The NOAA Fisheries governs fishing limits according to three laws, The Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976, The Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996, and The MSA Reauthorization Act of 2007. These three Acts prevent overfishing, allocate fishing quotas to different fishing groups, implement gear restrictions, and protect sensitive habitats.

 

Sustainable fishing respects marine ecosystems and adapts to the reproductive rate of fish to maintain a balance and ensure the survival of all species. Sustainable fishing rejects the indiscriminate capture of endangered species or those without commercial value.

 

Permits

 

Anglers need a daily trout tag from March 1 to October 31 

Anglers over 15 and younger than 65 need a state fishing permit 

During the winter catch-and-release season, an annual trout permit is required

Anyone can fish during Free Fishing Days without a tag or permit.

A fishing permit is not required to fish privately stocked waters.

In most states, licenses can be purchased online, by phone or at retail establishments.

 

Limits 

 

Daily limit- four trout, with no more than one brown trout that is 15 inches or longer

Possession- eight trout

No trout can be kept in the catch-and-release area

 

Methods

 

• Poles and hooks: If you use more than three poles (or two poles on the Mississippi River) at any one time, the additional poles must be labeled with your full name and address or Conservation Number. Regardless of the method or number of poles, you may not use more than a total of 33 hooks at any one time; except on the Mississippi River the maximum is 50 hooks at one time. Hooks on trotlines must be staged at least 2 feet apart. Hooks on any type of line, as well as the line itself, must be attended every 24 hours or removed.

 

• Live-bait traps: Allowed but must be labeled. You must place a tag of durable material with your full name and address or your Conservation Number on live-bait traps, trotlines, throwlines, limb lines, bank lines, jug lines and live boxes.

 

• Use of Lights: An artificial light may be used only above the water surface. Underwater lights may be used to attract fish if fishing by pole and line.

 

• Waders or waterproof boots: Some parks allow wading while others do not. Felt or porous soled waders are prohibited in Missouri trout streams.

 

• Baits and lures:

(A) A natural fish food such as bait fish, crayfish, frogs, grubs, insects, larvae, worms, salmon eggs, cheese, corn and other food substances not containing any ingredient to stupefy, injure or kill fish. Includes dough bait, putty or paste-type bait, any substance designed to attract fish by taste or smell and any fly, lure or bait containing or used with such substances.

(B) Unscented, synthetic eggs, worms, grubs and soft plastic lures.

(C) A lure constructed of any material excluding soft plastic bait and natural and scented bait.

(D) An artificial lure constructed on a single-point hook, using any material except soft plastic bait and natural and scented bait, that is tied, glued or otherwise permanently attached.

 

Prohibited

 

• No one may use any explosive, poison, chemical or electrical equipment to kill or stupefy fish. Such material or equipment may not be possessed on the waters of the state or adjacent banks.
• Spearguns may not be possessed on waters or adjacent banks, and spears may not be propelled by explosives.
• It is illegal to attempt to take fish by hand, with or without a hook, and to intentionally leave or abandon any commonly edible portion of any fish.
• Fish traps, including slat and wire, may not be possessed on waters in Missouri or on adjacent banks.

 

Fishing regulations help conserve fish for the enjoyment of future park visitors and help to maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems. By following the fishing regulations in national parks, you can be an important steward of fish conservation.