Missouri
Fishing License 2026.

License required?

Yes

Where to apply?

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, via the free MO Fishing mobile app, or at local vendors (Walmart, Bass Pro, bait shops).

Cost

Resident annual: $14. Non-resident annual: $57. Daily (both): $9. Trout Permit: $12 resident / $24 non-res (new in 2026, required to fish for or possess trout outside trout parks). Youth trout permit: $6.

Validity

Annual (Mar 1 – Feb 28) or daily

Available online?

Yes

Missouri is home of the 'Trout Parks' — four spring-fed parks (Bennett Spring, Montauk, Roaring River, Maramec) stock daily from March–October. Required for ages 16+. A separate Trout Permit is required to possess trout OUTSIDE the trout parks; inside, a daily trout tag (~$4) is issued at the park gate. The non-resident trout permit is brand-new as of January 2026.

Closed seasons

Trout parks: closed to catching Nov 1 – 2nd Fri in March (winter C&R only, flies/lures). Black bass (largemouth/smallmouth/spotted) on most Ozark streams: C&R only Mar 1 – Memorial Day weekend. Paddlefish snagging season: Mar 15 – Apr 30.

Catch limits

Largemouth/smallmouth/spotted bass: 6/day combined 15" min statewide (stricter on Ozark streams — 12" min + 1/day smallmouth). Trout: 4/day combined in parks + outside. Walleye: 4/day 15" min. Paddlefish (snagging): 2/day 34" body-length min.

Prohibited methods

Snagging prohibited except during paddlefish season on designated waters. Gigging legal for non-game fish Sep 15 – Jan 31 on select rivers. Trotlines + limblines regulated by zone.

Catch & Release

Trout parks winter season (Nov–Mar): flies/lures only, C&R only. Required for smallmouth on Ozark C&R streams during spring closure.

The 4 Trout Parks (Bennett Spring, Montauk, Roaring River, Maramec Spring) sell a daily trout tag at the gate that stacks with the regular fishing permit — the separate Trout Permit is only needed for the rest of the state. Lake of the Ozarks ranks among the top 10 bass fisheries in the US.

Best season

Trout parks: March opener (2nd Sat). Bass on Ozarks: April–June + October. Crappie: April spawn. Paddlefish snagging: March 15 – April 30.

Freshwater

800,000+ acres of lakes + 110,000 miles of streams. Ozark spring-fed streams (Current, Eleven Point, Jacks Fork) for smallmouth + trout. Table Rock + Lake of the Ozarks for bass.

Saltwater

None.

Equipment

Bass Pro Shops flagship headquarters in Springfield, MO (world's largest outdoor store). Local fly shops at every trout park (Bennett Spring Fly Shop, Maramec Spring). Canoe + kayak rental on Current River.

Fishing guides

$350–$500/day bass guide (Table Rock, Lake of Ozarks). $250–$400/day trout guide Taneycomo. $300–$450 Ozark float trip.

Transport

STL (St. Louis), MCI (Kansas City), SGF (Springfield — closest to Branson + Table Rock). Rental car essential. I-44 spine connects Branson, Lake of Ozarks, Current River.

Safety

Copperhead + cottonmouth snakes in Ozarks. Summer humidity 35°C+. Ticks (Lyme + alpha-gal) May–October. Flash floods on spring-fed streams after heavy rain.

License fees

$9–$57 + $12–$24 trout permit

Guide prices

$250–$500/day

Daily budget

Budget: $70–$100/day. Guided: $300–$500/day.