Can You Fish in Missouri Without a License in 2024?

As an avid angler, you may be wondering if you can fish in Missouri without a license in 2024. The short answer is: it depends. In Missouri, you’ll need a permit to fish in the state unless you qualify for an exemption. The fishing permit is good for fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait.

Besides the general fishing permit, you may also need a permit to fish a particular species. For example, you’ll need a trout permit to possess trout. The Missouri Department of Conservation website has a list of permits required by species.

There are several exemptions to Missouri’s general fishing permit requirement. The following individuals do not need a permit:

• Residents under 16 years of age
• Residents 65 years of age and older
• Anglers fishing on their own private impounded waters

Some reciprocal fishing privileges may exempt you from having a permit in Missouri if you are licensed in a neighboring state and fishing in certain rivers. The Department of Conservation website lists the rules for these privileges.

Types of Fishing Permits in Missouri

There are several types of fishing permits you can purchase in Missouri:

• Resident fishing permit
• Nonresident fishing permit
• Trout permit
• Daily trout tag (for fishing in trout parks)
• Lifetime fishing permit
• Reduced cost military permit

While the permit fees are subject to change each year, for 2024, the rates are as follows:

	Resident	Non-Resident
Fishing Permit	$13.00	$51.00
Trout Permit	$7.00	$7.00
Daily Trout Tag	$4.00	$4.00

You can buy your Missouri fishing permit in one of several ways:

• Online through the Missouri Department of Conservation website
• By telephone
• From permit vendors across the state
• By mail using the application form

It’s important to note, however, that certain types of permits cannot be purchased using all of these methods. For instance, you can’t get a reduced cost military permit at vendors, by telephone, or through the online system, and the lifetime permits can’t be purchased online or through a vendor.

If you have an account online with the Department of Conservation website, you may enroll in an auto-renewal service that will automatically renew your permit before the start of the next season or permit year.

Missouri Fishing Laws and Regulations

Missouri has its own set of fishing laws and regulations that need to be followed in order to protect their fish populations. These laws cover various aspects of fishing, such as:

• Possession limits
• Size limits
• Gear restrictions
• Closed seasons
• Special management areas

It’s important for anglers to familiarize themselves with these regulations before heading out on the water. The Missouri Department of Conservation website provides a comprehensive summary of the current fishing regulations.

In addition to the general fishing permit, anglers may need additional permits or tags for certain species or fishing locations. For example:

• A trout permit is required to possess trout, except in trout parks where you must purchase a daily trout fishing tag.
• A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit is also required for hunting waterfowl, doves, snipe, woodcock, and rails.
• A Federal Duck Stamp is required for hunting waterfowl.
• A Conservation Order Permit is required for hunting snow, blue, and Ross’s geese during the Light Goose Conservation Order.

Anglers should also be aware of the various fishing seasons and limits for different species. These can vary depending on the type of water being fished (e.g., impoundments, streams, trout parks) and the time of year.

In summary, while there are some exemptions, most anglers in Missouri will need a fishing permit to legally fish in the state in 2024. The permit fees are subject to change each year, and additional permits may be required for certain species or fishing locations. By familiarizing themselves with the current fishing regulations and purchasing the appropriate permits, anglers can enjoy a successful and responsible fishing experience in Missouri.