Anglers may catch and keep black bass, such as largemouth, smallmouth, spotted/Kentucky bass, May 25 through Feb. 29, 2020, in most streams south of the Missouri River. Black bass can be caught and released legally throughout the year anywhere in Missouri, and legal-sized bass may be kept all year long from impoundments statewide. In most state waters, the daily limit on black bass is six. Fish taken from most rivers and streams must be 12 inches long. Additional specific regulations may apply to specific waters or areas. Anglers must have a valid fishing permit or be exempt.

More information on bass fishing can be found in MDC’s 2019 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations, available where permits are sold, or online at https://bit.ly/2J7b8dm

Get tips from MDC on cooking fish at https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/get-started-fishing/cooking-fish