A Dumb Question

[Adam Snodgrass]

Do I need a MO trout permit in addition to a normal fishing license if I'm just C & R fishing in the Blue Ribbon water? I was under the impression that all I needed was a fishing license unless inside the park where I need a daily trout tag as well. I guess my confusion is with the wording "possess trout" b/c all I do is catch & release. Not a big deal either way....it's a cheap permit. Mainly I'm just curious.

Thanks,

Adam

[Chris Barclay]

No you don't. I don't keep trout so I don't buy a trout permit and have clarified this with conservation agents. If all you're doing is C&R all you need is a MO license.

[Adam Snodgrass]

Thanks for the info, Chris. I let 'em all go so I won't bother with the trout permit.

[jdmidwest]

Although you don't "need" a permit, why not go and buy one anyway? The money goes to the specific management of the fish you are targeting.

That is the reasoning behind all of the areas that require a trout permit even if you don't keep any. The catch and release persons still demand the quality trout fishing, but were not required to purchase a license, resulting in a loss of funding for the trout program. States countered with the requirement of a trout stamp on many areas while fishing for any species.

[Chris Barclay]

Good points, JDM. It usually comes down to $$ for me. Although it's only a few bucks it matters. I believe the medical term for my condition is 'titewad'.

[FishinCricket]

No you don't. I don't keep trout so I don't buy a trout permit and have clarified this with conservation agents. If all you're doing is C&R all you need is a MO license.

But be careful to not do anything that could be construed as "not releasing the fish unharmed immediately" (I.E. Taking it out of the water, taking photos, bringing it into your boat or onshore even if dehooking it was your only intent)

(there, now someone said it)

[Gavin]

Snodgrass & Barclay....They speak like true Scottsmen....if they dont need a permit...they would be violating tradition by paying for something they dont need.

[Chris Barclay]

Good one, Gavin! (the Barclay clan motto is 'either action or death')

[stlfisher]

You do however need a trout permit to fish the trout parks during catch and realease season right?

[FishinCricket]

You do however need a trout permit to fish the trout parks during catch and realease season right?

Yup