Missouri Fishing Regulations - Missouri Department of Conservation

North Fork of the White River
In Ozark County:
◾ The use of porous-soled waders is prohibited . See Page 16 .
From the upper outlet of Rainbow Spring to Patrick Bridge:
Blue Ribbon Trout Area—See Page 19 for special regulations .
◾ Only flies and artificial lures may be used, and soft plastic baits and natural and
scented baits are prohibited when fishing for any species .
◾ Gigging, bowfishing and using an atlatl are prohibited, and fish taken by these
methods may not be possessed on these waters or their banks .
The unimpounded portion of river and its tributaries in Ozark County from
Patrick Bridge to Norfork Lake:
Red Ribbon Trout Area—See Page 20 for special regulations .
Osage River
Within 225 feet below Bagnell Dam:
◾ No fishing is allowed, except live bait may be taken by dip net and throw net
only .
From the no-fishing zone below Bagnell Dam to U.S. Highway 54:
◾ Trotlines, throwlines, limb lines, snagging, snaring and grabbing are prohibited .
From U.S. Highway 54 to the Missouri River:
◾ Nongame fish—Snagging, snaring and grabbing are allowed from March 15
through April 30 only .
◾ No person shall continue to snag, snare or grab for any species after taking a
daily limit of 2 paddlefish
Osage Fork of the Gasconade River
From Skyline Drive bridge near Orla in Laclede County to the Gasconade River:
◾ Goggle-eye—8"minimum length limit .
◾ Smallmouth bass—15" minimum length limit . The daily limit of 6 black bass
may include only 1 smallmouth bass .
Catch on to Catch-and-Release Fishing
Often, fishing is for pleasure rather than food . Catch and release, or
releasing fish immediately after they are caught, is a conservation measure
that helps maintain a fishery for the future . Follow these guidelines to
increase the chances of a fish’s survival:
◾ Whenever possible, do not take the fish out of the water .
◾ Filing the barbs off hooks makes removal easier .
◾ Never pull a hook from the fish’s throat or stomach; it is better to cut the
line . Many hooks will rust away .
◾ Avoid excessive handling of fish .
◾ If handling is necessary, make certain not to squeeze or drop the fish .
◾ Never put your fingers in the gills or eye sockets .
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