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Ozark National Scenic RiverwaysCanoes with rocky bluff in background
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Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Hunting & Fishing
 

 

HUNTING

FISHING

 Trout Rules

Bass Rules


Hunting is permitted inside most areas of Ozark National Scenic Riverways and subject to state regulations. Consult the Missouri Wildlife Code for legal methods of pursuing and transporting game and seasons. (Also available as a booklet where hunting licenses are sold).

  • A Missouri hunting license is required.
  • All state seasons and limits apply.                                                              
    Areas closed to hunting, year round:
  • ¨ Alley Spring Area
  • ¨ Big Spring Area
  • ¨ Round Spring Area
  • ¨ Powder Mill / Owls Bend Area
  • ¨ Big Spring Wildlife Refuge Area
  • ¨ All other developed park areas

Firearms must be unloaded and cased or broken down when carried in a motorized vehicle or boat. Missouri's concealed firearms law does not apply in the park. Concealed weapons are illegal within the Ozark Riverways.

Vehicles, including off-road vehicles and ATVs, must remain on the established county roadways. Off-road travel is prohibited. All vehicles, including ATVs must be properly licensed and have a valid county permit and all required safety equipment.

FISHING

Fishing is permitted in the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, with a valid Missouri fishing license. However, fishing in springs or spring branches is strictly prohibited. Consult the Missouri Fishing Regulations for regulations, length limits and seasons. (There is also a booklet available where fishing licenses are sold). Anyone possessing trout must also have a valid trout permit.

TROUT SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA

Current River and its tributaries from Montauk State Park to Cedargrove bridge:

Bait- Only artificial lures and flies are permitted. Soft plastic, scented and natural (natural fish food and other food substances - such as: worms, fish eggs, dough baits) are specifically prohibited.

Trout - must be at least 18" long, or be immediately released. Daily limit is one trout of any species. A trout permit is required, regardless of age, to have trout in your possession.Trout in possession must retain head, skin and tail. (No filets)

BLACK BASS SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA

Jacks Fork River between Highway 17 and Highway 106 bridges:

Black Bass must be at least 12" long or else be immediately released unharmed.

Smallmouth Bass must be at least 18" long, or else immediately released unharmed.

Daily limit for Black Bass is six, of which no more than one may be a Smallmouth Bass.

The Black Bass family includes the Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Spotted (Kentucky) Bass.

Canoers enjoying the river
Canoers enjoying the river
Canoeing is the most popular activity at Ozark National Scenic Riverways
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Alley Mill
Alley Mill was built in 1894
Learn more about the history of the "Old Red Mill"
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Lady Slipper Orchid
Wildflowers in the Ozarks
Many people are surprised to find that wild orchids grow in the Ozarks. More about wildflowers....
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Welch Hospital
Welch Hospital ruins near Akers
The Welch Hospital sits next to Welch Spring upstream from Akers. Read about its history....
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Water cascading through a shut in  

Did You Know?
"Shut Ins" are an Ozark term for small canyon-like areas where water and rock struggle. Ozark National Scenic Riverways' Rocky Falls is the best known in the park, but there are several more in less easily accessible areas such as near Klepzig Mill. More at www.nps.gov/ozar
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Last Updated: January 03, 2007 at 15:30 EST