Trout harvest opens Feb. 1 at four Southeast Missouri lakes
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Missouri Department of Conservation announced that trout harvest will open Sunday, Feb. 1, at four waters in southeast Missouri.
Anglers may begin harvesting trout at Rotary Lake in Jackson, Legion Lake in Perryville, Recreation Complex Pond in Sikeston and Capaha Park Lake in Cape Girardeau.
MDC fisheries biologist Salvador Mondragon said weather conditions could influence turnout on opening day.
“If more pleasant weather is on the way, opening day may see lake banks lined with eager anglers trying their luck at harvesting trout,” Mondragon said.
Beginning Feb. 1, anglers may use any bait and keep up to four trout per day, regardless of size. Anglers ages 16 to 64 must have a valid Missouri fishing permit, and anyone harvesting trout must also have a trout permit.
“These fish provide great fishing opportunities through the fall and winter months when warmwater fishing is at a lull,” Mondragon said. “Along with catchable-sized fish, a few lunker trout were also stocked at each lake.”
The MDC stocked trout at the four locations in November to begin the catch-and-release season. Anglers are reminded that all trout caught through Jan. 31 must be released.
More information on winter trout fishing areas is available at Winter Trout Fishing Areas | Missouri Department of Conservation. For additional details, contact the MDC Southeast Regional Office at 573-290-5730.
