Fishing

 

Roaring River is known for its premier trout fishing. The river is stocked regularly by the park’s hatchery, which is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Fishing licenses and tags are available in the park store (located at the intersection of Route F and Highway 112 - more information on their website), which also sells fishing equipment, tackle, camping supplies and groceries. Staff at the tackle shop can also provide tips on how to be successful for the current fishing conditions.

Take your catch-of-the-day to the park’s cleaning and fillet station and enjoy fresh fish for your next meal.

The fishing permits, seasons and regulations and Fishing Report are provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Trout Fishing Regulations

Roaring River State Park is divided into three zones each with the following bait or lure and creel restrictions.

Zone 1

From the hatchery to the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek, only artificial lures, soft plastic baits and flies are permitted. An artificial lure is defined as a manufactured lure. Soft plastic lures include synthetic eggs, worms or grubs. Flies are a lure constructed on a single point hook of feathers, tinsel, chenille, yarn, fur, silk, rayon or nylon thread or floss, with or without a spinner. No putty-dough baits, other natural baits or foods may be used in this area.

Zone 2

From the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek to the old dam in the lower end of Campground 3, only flies are permitted. In the area of Zone 2 designated as catch-and-release only (from the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek to the posted sign below the bridge on Highway F) trout may not be possessed and must be returned to the water unharmed immediately. This portion of Zone 2 is designated as a multiple-use area with wading and swimming allowed.

Zone 3

From the old dam to the park boundary, artificial lures, soft plastic baits, flies and natural or scented baits may be used. Natural and scented baits include live bait or any other substance designed to attract fish by taste or smell including dough, putty or paste-type baits.

Trout Fishing Hours

	Beginning Time	Ending Time
March	6:30 a.m.*/7:30 a.m.**	6 p.m.*/7 p.m.**
April	7 a.m.	7:30 p.m.
May	6:30 a.m.	8:15 p.m.
June and July	6:30 a.m.	8:30 p.m.
August	7 a.m.	8 p.m.
September	7:30 a.m.	7:15 p.m.
October	7:30 a.m.	6:30 p.m.

* Central Standard Time
** Central Daylight Time

Catch-and-Release Season	Beginning Time	Ending Time
Second Friday in November through the second Monday in February   (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday only)	8 a.m.	4 p.m.

For additional information, please call 417-847-2539.

Regulations

• Trout fishing is permitted in accordance with the state wildlife code and posted restrictions daily from March 1 through Oct. 31, and during the winter catch-and-release season from the second Friday in November to the second Monday in February on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday only.
• Each angler shall display a daily trout tag purchased on the area and bearing his or her signature.
• Each angler shall have a state fishing permit except those 15 years and younger or Missouri residents 65 years and older.
• Each angler shall keep their trout separate at all times and identified with their name and address.
• Daily limit is four, all brown trout must be equal to or greater than 15 inches. There is no length limit on rainbow trout. Possession limit is eight trout.
• Only a single pole or rod may be used. Gigging, snaring or snagging is not permitted.
• No person shall continue to fish for any species in these trout waters after having four trout in possession.
• The use of game fish or parts thereof for bait is prohibited; chumming is not permitted.
• No trout may be possessed in the catch-and-release area.