Winter Trout Fishing Arrives in St. Joseph

The first frost arrived in Missouri, and winter trout fishing is back in Saint Joseph.

On November 1, the catch-and-release trout season opened at ponds in Saint Joseph under the Missouri Department of Conservation’s urban trout fishing program.

Anglers will be able to catch and keep the trout after January 31.

MDC stocked 12-hundred rainbow trout in Krug Park Lagoon and 800 trout in Everyday Pond on the campus of Missouri Western State University.

MDC stocked the trout in partnership with Missouri Western State University and the St. Joseph Parks, Recreation, and Civic Facilities Department.

Anglers can only use flies and unscented artificial lures during the catch-and-release season from November 1 to January 31.

Natural baits such as worms, scent baits, corn, hot dogs, shrimp, and chicken livers are prohibited.

Scented soft plastic lures are also prohibited.

Missouri residents over age 15 and under 65 will need a state fishing permit.

All non-residents over age 15 will need a state fishing permit.

For information about winter trout fishing at Krug Park Lagoon and Everyday Pond, call MDC’s Northwest Regional Office in St. Joseph, 816-271-3100.