Missouri trout parks are truly unique to Missouri. Although I’m not entirely sure, I believe they are the only waters in the United States that are both public, and stocked daily with trout on a regular basis.
March First through October 31, the four trout parks are stocked every evening with several hundred rainbow trout. The four parks are Maramec Spring Park near Rolla, Montauk State Park near Salem, Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, and Roaring River State Park, which is not far from Springfield. All are between one and three miles in length, and conditions are usually crowded.
Baits and lures tend to be different from our more natural Missouri trout streams. First of all, it should be noted that all of these parks except for Maramec Spring are divided up into zones. Usually, there is a zone for fly fishing only (single hooked rooster tails fished on a spinning rod is considered fly fishing by Missouri’s definition, it says so right in the regulation book). Then, usually there is a section for artificial lures and flies only, where the main difference, is basically that treble hooks are allowed. Then there is usually a section, usually at the lower end of the park, where all baits and lures are allowed. At Bennett Spring, flies and lures are not allowed in the bait area, but in all the other trout parks, any kind of equipment can be used in the bait area, short of nets, gigs, and snagging etc.
In the fly area, about half of the people will be “jig fisherman” who use ultralight spinning rods. These people use tiny (1/32 or 1/64 ounce) marabou jigs. White, olive, black, pink, and yellow are all popular colors. The successful ones will be using 2 or 4 pound monofilament. Of course many people will also be using traditional fly fishing methods. They throw woolly buggers, marabou streamers, egg patterns, and various other gaudy flies. Some also have success on traditional nymphs and dries.
In the artificial area, good success can be had on a variety of lures. Perhaps 1/16 ounce Little Cleo spoons and rooster tail spinners top the list, but small rapalas and other crankbaits are also extremely effective.
Wherever bait is allowed, rainbow colored powerbait reigns king. Ball up a small chunk of powerbait on a size 8 hook, and put a split shot about a foot up. Cast out into a deep hole, and wait. Nightcrawlers are another popular bait. Generally, they are best used when site fishing to a specific fish, but they can also be fished under a bobber in fast water. Set the hook at any resistance. Some use half nightcrawlers, some use whole nightcrawlers. For me, it seems that I get about equal bites on either, so its pretty much just a matter of preference. Other baits that are very successful include canned sweet corn and various homemade dough baits, most of which involve Velveeta cheese and bread crumbs.
However you prefer to fish, the trout parks are the surest bet that you will catch fish in Missouri. It takes away the problem of finding fish, and catching them is pretty easy to.
Happy fishing
Ozarktroutfisher
