Fishing Highlights:

(Check Missouri Wildlife Code for details)

Fishing seasons are pretty simple in Missouri for most species, by common hook-and-line methods. Basically, THERE IS NO CLOSED SEASON ON MOST SPECIES. But there are a few exceptions:

BLACK BASS:

In Ozark streams ( primarily south of the Missouri River) bass season is open generally from Memorial Day Weekend through Feb. 28.

TROUT:

In trout parks, where a daily fee is charged and fish are stocked daily, the season is March 1 through Oct. 31. However, some catch-and-release fishing is permitted in the winter. Elsewhere, trout are open year around.

NON-GAME FISH:

Non-game fish may be taken by gig Sept. 15 to Jan. 15 in Ozark streams, and by snagging from March 15 to May 15.

CREEL and SIZE LIMITS:

Missouri uses a system of statewide daily creel limits, plus other special limits that are generally more restrictive than the statewide limits. Statewide limits include:
BLACK BASS, 6;
CRAPPIE, 30;
ROCK BASS, 15;
TROUT, 4(starting March, 2005)
WHITE BASS, 15;
MUSKIE, 1;
CHAIN PICKEREL, 6;
WALLEYE, 4;
PADDLEFISH, 2;
FLATHEAD CATFISH, 5;
CHANNEL AND BLUE CATFISH, 10.
Check regulations for the waters you will be fishing, however. Many small lakes have lower bass limits, for instance. And most reservoirs, but not all, have a crappie limit of 15.

Fish for which LENGTH LIMITS may apply include BLACK BASS of all three species, TROUT, WALLEYE, MUSKY, WHITE BASS and relatives, PADDLEFISH, CRAPPIE and ROCK BASS. Check regulations for the waters you plan to fish.

Hunting Highlights:

(Check Missouri Wildlife Code for details)

DEER:

FIREARMS — DEER: The firearms deer hunting season is comprised of five portions:

Urban portion
Youth portion
November portion
Muzzleloader portion
Antlerless portion

Go to the Missouri Department of Conservation seasons page by clicking here.