JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, encourages all anglers in the St. Louis area to take advantage of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s urban winter trout fishing program. The department stocks rainbow trout in a number of cooperatively managed local ponds and lakes for catch-and-release fishing, which is open to all, and harvest, which begins Feb. 1 and requires an annual trout permit.

“Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes in our state. Unfortunately, those of us in the metro areas don’t get as many chances to cast a line,” said Sen. Walsh. “Thanks to the Department of Conservation, though, anglers throughout the St. Louis area can enjoy some winter fishing. It’s one of those great, little-known programs that people should take advantage of, especially those with children—fishing is a wonderful youth activity.”

The Conservation Department stocks the rainbow trout in late October. Catch-and-release fishing begins Nov. 1 and lasts through Jan. 31. Fishing in these areas is limited to artificial lures and flies. After Feb. 1, those with an annual trout permit may harvest the fish using any type of bait, lure or fly, with a daily limit of four trout. Catch-and-release fishing doesn’t require a permit.

The program began in the 1990s as a way to give urban anglers more fishing opportunities. Costs are split between the city and the department. The trout are raised at one of five cold-water hatcheries managed by the Department of Conservation.

The Department stocks trout in the following St. Louis and St. Charles ponds and lakes:

• Boathouse Lake in St. Louis
• Carp Lake in St. Louis County
• Island Lake in St. Louis County
• January-Wabash Park Lake in Ferguson
• Jefferson Lake in St. Louis
• Koeneman Park Lake in Jennings
• Lakes 21 and 28 (August A. Busch CA) in St. Charles County
• Lakes 3, 22 and 23 (August A. Busch CA) in St. Charles County
• O'Fallon Park Lake in St. Charles County
• Tilles Park Lake in St. Louis County
• Vlasis Park Lake in Ballwin
• Walker Lake in Kirkwood
• Wild Acres Park Lake in Overland

For more information on urban winter trout fishing, visit the Department of Conservation’s website at www.mdc.mo.gov or call (573) 751-4115.