Trout Ethics
A wide variety of trout fishing opportunities are available to Missouri anglers. However, the state's trout waters are limited and can get crowded. To make everyone's experience more enjoyable, consider the following:
Respect your fellow anglers:
- Know and follow posted fishing regulations.
- Don't wade in front of others – allow space for backcasting.
- Give priority to disabled anglers in areas accessible to them.
- Don't throw rocks or disturb the the water.
- Minimize noise – avoid loud music or yelling.
Catch-and-Release Guidelines
- Minimize the amount of time you play a fish.
- Handle the fish gently, keep it in the water, and release it quickly.
- Hold an exhausted fish underwater, facing upstream, until it swims away.
- Use the heaviest tackle appropriate.
- Use needlenose pliers to back the hook out. Never pull a swallowed hook; instead, cut the line.
- Use barbless hooks or squeeze the barb flat to make releasing fish easier.
Minimize your impact on the environment:
- Don't litter! Bait containers, cigarette butts and fishing line harm wildlife and degrade the outdoor experience.
- Use only designated trails and parking areas.
- Don't shuffle your feet in the water to stimulate fish to feed.
Protecting Missouri's Trout Fisheries
Missouri's trout are healthy and free of most diseases. To ensure that they remain that way and to keep our streams free of aquatic nuisance species, please follow these guidelines:
- Do not release live or dead trout obtained from outside the state into Missouri waters. Consult a Conservation Department fisheries biologist before stocking trout from any source, and be aware that importation of trout into Missouri is strictly regulated.
- Thoroughly clean boots, waders, boats, trailers and fishing tackle between uses. Do not transfer mud, aquatic plants, water or fish parts from one body of water to another.
- Report any fish kills, dying or diseased fish, or water pollution to a Conservation Department fisheries biologist, or call the Department's Environmental Services Unit at (573) 882-9880.
