Fishing Information
Roaring River State Park located seven miles south of Cassville, in southwest Missouri, is known as one of the leading trout fisheries in the country. Three zones are available for both fly fishing, soft plastics, and bait fishing. Stocked nightly, the natural setting of beautiful hills and rich blue Springs makes this a favorite place for fly fisherman and their families. More than just a place for anglers, roaring River State Park offers family activities such as hiking trails, picnic areas, camping, and playgrounds making this a great vacation spot for all.
Roaring River State Park is managed by the Missouri Department of conservation. The parks hatchery stocks the river regularly, and the parks stores offer fishing licenses and tags, fishing equipment, tackle, camping supplies, and groceries. The parks cleaning and filet station provide a great place to bring your catch of the day and prepare it for your next meal. Meet new friends and enjoy a great time fishing this premier central Missouri trout park.
The season is March 1 through Oct. 31. Daily permits are required to fish on the spring branch and zones are set aside for different kinds of lures. Permits are available at the park store. For more information, call 417-847-2539
Trout Fishing Regulations
- Trout fishing is permitted in accordance with the state wildlife code and posted restrictions daily from March 1 through Oct. 31, and during the winter catch-and-release season from the second Friday in November to the second Monday in February on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday only.
- Each angler shall display a daily trout tag purchased on the area and bearing his or her signature.
- Each angler shall have a state fishing permit except those 15 years and younger or Missouri residents 65 years and older.
- Each angler shall keep their trout separate at all times and identified with their name and address.
- Daily limit is four, all brown trout must be equal to or greater than 15”. There is no length limit on rainbow trout. Possession limit is 8 trout.
- Only a single pole or rod may be used. Gigging, snaring or snagging is not permitted.
- No person shall continue to fish for any species in these trout waters after having four trout in possession.
- The use of game fish or parts thereof for bait is prohibited; chumming is not permitted.
- No trout may be possessed in the catch-and-release area.
Zone Areas and Restrictions
Roaring River State Park is divided into three zones each with the following bait or lure and creel restrictions
Zone 1
From the hatchery to the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek, only artificial lures, soft plastic baits and flies are permitted. An artificial lure is defined as a manufactured lure. Soft plastic lures include synthetic eggs, worms or grubs. Flies are a lure constructed on a single point hook of feathers, tinsel, chenille, yarn, fur, silk, rayon or nylon thread or floss, with or without a spinner. No putty-dough baits, other natural baits or foods may be used in this area.
Zone 2
From the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek to the old dam in the lower end of Campground 3, only flies are permitted. In the area of Zone 2 designated as catch-and-release only (from the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek to the posted sign below the bridge on Hwy. F) trout may not be possessed and must be returned to the water unharmed immediately. This portion of Zone 2 is designated as a multiple-use area with wading and swimming allowed.
Zone 3
From the old dam to the park boundary, artificial lures, soft plastic baits, flies and natural or scented baits may be used. Natural and scented baits include live bait or any other substance designed to attract fish by taste or smell including dough, putty or paste-type baits.
Beginning And Ending Times
As the days get longer or shorter during the year the beginning and ending times adjust according to the following schedule.
March 6:30 a.m.*/7:30 a.m.** 6 p.m.*/7 p.m.**
April 7 a.m. 7:30 p.m.
May 6:30 a.m. 8:15 p.m.
June and July 6:30 a.m. 8:30 p.m.
August 7 a.m. 8 p.m.
September 7:30 a.m. 7:15 p.m.
October 7:30 a.m. 6:30 p.m.
* Central Standard Time
** Central Daylight Time
Catch-and-release season
The catch and release season starts the 2nd Friday in November through the 2nd Monday in February. You may only fish the following days, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Start time is at 8 AM and time is at 4 PM.
