Fishing

Available Articles

2007 Annual Hunting & Fishing Permit Sales (593KB)
A summary of hunting and fishing permit sales for 2007.
2008 Annual Hunting & Fishing Permit Sales (2.1MB)
A summary of hunting and fishing permit sales for 2008.
Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan (822KB)
Missouri's landscape includes a wide array of aquatic resources. These resources are threatened by migration of non-native aquatic species into open-ended river systems, and by their accidental or intentional release into other public and private waters. The biological and socio-economic effect of each of these introduced species has not yet been fully determined, however, some are known to be significant.
Master Angler Award Entry Form (204KB)
The Master Angler Award recognizes the accomplishments of anglers who catch memorable fish in Missouri. Use this form to learn how to qualify and apply for this award.
Missouri State Record Fish (549KB)
Did you catch an exceptional fish? Use this regularly updated form to see if your fish qualifies as a "record".
Muskellunge in Missouri
Although opportunities to catch muskie were once restricted to more northerly waters, regular stocking in several Missouri lakes has produced outstanding muskie fisheries. If the thought of catching one of these tackle-busting predators is appealing to you, give one of these lakes a try.
Sport Fish
Many of the lakes managed by the Conservation Department are regularly stocked with walleye, paddlefish, muskie and a variety of other species produced by Department warm water hatcheries. Hatcheries also provide fingerling largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish for more than 800 private impoundments each year. All of this results in great sport fishing in Missouri.
State Record Fish Entry Form (96KB)
Missouri has a long, proud tradition of fishing and it's abundant lakes and streams have produced exceptional fish. The Department of Conservation has developed a State Record Fish program to acknowledge and honor anglers who have caught the largest recorded fish from a list of recognized species found in Missouri waters. Use this form to enter your potential "record" fish.
Strategies for Quality Management of Smallmouth Bass in Missouri Streams (15KB)
The goal of this study was to evaluate and recommend strategies for managing high-quality smallmouth bass fisheries in streams.
The MDC Fishing Page
Missouri has an abundance of lakes, streams, rivers and ponds. Learn how to manage a pond, fish for trout, and many other water related activities with these pages.

External Links

Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration (Dingell-Johnson and the Wallop-Breaux Amendment)
The Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, passed on August 9, 1950, created a program for management, conservation, and restoration of fishery resources. The Sport Fish Restoration program is funded by revenues collected from the manufacturers of fishing equipment, and boat and small engine fuel.
Intellicast Weather Radar Maps
See what weather is heading your way before you take that fishing trip, hike, or other outdoor activitity.
USGS Daily Streamflow Conditions
US Geological Survey information about current stream conditions