Fishing Before Season Opens

[Hays]

Thanks. The MDC never responded to my question. Too busy I guess. See you on the Jack's Fork in April, just fishin'.

[Hays]

I take it back, the MCD responded to my question about fishing when the season is closed today. Catch and release is the rule:

Sorry for the delay in my response. Yes, you can fish Missouri streams during the closed black bass season as long as you release any black bass (largemouth, spotted, or smallmouth) that you catch. The fishing seasons that are listed in the "Wildlife Code" pertain to keeping fish. Anyone with a valid fishing permit (or people exempt from a fishing permit) is allowed to do catch-and-release fishing year-round.

You can find this listed in section 3 CSR 10-6.505(3)(A) of the "Wildlife Code" here: http://sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/3csr/3c10-6.pdf#page=7

I hope this helps,

Andrew Branson
Fisheries Programs Specialist
Missouri Department of Conservation
2901 West Truman Blvd
P.O. Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180
tel: 573-522-4115, ext. 3501
fax: 573-526-0990
andrew.branson@mdc.mo.gov

[ollie]

Andrew will shoot it to ya straight. He was my Stream Team go to guy when he was in charge.