River. Rainbow trout are stocked in the river throughout the year.
Lake Taneycomo, Taney County
Lake Taneycomo, located just outside Branson, is known for its cold-water conditions created by the release of 50-degree water from the nearby Table Rock Dam. The lake is stocked with approximately 750,000 trout each year, making it an excellent location for anglers. Freshwater shrimp, crawfish, shad and bugs are a trout’s primary food source, so lures that imitate the fish’s favorite meals work best at this fishing oasis.
Maramec Spring Park, Phelps County
The beautiful Maramec Spring creates the perfect environment for rainbow trout, which are stocked daily by the Missouri Department of Conservation. As one of the state’s four trout parks, Maramec Spring Park is a fishing haven.
Montauk State Park, Dent County
Montauk State Park has a whopping seven springs that form the headwaters of the Current River, making it a great spot to cast a line. The trout park is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and provides excellent fishing.
Roaring River State Park, Barry County
Hiking, camping and exploring the informative nature center are popular activities at Roaring River State Park, but the fishing really takes the top prize. The rugged and scenic trout park is also home to one of the oldest fish hatcheries in the state.
Fishing Regulations and Tips
If you’re looking to dive deeper into trout fishing locations in Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation lists all trout waters in the state. Before heading out, it’s important to be aware of fishing regulations at each location. Missouri’s trout parks typically have a catch-and-release season from November through February, while catch-and-keep fishing is allowed from March through October. Check the local regulations for specific fish limits, size restrictions and the required permits for each destination.
No matter which of Missouri’s top trout fishing spots you choose, you’re guaranteed a great time in some of the state’s most beautiful natural areas. With a variety of settings, from urban lakes to pristine rivers and spring-fed parks, there’s something for every angler to enjoy.