JEFFERSON CITY—State Sen. Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, wants to highlight several great activities sponsored by the state Department of Conservation (MDC) that will be taking place in February.
“Getting outside and enjoying Missouri’s natural beauty isn’t just an activity reserved for the warmer months. In fact, the cooler, winter months provide many exciting chances to see our beautiful state from a completely different perspective, offering up many sights and wildlife that are distinctly unique to this time of year,” said Sen. Walsh. “I really encourage area residents, and families of the 13th District, to take advantage of these fun and educational events our state Department of Conservation holds throughout the year. Bundle up warm, take a blanket and get outside to see the magnificent winter sights our state has to offer.”
Conservation Department Offers Close-to-Home Winter Trout Fishing
Whether you are a seasoned angler or a first-timer, you can find excellent fishing at one of the many urban trout fishing lakes in the Saint Louis area. MDC began stocking trout in urban ponds and lakes in Saint Louis City in 1989. Since then, the Saint Louis Winter Trout Program has expanded into Saint Louis County, five cities and the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area.
Each year, MDC hatcheries raise and stock more than 35,000 trout in the Saint Louis area. Although a few lunkers (up to 10 pounds) are stocked, most stocked trout average three-quarters of a pound. Most are rainbow trout, but brown trout have been included on rare occasions. Trout stocking in urban lakes begins in early November and runs through February. Several lakes receive two stockings a month, while seasonal catch-and-release lakes get stocked less.
Regulations, Permits and Gear
For urban trout fishing, you will need a fishing permit. Please remember, the trout lakes are catch and release from November through January—this means you can’t take your catch home to eat. During the catch and release season, only artificial lures can be used. Beginning Feb. 1, you can catch and keep the trout at the winter lakes and use any bait or lure. If you plan on keeping the trout, you will need to purchase a trout permit ($7 and its good for the entire year). You can buy and print your hunting and fishing permits online.
Tips For Success
- Don't worry about gear – a simple, inexpensive rod and reel, and a few artificial lures will do;
- Experiment and visit with other anglers who are having success;
- Trout often strike lightly, so keep your line tight and use light line (four-pound test or less) for the best results;
- Drift or very slowly retrieve a small jig or fly under a tiny bobber or strike indicator; and
- Be ready to set your hook at the slightest twitch of the line.
Participating Saint Louis Lakes
If you find time, consider traveling to one of Missouri’s fine trout parks where fish are stocked daily from March 1 through Oct. 31. MDC also stocks trout in several cold-water Ozarks streams.
For more information on the Missouri Department of Conservations urban trout fishing program, or other programs, please call the Saint Louis Regional Office at (636) 441-4554. Happy fishing!
Also in February, the following event will be held at the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area:
Date: Friday, Feb. 6
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Ages: 7 and up
In 1804, explorers from the Lewis & Clark expedition described a “Small wolf with a large bushy tail” that “barked like a ferce dog.” Corp members called them little prairie wolves. We call them coyotes. Explore the important role coyotes play in the wildlife community. Examine a coyote pelt, and feel the sharp edges of their teeth. We’ll drive to the Prairie Exploration Station to listen for their yipping howls. Those who wish to extend their time outdoors can proceed to the Confluence viewing platform to view the full moon over the rivers. Dress in layers for the weather. Meet at the Visitor Center. Reservations begin Jan. 23.
To make reservations, call (314) 877-6014, Wednesday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the Department of Conservation’s website at www.mdc.mo.gov.
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is in north St. Louis County at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. To reach the area, go north approximately 2.8 miles from the I-270 Riverview Drive exit. Riverview Drive becomes Columbia Bottom Road at its intersection with Larimore Road.
Senator Walsh regularly informs 13th District residents of upcoming local events held by state agencies. To subscribe to her regular legislative and district updates, click here or visit her Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/walsh. |
