Fishing, Trout Parks

PURPOSE: This rule establishes methods, seasons, and limits for fishing within Trout Park streams under management agreement with the department. (1) On Maramec Spring Park, Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park, and Roaring River State Park— (A) Fishing is permitted on designated waters during posted hours. Not more than one (1) pole and line may be used by one (1) person at any time. Gigging, snaring, snagging, and the taking of live bait are prohibited. Flies, artificial lures, unscented soft plastic baits, and natural and scented baits may be used, except in waters posted as restricted to specific baits or lures. The use of any foods to attract fish, except when placed on a hook, is prohibited. (B) Trout fishing is permitted from March 1 through October 31. The daily limit is four (4) trout, and no person shall continue to fish for any species after having four (4) trout in possession. Fishing in the designated trout waters is permitted only by holders of a signed valid area daily trout fishing tag, except that fishing is permitted by holders of either a valid signed daily tag or a valid trout permit from the first bridge below the old dam in Zone 3 at Roaring River State Park to the downstream park boundary. (C) On a designated portion of Montauk State Park and Roaring River State Park, catch and release trout fishing only is permitted from March 1 through October 31. Only flies may be used, and trout must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught. Trout may not be possessed in these designated areas, and no person with four (4) trout already in possession may fish there. (D) Trout fishing is permitted from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from the second Friday in November through the second Monday in February at Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park, and Roaring River State Park. Fishing in designated trout waters is permitted only by holders of a valid trout permit. Only flies may be used, and all fish must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught. Fish may not be possessed on these waters. (E) Trout fishing is permitted from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily from the second Friday in November through the second Monday in February at Maramec Spring Park. Fishing is permitted only by holders of a valid trout permit. Only flies may be used and all fish must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught. Fish may not be possessed on these waters. (F) The use of shoes, boots, or waders with porous soles incorporating or having felt, matted, or woven fibrous materials is prohibited. AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const., and section 252.040, RSMo 2016.* This rule previously filed as 3 CSR 10-4.116. Original rule filed April 30, 2001, effective Sept. 30, 2001. Amended: Filed Sept. 29, 2004, effective Feb. 28, 2005. Amended: Filed April 20, 2005, effective Sept. 30, 2005. Amended: Filed Aug. 23, 2006, effective Nov. 1, 2006. Amended: Filed Sept. 27, 2007, effective Feb. 29, 2008. Amended: Filed Sept. 12, 2011, effective March 1, 2012. Amended: Filed Oct. 11, 2019, effective Feb. 29, 2020. Amended: Filed May 19, 2023, effective Feb. 29, 2024. *Original authority: 252.040, RSMo 1945, amended 1989.