Trout fishing in the Spring in Missouri is for many a Trout Park tradition. Trout Parks do indeed have much to offer. They are literally stocked with thousands upon thousands of trout, mostly rainbow trout but also a few brown trout as well. If you manage to hit them early, like in the week following opening day, there is the opportunity for lunker trout to be caught. That window is about closed as I finish this article, but the stocker sized trout are definitely good eating sized. But what are the alternatives to the trout parks in Missouri?

Throughout Missouri the trout fishing options are many. There are streams, rivers, and at least one major lake/tailwater where the trout fishing can be excellent. Expanding the zone to include the northern region of the Arkansas Ozarks opens even more possibilities. Besides the trout parks, the waters of Missouri and Arkansas can be divided into tailwater fisheries, freestone rivers, and smaller creeks and streams. I will touch on a few and a bit of further research can put you on some waters that you will likely find to your liking.

The rivers that most people will think of first are the Current River, the Meramec River, the North Fork of the White River, the White River, and the Eleven Point River. In addition to being great trout fisheries, most of these streams have an added bonus of being good or excellent smallmouth bass streams as well. In fact, while targeting trout (or vice versa), it is likely you will pick up a bronzeback or two for your efforts.

The upper stretches of the Current River are best for trout fishing. Just below Montauk State Park (a trout park), the first major access is known as Tan Vat. It is named for a part of the region’s fur trapping heritage. There is a nice parking area and plenty of room to spread out. Just down stream from there is an access named Baptist Camp. It also has ample parking and plenty of room to spread out. These are “Blue Ribbon” areas and knowledge of regulations are paramount. To possess fish, a trout stamp is required. The trout fishing remains quite good downstream from here for quite a few miles, but a word of caution is in order. As soon as the floating season begins in earnest, the waters below Baptist Camp are less than serene on weekends. Consider, if possible, planning a weekday excursion.

This advice is also true for the Meramec River. Closer to St. Louis, the Red Ribbon area is accessible from a variety of places, one of which is through Maramec Spring Park (another of the trout parks). Though not as highly regarded by some for the trout possibilities, the trout fishing can be quite good.

The Eleven Point River is quite a wilderness experience, but is exclusively a rainbow trout fishery (there are also smallmouth and a few largemouth). Many folks put in at Greers Crossing and float from there to one of a number of takeout points. The Riverton Access is to some the downstream terminus of the good trout fishing. The Eleven Point is a mix of regulations and you should check on current rules before setting out. Also, if embarking on a multi-day trip, there are several river access only campgrounds. Camping on river sandbars is also permitted.

There are many smaller streams worth a look throughout Missouri and Arkansas. Some of them have wild trout fisheries for the purists out there. Some of the more well known are Little Piney Creek, Capps Creek, Crane Creek, and Blue Springs Creek. There are many other smaller streams and a bit of research on Ozark Trout Fishing can pay big dividends.

Of course, there are the tailwaters. Some of these have produced world record fish and may do so once again. The White River below Bull Shoals Dam is an incredible fishery. So is the Taneycomo fishery as well as the Norfork River, and the Little Red. These fisheries are loaded with fish, fishing guides, and all the amenities you could ask for. Large fish and large daily catches are the rule rather than the exception. One word of caution for these waters is to be ever careful of the sometimes quickly rising water levels. When water is released from the dams the water level can rise at a dangerous rate.

So if you are a Midwestern fisherman, give these waters a look. The fish might not be the only thing that get hooked.

Paul Marsh co-authors a website that emphasizes teaching outdoors skills in the areas of hunting, fishing, and camping, all with the highest priority on assisting families and newcomers to these activities. His website Family-Outdoors has information on camping, hunting, and fishing from all perspectives.