What Makes A Blue Ribbon Trout Stream?

[KRflyfisher]

I need some education, will someone please enlighten me? What makes a stream a blue, red, or white ribbon trout stream?

[Midge]

http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/Documents/2115.pdf

This link should take you to the MDC fishing regulations summary. go to page 18.

[KRflyfisher]

Hey thanks! Great resource! I still have a few questions though. It appears that the designation has more to do with management than anything else. Does it have anything to do with number of trout per mile or the average size of trout of the stream?

[jdmidwest]

That's exactly what it is, trout management. Streams with naturally reproducing trout or special streams recieve the most protection. Streams that are stocked monthly are the most liberal as they are put and take. MDC assumes most of the trout stocked will be consumed.

The Blue Ribbons streams/portions are the ones that are the most protected, some of them should be NO KILL due to the size of the water and the chances of the trout getting to a trophy size. These are usually not stocked by MDC and rely on natural reproduction. The same goes with the Red ribbon streams but they normally recieve an annual stocking of fingerling browns.

White Ribbon streams are the put and take fisheries. MDC stocks most of these monthly depending on stream temps. These still produce trophy fish, the size of the water helps a few of them to grow to bigger fish.

The winter stocking at certain lakes relys on 100% put and take as most of them reach temps during the summer to kill off any remaining trout.

White ribbon streams will have higher numbers of trout each month after each stocking. Red ribbon streams will have a higher number of trout after the annual stocking. Blue ribbon streams will be more of a natural cycle unless they recieve a supplemental stocking if MDC deems it neccessary. Each are a pleasure to fish and are worth a try, if you like to fish for trout.....

[Project Healing Waters]

JD,

You got the red and blue mixed up. The hierarch goes Blue, Red, White...descending order...just like first through third place ribbons in a contest.

[KRflyfisher]

Thanks for the information, great posts.

[jdmidwest]

Oops... I remember the day when it was 1-18" bow or better only, 1-15" brown or better 4 bows, and free for all on the bows up to 5....

Or something like that.

Or just catch and release anywhere because trout taste like....trout. Catch and release works best anywhere in the state.