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Kansas City, Mo. – The first frost has arrived in northern and central Missouri, and winter trout fishing is back as well in Sedalia and St. Joseph. On Nov. 1, the catch-and-release trout season opened at ponds in those cities under the Missouri Department of Conservation’s urban trout fishing program. Anglers will be able to catch and keep the trout after Jan. 31.
At Sedalia, MDC stocked 1,300 trout in Liberty Park Pond. The 12-inch trout were raised at MDC’s Shepherd of the Hills hatchery at Branson. The pond is a popular winter trout spot for anglers using flyrods, spinning, or spin casting gear. Flyrodders have good open areas around the pond for the backcast that precedes casting the lure into the water. The trout fishing is provided in a partnership with the Sedalia Parks and Recreation Department.
In St. Joseph, MDC stocked 1,200 rainbow trout in Krug Park Lagoon and 800 trout in Everyday Pond on the campus of Missouri Western State University. MDC stocked the trout in partnership with Missouri Western State University and the St. Joseph Parks, Recreation, and Civic Facilities Department.
Trout are not native to Missouri. But water temperatures are cold enough and oxygen levels high enough in winter to support them. MDC stocks winter trout to give anglers a close-to-home opportunity to catch a unique sport fish.
Only flies and unscented artificial lures may be used by anglers during the catch-and-release season from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31. Natural baits such as worms, scent baits, corn, hot dogs, shrimp, and chicken livers may not be used during this time. Scented soft plastic lures are also prohibited.
Missouri residents over age 15 and under 65 will need a state fishing permit. All non-residents over age 15 will need a state fishing permit.
Starting Feb. 1, anglers with valid permits may keep up to four trout. They must also have a Missouri trout fishing permit to keep trout. Anglers fishing in waters stocked under MDC’s winter trout fishing program should check sign postings for specific regulations for those waters.
For information about winter trout fishing at Liberty Park Pond, call MDC’s Sedalia office at 660-530-5500.
For information about winter trout fishing at Krug Park Lagoon and Everyday Pond, call MDC’s Northwest Regional Office in St. Joseph, 816-271-3100.
For more information on urban winter trout fishing in cities throughout Missouri, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoH.
