UTERRainbow trout fishing in Missouri freshwater
In Missouri freshwater, rainbow trout peak March–May and October–November and are around year-round, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Opening day in the trout parks — Bennett Spring, Montauk, Roaring River.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Rainbow trout in Missouri freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchPeakOpening day in the trout parks — Bennett Spring, Montauk, Roaring River.
- AprilPeak
- MayPeak
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish rainbow trout near Table Rock Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake
Ozark highland reservoirs, spring-fed trout parks, clear smallmouth rivers, Truman's flooded timber, and the paddlefish runs and big-river catfish.
What to use for rainbow trout
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Salmon eggs (roe)A dime-sized spawn sac tied in mesh, or single eggs on a #10 to #6 egg hook, drifted along the bottom for steelhead, trout and salmon. Check the state's rule — bait is banned on many trout and salmon waters.
- Wax wormsOne or two on a tiny ice jig or a #10 hook for bluegill, perch and crappie, under the ice or a float.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–70°F water, best at 48–62°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch rainbow trout in Missouri freshwater?
Peak season is March–May and October–November. Rainbow trout are here year-round. March: Opening day in the trout parks — Bennett Spring, Montauk, Roaring River.
Where do rainbow trout hold in Missouri freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, pond / pit — around Table Rock Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, Bull Shoals, Current River, Bennett Spring.
What is the best bait for rainbow trout in Missouri freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, salmon eggs (roe), wax worms. Nightcrawlers: Whole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for rainbow trout in Missouri freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and change — read the current rule at https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://mdc.mo.gov/permits.
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All about rainbow trout · Missouri fresh water, the whole year