It's at this time of year each year that thousands of anglers are preparing for Missouri's fishing version of "March Madness."
This is the annual trout park opener -- an event that attracts thousands of anglers to the state's four trout parks on March 1. In case you're new to this state or this event, Missouri's four trout parks are Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Montauk State Park near Salem and Maramec Spring Park near St. James. These parks are open and stocked daily from March 1 through Oct. 31.
Although the March 1 event is often referred to as the "trout season opener," that's somewhat of a misnomer because Missouri has no trout season. As many anglers already know, trout can be fished for year-round at places like Lake Taneycomo and various managed trout streams across the southern part of the state. What begins March 1 is the main fishing season at the four trout parks. This runs from March 1 through Oct. 31. There is a catch-and-release season at the trout parks during most of the winter, too.
There are several reasons why this event has grown into such a huge happening. One is tradition. For many decades, Missouri's trout parks have kicked off their fishing seasons on March 1. That means many of this year's trout park anglers are sustaining a heritage that has been passed down from parents, grandparents and, in some cases, great-grandparents.
Another reason is the camaraderie. For some people, the March 1 trout park opener is a chance to renew relationships with family members and friends who haven't been seen in awhile, perhaps since the last March 1 opener. Those who have been to the trout parks on opening days know that some of the attendees don't even fish -- they just come to enjoy the hoopla.
A final reason the trout park opener has grown to be such a popular event is that it's an opportunity to catch fish. The trout parks are stocked at proportions that try to ensure no one goes away empty-handed. The catch of the day, rainbow trout, are not native to Missouri, but these pink-striped, speckled fish have become a very popular species with many of the state's anglers.
Trout park anglers need to remember that the limit is four fish. Also, anglers at the trout parks need to remember that the daily limit for brown trout is four and the minimum length limit for brown trout is 15 inches. Because the majority of fish people will be catching will be rainbow trout, this won't be an issue for most anglers, but some of the trout parks do have a few brown trout mixed in among the rainbows so anglers need to keep this regulation in mind.
It also won't hurt to mention a few other guidelines: Anglers need a fishing permit -- unless they're exempt because of age or some other reason -- and a daily trout tag. The trout tags are $3 for adults and $2 for individuals age 15 and younger. The trout tags are purchased at the park. Fishing licenses can be purchased at the parks, too.
As mentioned above, the daily limit is four and no culling is allowed. That means when you have four fish on your stringer, it's time to get off the water. You're done for the day.
Each park is divided into various fishing zones. Within these zones, only certain lures are allowed. For instance, in some zones, only fishing flies are permitted. Other zones may be restricted to certain types of artificial lures. The purpose of these zones is to group anglers using similar methods in the same areas. Information about the various zones is available in advance at the trout park offices and at the Department of Conservation's Southwest Regional Office in Springfield. It's important that you know the regulations of the zone you'll be fishing in before you tie on a lure -- or bait a hook -- and begin casting.
Some veteran trout anglers say they prefer the solitude of fishing a stream or lake to the large crowds at the trout parks. And this is part of what's great about trout fishing in Missouri: You have a number of choices. The anglers who don't like the large trout park crowds don't have to go to the trout parks. They can enjoy their trout fishing pursuits at Lake Taneycomo or on the stream areas managed for trout. At these locations, they can catch quality trout and enjoy their favorite pastime without the crowded streams that are part of opening day at the trout parks.
And for those who enjoy the March 1 trout opener -- more power to them. While it's true that part of the fun of fishing for long-time anglers is the strategy, the matching of wits with various sportfish species and the mere joy of "getting away from it all," it's also true that the fun of fishing centers around one basic principle -- catching fish. It's this aspect that makes Missouri's trout parks great places for everyone. They're particularly great locations to get young anglers excited about fishing. Where better to whet a youngster's appetite for future fishing trips than at a trout park where the water is full of trout and the chances of catching a few of those are very good.
More information about fishing at Missouri's trout parks -- and the state's other trout areas -- can be found at mdc.mo.gov.
-- Francis Skalicky is the media specialist for the Missouri Department of Conservation's Southwest Region. For more information about conservation issues, call 417-895-6880.
General News on 02/23/2017