Missouri Trout Season is some of the most fun fishing in the state. Waders, Flies, Sunglasses and spending all day with your buddies yoinking trout out of the water.

There are some wild trout to catch. Then, there are trout hatcheries which raise the trout and release them into the streams for you to catch. This makes it beginner friendly so if you ever wanted to try fly fishing, this is a good way to do it.

Even for experienced fishermen this is a great way to ensure you catch something!

Personally, I like fishing at the trout parks because with 2 young kids, I don’t get unlimited time to sit in the water...Dad duties come first. Trout hatcheries allow me to catch and cook efficiently and feel like a man.

The Missouri Trout Slam is a statewide fishing challenge hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

Once you log all your catches here, you earn official recognition and a Trout Slam pin.

It’s like a competition/ fishing bucket list that pushes anglers to explore new trout parks and blue‑ribbon streams across the state.

Missouri trout waters are categorized by “ribbons,” which indicate water quality, natural reproduction, and regulation style.

• Highest quality trout water
• Strong natural reproduction
• Special regulations
• Typically catch‑and‑release or artificial lures only

• Good trout habitat
• Some natural reproduction
• Mix of stocked and wild fish
• Moderate regulations

• Primarily stocked trout
• Designed for harvest
• Most flexible regulations
• Great for beginners and families

Ribbon level doesn’t mean “better” or “worse” — it just describes management style and fishing experience. But for the Trout Slam Challenge the idea is to catch trout in Blue Ribbon Waters.

This link is a map of all the Ribbon waters, and campsites near them!

Missouri Trout Parks (like Bennett Spring, Montauk, Roaring River, Shepherd of the Hills, and Maramec Spring):

• Catch‑and‑keep begins March 1
• Runs through October 31
• Winter catch‑and‑release season: November 1 – February 28/29

From my experience, Bennet Springs has the best accomadations from the shop, to cabins, camping, and water access. Family Friendly too.
Opening day is REALLY crowded though.

At Missouri Trout Parks during catch‑and‑keep season:

• Daily limit: 4 trout
• Possession limit: 8 trout

Other trout waters may have:

• Artificial lures only
• Length limits
• Catch‑and‑release only sections

Check specific waterbody rules before fishing.

Missouri’s trout program is supported by state hatcheries that raise and stock fish across the state:

• Bennett Spring State Park Hatchery
• Montauk State Park Hatchery
• Roaring River State Park Hatchery
• Maramec Spring Hatchery
• Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery

These hatcheries collectively stock hundreds of thousands of trout annually into parks, lakes, and streams.