STOCKTON, Mo. (KOAM) – The Missouri Department of Conservation has postponed its annual winter trout stocking because unseasonably warm temperatures could harm the fish.
Stocking, usually scheduled to begin the first week of November, is now expected to start the second week, the department said. Trout need water temperatures of about 55 to 60 degrees. Putting them in warmer water can shock their systems and lead to death, said Clint Hale, MDC hatchery systems manager.
Each fall, MDC stocks about 70,000 rainbow trout in more than 30 urban lakes and conservation areas, providing close-to-home fishing opportunities. Some locations allow anglers to keep trout immediately after stocking; others are catch-and-release until Feb. 1.
Fishing rules vary by location and season. Missouri residents ages 16 to 64 must have a valid fishing permit, and anglers of all ages need a Missouri trout permit to keep trout.
Permits are available through vendors statewide, on the MDC website or through the free MO Fishing app. Anglers can check the department’s winter trout fishing areas page for stocking locations and details.
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