More than 9K rainbow trout to be stocked in southeast MO waters

(KBSI) – The Missouri Department of Conservation will soon begin stocking of nearly 9,100 rainbow trout in four southeast Missouri waters

MDC’s annual winter trout program begins Nov. 1 in four southeast Missouri waters – Perryville’s Legion Lake, Jackson’s Rotary Lake, Farmington’s Giessing Lake, and of Sikeston Recreation Complex Pond.

The cities of Jackson, Farmington, and Perryville, including Perry County, Perry County Sportsman Club, Sikeston, and MDC purchased the trout.

“Trout are not native to Missouri,” said MDC Fisheries Biologist Salvador Mondragon. “They have been introduced to our cold, spring-fed, Missouri streams. In winter, when the water is cold enough, specific lakes and ponds in urban areas are stocked to provide close-to-home trout fishing opportunities.”

Mondragon says roughly 3,760 rainbow trout will be stocked during the first week in November in Legion Lake before to the opener. He says 1,920 trout will be stocked in Rotary Lake, 1,240 in Giessing Lake and 2,240 at Sikeston Recreation Complex Pond.

Those fishing for the cold-water fish can cast a line through the fall and winter months on a catch-and-release basis.

Anglers can start to harvest trout beginning February 1, 2024.

All trout must be immediately released unharmed Nov. 1 through Jan. 31, 2024, according to the MDC.

During this time, anglers may only use flies, artificial lures, and unscented plastic baits. Only one fishing rod may be used at a time, and chum is not permitted. Beginning Feb. 1, 2024, any bait may be used, and four trout may be kept regardless of size, according to MDC.

All anglers between the ages of 16 and 64 must retain a valid Missouri fishing permit. Any angler harvesting trout must also possess a trout permit.

Tap here for more information about fishing in Missouri or call MDC’s Southeast Regional Office in Cape Girardeau at (573) 290-5730.