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Winter Trout Fishing Program

Cosmo-Bethel Lake

Under a cooperative agreement, the Missouri Department of ConservatioTrout stocking at Cosmo-Bethel Laken, Columbia Parks & Recreation, and the Mid-Missouri Chapter of Trout Unlimited stocks trout into Cosmo-Bethel Lake to create an urban winter fishery in central Missouri.

One of the goals of the Missouri Department of conservation’s Urban Fishing Program is to increase fishing opportunities and species diversity in urban lakes. Since 1989, the Missouri Department of Conservation has stocked rainbow trout in St. Louis and Kansas City area lakes to provide close-to-home fishiTrout stocking at Cosmo-Bethel Lakeng opportunities. Urban winter trout fishing has been so successful in these cities that the program was expanded to include Columbia.

Over 2,400 trout are stocked into Cosmo-Bethel Lake during the first week in November. Most of the trout stocked are 10 to 12 inches long, however, some larger fish are also released.

All trout must be released, unharmed from November 1-January 31. Only artificial baits (no natural or scented baits) can be used from November 1-January 31. After January 31, anglers can harvest trout under statewide regulations (see below).Close up of trout stocked in Cosmo-Bethel Lake

Columbia’s Winter Trout Program is sponsored by Columbia Parks & Recreation, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Mid-Missouri Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Call the Missouri Department of Conservation, 573-884-6861, for more information.

Columbia's Winter Trout Fishing Brochure (PDF)

Columbia Area CAP Lakes Brochure (PDF)

Rules and Regulations:

  1. All trout must be released, unharmed from November 1 to January 31.
  2. Only artificial baits (no natural or scented baits) can be used from November 1 to January 31.
  3. After January 31, anglers can harvest trout under statewide regulations. Any legal bait or lure can be used.
    • Daily Limit - 4
    • Possession Limit - 8
  4. Anglers ages 16 through 64 must possess a valid Missouri fishing permit.
  5. Anglers wanting to keep trout must possess a trout permit. Catch-and-release anglers do not need a trout permit.
  6. Anglers are limited to three (3) fishing poles.
  7. Wading is allowed during the winter trout program.
  8. All types of boats, including personal flotation devices such as belly boats, are prohibited.

Know Missouri's Trout Brochure (MDC Website, PDF- 2.3 mb)

A Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations Booklet (MDC Website, PDF - 3.9 mb)

 

 

 
 
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