Trout parks reopen Nov. 11

Maramec Spring Park will be open every day of the week from Nov. 11 through Feb. 12.

JEFFERSON CITY-The summer fishing season at Missouri trout parks ends Oct. 31, but that doesn't mean you have go elsewhere or hang up your trout fishing gear. The winter no-creel season follows close on the heels of the regular fishing season.

Bennett Spring, Montauk and Roaring River state parks open to catch-and-release fishing Nov. 11. Anglers may fish from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Feb. 12.

This year, Maramec Spring Park will be open every day during the no-creel season. This regulation change came too late for inclusion in the Wildlife Code book or the annual fishing regulation summary.

Trout at all four parks must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught. Releasing fish "immediately" means just that, not taking photos or weighing them. These delays increase stress on fish and decrease their chance of survival.

Catch-and-release fishing is an art in itself. Tricks of the trade include bending down barbs on hooks, landing fish as quickly as possible and keeping them in the water while removing hooks from their mouths.

Experienced catch-and-release anglers also know it is better to cut their line than to chance injuring fish while removing deeply embedded hooks. Flesh around hooks left in place eventually dies back, permitting the hooks to fall out.

The slippery mucous that makes trout so hard to hold also protects the fish from parasites and infections. To avoid disturbing this "slime," wet your hands before grasping fish, and don't handle them any more than necessary.

The best place to grasp a fish is across the back of the head. Never put your fingers in the gills or eye sockets. Holding fish upside down reduces struggling.

Revive exhausted fish by holding them upright underwater, facing upstream. Support them in this position until they swim away on their own.

Lures used during the no-creel season must meet the Conservation Department's definition of an artificial fly. This is defined as an artificial lure constructed on a single-point hook using any material except soft plastic, natural or scented bait that is tied, glued or otherwise permanently attached to the hook.

All anglers need a $7 Trout Permit to fish during the no-creel season. Permits are available at the parks or from hunting and fishing permit vendors statewide. Missouri residents ages 16 to 64 and non-residents age 16 and older also need Missouri fishing permits.

-Jim Low-

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page