Missouri Fishing Regulations - Missouri Department of Conservation

◾ There is no limit on goldfish and bighead, common, grass and silver carp .
◾ Bighead carp, common carp, grass carp and silver carp can be taken by hand
net . Those that jump from the water into a boat or on land may also be taken
and possessed in any number .
◾ Bowfin must remain whole and intact while on state waters or adjacent banks .
Footnotes for Chart on Page 10
1 The possession limit is twice the daily limit, except on the Mississippi River which
has a daily and possession limit of 100. Goldfish, bighead carp, common carp,
grass carp and silver carp may be possessed in any numbers and do not count in
the daily or possession limit.
2 The daily limit is the combined total of all nongame species, except that goldfish,
bighead carp, common carp, grass carp and silver carp may be possessed in any
numbers and do not count in the daily or possession limit. On the Current River
from Cedar Grove downstream to Arkansas line, only 5 hogsuckers may be included
in a daily limit.
3 In the Osage River downstream from U.S. Highway 54 to the Missouri River and in
the Lake of the Ozarks and Truman Lake, nongame fish may be taken by snagging,
snaring and grabbing from March 15 through April 30.
4 On the Mississippi River, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring and
grabbing from March 15 through May 15 and Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.
5 On Lake of the Ozarks and its tributaries, Osage River below U.S. Highway 54 and
Truman Lake and its tributaries, gigging, snaring and snagging for any species is
not allowed after taking and possessing the daily limit of 2 paddlefish.
6 For sunrise and sunset tables, go to www.usno.navy.mil/USNO/astronomicalapplications
or pick up a copy of the Wildlife Code of Missouri where permits are
sold.
Giggers, Anglers:
Protect Hellbenders
Hellbenders are harmless,
nonpoisonous aquatic salamanders
that live in clear, swift-flowing
rivers and streams throughout the
Ozarks . These large amphibians, 11–20 inches long, live under large flat
rocks, venturing out at night to feed . Ninety percent of a hellbender’s diet is
crayfish, but occasionally they feed on minnows and earthworms .
Due to declines in hellbender numbers, they are protected and cannot be
taken from the wild or killed .
If you catch one on hook and line, release it unharmed by gently
removing the hook or simply cutting the line .
If you gig fish or frogs, remember it is illegal to gig hellbenders .
Thank you for helping to protect this unique Ozark amphibian, which is
part of our natural heritage . Report sighting by calling 573-522-4115,
ext . 3201 .
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