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Fishing regulations at Ford Lake, 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.
Regulations for top species
Channel catfish
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
Gigging
Harvest by gigging prohibited.
Snagging
Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.
Spears
Harvest of this species by "spearing" is prohibited. Spearing includes the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body.
MO Explosives Chemicals Poison Electricity
No one may use any explosive, poison, chemical or electrical equipment to kill or stupefy fish. Such material or equipment may not be possessed on waters of the state or adjacent banks.
MO Hand Fishing
It also is illegal to attempt to take fish by hand, with or without a hook, and to intentionally leave or abandon any commonly edible portion of any fish.
MO Spearguns
Spearguns may not be possessed on unimpounded waters or adjacent banks, and spears may not be propelled by explosives.
Bull Shoals Lake
Lakewide: Ozark and Taney
Daily limit:
Catfish (channel, blue and flathead): 10, combined total of these three species
From Powersite Dam to Highway 76: Taney
Prohibited Methods: Trotlines, throwlines and limb lines
For more information please see Catfish special area restrictions
Lake of the Ozarks
On the lake and its tributaries:
Daily limit:
Do not continue to snag, snare or grab for any species after taking a daily limit of 2 paddlefish.
Blue catfish: 10 fish daily and possession limit; the daily limit may not contain more than 2 blue catfish more than 34".
Length limit:
Blue catfish: 26" to 34" protected slot length limit; 10 fish daily and possession limit; the daily limit may not contain more than 2 blue catfish more than 34".
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:
Area note: No fishing is allowed.
From the downstream end of the no-fishing zone below Truman Dam to U.S. Highway 65:
Prohibited methods: Trotlines, throwlines, limb lines, jug lines, snagging, snaring and grabbing are prohibited.
For more information please see Catfish special area restrictions
Mississippi River
This area encompasses the Mississippi River, including Pools 20-26, the temporary overflow waters east of the Missouri Pacific Railroad between Cape Girardeau and Scott City, and the temporary overflow waters east of the mainline and setback levees between Commerce and the Arkansas state line.
Mississippi River, including Pools 20-26
Daily limits:
Channel catfish and blue catfish: The daily and possession limit is 20, combined total of these species.
Flathead catfish: The daily and possession limit is 10 fish.
Length limits:
Limit of 2 poles per licensed angler
Limit of 50 hooks on a trotline
For more information please see Catfish special area restrictions
Table Rock Lake
Lakewide:
Daily limit:
Do not continue to snag, snare or grab for any species after taking a daily limit of 2 paddlefish.
Catfish (channel, blue and flathead): 10, combined total of these species
For more information please see Catfish special area restrictions
Truman Lake
On the lake and its tributaries
Daily limit:
Blue catfish: 10 fish daily and possession limit, with not more than 2 blue catfish more than 34".
Size limit:
Blue catfish: 26" to 34" protected slot length limit; the daily limit may not contain more than 2 blue catfish more than 34".
Prohibited Methods: No person shall continue to snag, snare or grab for any species after taking a daily limit of 2 paddlefish.
For more information please see Catfish special area restrictions
Green sunfish
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
MO Gear
Seasonal Harvest Method Restrictions and Limits:Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Impounded WatersFebruary 16, 2023 - September 14, 2023Hours: Sunrise to sunsetDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Bowfishing: Impounded WatersApril 1, 2023 - January 31, 2024February 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024 Hours: Sunrise to midnight from February 1 to March 31.Applies to bowfishing in impounded waters.Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to bowfishing in impounded waters.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Streams and Impounded WatersMarch 15, 2024 - May 15, 2024September 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024Hours: 24 HoursDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.In the Osage River downstream from U.S. Highway 54 to the Missouri River and in the Lake of the Ozarks and Harry S. Truman Reservoir, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through April 30.On the Mississippi River, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through May 15 and Sept. 15through Dec. 15.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish:Snaring:Streams and Impounded WatersMarch 15, 2024 - May 15, 2024September 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024Hours: 24 HoursDaily limit: 20Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.In the Osage River downstream from U.S. Highway 54 to the Missouri River and in the Lake of the Ozarks and Harry S. Truman Reservoir,nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through April 30.On the Mississippi River, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through May 15 and Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl:Streams and Impounded WatersSeptember 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024Hours: Sunrise to midnightDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Crossbow: Impounded Waters and Temporary OverflowJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: Sunrise to sunsetDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to crossbow fishing in impounded waters and bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Bowfishing: Mississippi, Missouri, St. Francis RiversJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: 24 HoursDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to bowfishing in portions of the Missouri, Mississippi, and St Francis rivers.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing:Temporary OverflowJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: Sunrise to sunsetDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to snagging/grabbing in bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Temporary OverflowJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: Sunrise to sunsetDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to gigging in bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Line MethodsJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: 24 hoursDaily limit: 50, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100Possession limit: 100Applies to fishing in streams and impounded watersFor more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
MO Explosives Chemicals Poison Electricity
No one may use any explosive, poison, chemical or electrical equipment to kill or stupefy fish. Such material or equipment may not be possessed on waters of the state or adjacent banks.
MO Hand Fishing
It also is illegal to attempt to take fish by hand, with or without a hook, and to intentionally leave or abandon any commonly edible portion of any fish.
MO Spearguns
Spearguns may not be possessed on unimpounded waters or adjacent banks, and spears may not be propelled by explosives.
Daily limit: 50, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100
Possession limit: 100
The daily limit is the combined total of all nongame species taken by all nongame methods. If you have taken 50 nongame species using a pole and line, then you cannot take 20 nongame species using another nongame fishing method. If you have taken 20 nongame species via another nongame fishing method, then you can only take an additional 30 nongame species using a pole and line, or other line method.
On the Current River from Cedar Grove downstream to the Arkansas line, only 5 hogsuckers may be included in a daily limit.
Goldfish, bighead carp, common carp, grass carp, and silver carp may be possessed in any number and do not count in the daily or possession limit.
Bighead carp, common carp, grass carp, and silver carp ;that jump from the water into a boat or onto land may also be taken and possessed in any number.
For more information please refer to Fishing Regulations Missouri Department of Conservation
Additional Seasonal Harvesting Restrictions and Limits:
Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Impounded Waters
February 16, 2023 - September 14, 2023
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Impounded Waters
April 1, 2023 - January 31, 2024
February 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024
Hours: Sunrise to midnight from February 1 to March 31.
Applies to bowfishing in impounded waters.
Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
Applies to bowfishing in impounded waters.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Streams and Impounded Waters
March 15, 2024 - May 15, 2024
September 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024
Hours: 24 Hours
Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
In the Osage River downstream from U.S. Highway 54 to the Missouri River and in the Lake of the Ozarks and Harry S. Truman Reservoir, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through April 30.
On the Mississippi River, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through May 15 and Sept. 15through Dec. 15.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish:Snaring:Streams and Impounded Waters
March 15, 2024 - May 15, 2024
September 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024
Hours: 24 Hours
Daily limit: 20
Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
In the Osage River downstream from U.S. Highway 54 to the Missouri River and in the Lake of the Ozarks and Harry S. Truman Reservoir,
nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through April 30.
On the Mississippi River, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through May 15 and Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl:Streams and Impounded Waters
September 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024
Hours: Sunrise to midnight
Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish: Crossbow: Impounded Waters and Temporary Overflow
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
Applies to crossbow fishing in impounded waters and bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Mississippi, Missouri, St. Francis Rivers
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Hours: 24 Hours
Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
Applies to bowfishing in portions of the Missouri, Mississippi, and St Francis rivers.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing:Temporary Overflow
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
Applies to snagging/grabbing in bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Temporary Overflow
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
Applies to gigging in bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish: Line Methods
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Hours: 24 hours
Daily limit: 50, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100
Possession limit: 100
Applies to fishing in streams and impounded waters
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Bluegill
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
MO Gear
Seasonal Harvest Method Restrictions and Limits:Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Impounded WatersFebruary 16, 2023 - September 14, 2023Hours: Sunrise to sunsetDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Bowfishing: Impounded WatersApril 1, 2023 - January 31, 2024February 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024 Hours: Sunrise to midnight from February 1 to March 31.Applies to bowfishing in impounded waters.Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to bowfishing in impounded waters.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Streams and Impounded WatersMarch 15, 2024 - May 15, 2024September 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024Hours: 24 HoursDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.In the Osage River downstream from U.S. Highway 54 to the Missouri River and in the Lake of the Ozarks and Harry S. Truman Reservoir, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through April 30.On the Mississippi River, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through May 15 and Sept. 15through Dec. 15.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish:Snaring:Streams and Impounded WatersMarch 15, 2024 - May 15, 2024September 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024Hours: 24 HoursDaily limit: 20Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.In the Osage River downstream from U.S. Highway 54 to the Missouri River and in the Lake of the Ozarks and Harry S. Truman Reservoir,nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through April 30.On the Mississippi River, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through May 15 and Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl:Streams and Impounded WatersSeptember 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024Hours: Sunrise to midnightDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Crossbow: Impounded Waters and Temporary OverflowJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: Sunrise to sunsetDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to crossbow fishing in impounded waters and bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Bowfishing: Mississippi, Missouri, St. Francis RiversJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: 24 HoursDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to bowfishing in portions of the Missouri, Mississippi, and St Francis rivers.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing:Temporary OverflowJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: Sunrise to sunsetDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to snagging/grabbing in bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Temporary OverflowJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: Sunrise to sunsetDaily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.Applies to gigging in bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasonsNongame Fish: Line MethodsJanuary 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024Hours: 24 hoursDaily limit: 50, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100Possession limit: 100Applies to fishing in streams and impounded watersFor more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
MO Explosives Chemicals Poison Electricity
No one may use any explosive, poison, chemical or electrical equipment to kill or stupefy fish. Such material or equipment may not be possessed on waters of the state or adjacent banks.
MO Hand Fishing
It also is illegal to attempt to take fish by hand, with or without a hook, and to intentionally leave or abandon any commonly edible portion of any fish.
MO Spearguns
Spearguns may not be possessed on unimpounded waters or adjacent banks, and spears may not be propelled by explosives.
Daily limit: 50, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100
Possession limit: 100
The daily limit is the combined total of all nongame species taken by all nongame methods. If you have taken 50 nongame species using a pole and line, then you cannot take 20 nongame species using another nongame fishing method. If you have taken 20 nongame species via another nongame fishing method, then you can only take an additional 30 nongame species using a pole and line, or other line method.
On the Current River from Cedar Grove downstream to the Arkansas line, only 5 hogsuckers may be included in a daily limit.
Goldfish, bighead carp, common carp, grass carp, and silver carp may be possessed in any number and do not count in the daily or possession limit.
Bighead carp, common carp, grass carp, and silver carp ;that jump from the water into a boat or onto land may also be taken and possessed in any number.
For more information please refer to Fishing Regulations Missouri Department of Conservation
Additional Seasonal Harvesting Restrictions and Limits:
Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Impounded Waters
February 16, 2023 - September 14, 2023
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Impounded Waters
April 1, 2023 - January 31, 2024
February 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024
Hours: Sunrise to midnight from February 1 to March 31.
Applies to bowfishing in impounded waters.
Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
Applies to bowfishing in impounded waters.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Streams and Impounded Waters
March 15, 2024 - May 15, 2024
September 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024
Hours: 24 Hours
Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
In the Osage River downstream from U.S. Highway 54 to the Missouri River and in the Lake of the Ozarks and Harry S. Truman Reservoir, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through April 30.
On the Mississippi River, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through May 15 and Sept. 15through Dec. 15.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish:Snaring:Streams and Impounded Waters
March 15, 2024 - May 15, 2024
September 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024
Hours: 24 Hours
Daily limit: 20
Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
In the Osage River downstream from U.S. Highway 54 to the Missouri River and in the Lake of the Ozarks and Harry S. Truman Reservoir,
nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through April 30.
On the Mississippi River, nongame fish may be taken by snagging, snaring, and grabbing from March 15 through May 15 and Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl:Streams and Impounded Waters
September 15, 2023 - February 15, 2024
Hours: Sunrise to midnight
Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish: Crossbow: Impounded Waters and Temporary Overflow
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
Applies to crossbow fishing in impounded waters and bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Mississippi, Missouri, St. Francis Rivers
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Hours: 24 Hours
Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
Applies to bowfishing in portions of the Missouri, Mississippi, and St Francis rivers.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing:Temporary Overflow
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
Applies to snagging/grabbing in bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Temporary Overflow
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Daily limit: 20, Possession limit: 40, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100.
Applies to gigging in bodies of water produced by the temporary overflow of a river or ditch.
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
Nongame Fish: Line Methods
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Hours: 24 hours
Daily limit: 50, except on the Mississippi River which has a daily and possession limit of 100
Possession limit: 100
Applies to fishing in streams and impounded waters
For more information please see Nongame fish: additional gear and area specific seasons
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