The opening of the catch-and-keep trout fishing season on March 1 is an important Missouri tradition, marking the beginning of a season that runs until Oct. 31. The season officially begins at 6:30 a.m. at Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Salem, and Roaring River State Park near Cassville. In addition to premier trout fishing, visitors to the state’s trout parks can enjoy miles of hiking trails, lodging and camping options and on-site dining facilities.
Last year, there were more than 4,600 tags sold. With opening day being on a Friday, the parks expect even more tag sales. Visitors will likely make it a three-day weekend to get the most out of their time trying to get the big one.
Trout Cam
Click here for a current photo from Bennett Spring State Park.
Opening Day Tag Sales
Past Tag Sales
Bennett Spring State Park |
Montauk State Park |
Roaring River State Park |
Opening Day Photo Galleries
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Media Coverage:
General Coverage:
| It's looking real trout-y | Daily Journal Online, Park Hills |
| Annual catch-and-keep season at trout parks coming up March 1 | Ozark Radio News |
| Trout season kicks off March 1 in Missouri | Guidon, Fort Leonard Wood |
| Annual catch-and-keep season at trout parks coming up March 1 | Boonville Daily News, Boonville |
| Annual Catch-and-Keep Season at Trout Parks Coming Up March 1 | Douglas County Harold, Ava |
| Missouri trout parks prepare for opening day Friday | KY3, Springfield |
| Governor Parson to Kick Off Trout Season | Ozarks First, Springfield |
| Trout opener kicks off with MO Governor in attendance | KFVS12, Cape Girardeau |
| Missouri trout season off to a roaring success | KTVO, Kirksville |
Bennett Spring State Park Coverage:
| Governor Mike Parson will kick off trout season at Bennett Spring State Park | Missouri State Parks |
| Southwest Missouri couple who operated popular tackle shop to sound siren Friday at Bennett Spring | Missourinet |
| Trout cam brings live action to opening day | Leader Publications, Festus |
| Cold weather greets fisherman on opening day of trout season | KY3, Springfield |
| Bennett Spring SP redirects traffic to park's main entrance | Buffalo Reflex, Buffalo |
| On Opening Day of Trout Season, 89-Year-Old Angler Recalls 1946 Schoolboy Adventure | St. Louis Public Radio |
| Gallery: Trout Season Opening Day at Bennett Spring State Park | KSMU, Ozarks public radio, Springfield |
Montauk State Park Coverage:
| Master on Montauk | Houston Herald, Houston |
| Trout Season begins Friday at Montauk, other state parks | Houston Herald, Houston |
Roaring River State Park Coverage:
| Trout Times 2019 | Cassville Democrat |
| Opening-day trout angler gets his birthday wish at Roaring River | Springfield News Leader |
| Cold weather dampens opening day turnout | Joplin Globe |
