Bates County Drainage Ditch
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Fishing regulations at Bates County Drainage Ditch, MO
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Missouri can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Paddlefish as of April 13th, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.
Seasons
Bag limit
Min size
Measurement
Extracted paddlefish eggs may not be possessed while on waters of the state or adjacent banks and may not be transported. Paddlefish eggs may not be bought, sold, or offered for sale.
https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/regulations
Lake of the Ozarks
Nongame fish: Snagging, snaring and grabbing are allowed from March 15 through April 30 only. Do not continue to snag, snare or grab for any species after taking a daily limit of 2 paddlefish.
Within 525 feet on the left descending bank and 977 feet on the right descending bank below Truman Dam in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' restricted zone: No fishing is allowed.
From the downstream end of the no-fishing zone below Truman Dam throughout the no-boating zone (look for signs and buoys): Paddlefish may not be possessed.
From the downstream end of the no-fishing zone below Truman Dam to U.S. Highway 65: Trotlines, throwlines, limb lines, jug lines, snagging, snaring and grabbing are prohibited.
For additional information please see Paddlefish special area restrictions
Little Platte River
Between Smithville Dam and U.S. Highway 169: Pole and line fishing only.
Paddlefish may not be possessed on the water or adjacent banks.
For additional information please see Paddlefish special area restrictions
Mississippi River, including Pools 20-26
Paddlefish: The open season is March 15 through May 15 and Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.
Nongame fish: Snagging, snaring and grabbing are allowed from March 15 through May 15 and from Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.
For additional information please see Paddlefish special area restrictions
Osage River
Within 225 feet below Bagnell Dam:
No fishing is allowed, except live bait may be taken by dip net and throw net only.
From the no-fishing zone below Bagnell Dam to U.S. Highway 54:
Trotlines, throwlines, limb lines, snagging, snaring and grabbing are prohibited.
From U.S. Highway 54 to the Missouri River:
Snagging, snaring and grabbing for nongame fish are allowed from March 15 through April 30 only.
No person shall continue to snag, snare or grab for any species after taking a daily limit of 2 paddlefish.
For additional information please see Paddlefish special area restrictions
Table Rock Lake
Do not continue to snag, snare or grab for any species after taking a daily limit of 2 paddlefish. On the lake and its tributaries, size limit: Paddlefish: 34" minimum body length, measured from eye to fork of tail.
For additional information please see Paddlefish special area restrictions
Truman Lake
Paddlefish: minimum 34" body length, measured from eye to fork of tail.
Prohibited Methods: No person shall continue to snag, snare or grab for any species after taking a daily limit of 2 paddlefish.
For additional information please see Paddlefish special area restrictions
Polyodon spathula, Spoonbill
Regulations for
FAQ about Bates County Drainage Ditch fishing
- Paddlefish - 2 members reported to have caught this fish
- Flathead catfish - 1 members reported to have caught this fish
- @rgardner7018 reported a nice Paddlefish.
- @jgregory209 reported a nice Paddlefish.
- @Herren reported a nice Flathead catfish.
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