MISSOURI TROUT PARK

Bennett Spring State Park.
Make the drive count.

A classic Missouri trout-park trip where zone rules matter as much as lure choice.

Open mapAll road trips
Long day / overnighttrip scale from STL
Rainbow troutheadline target
Official rulescheck before fishing
Destination waterplan before you leave

TRIP PLAN

Know the water.
Then pack the tackle.

Best targets: Rainbow trout · Brown trout
When: March–October catch-and-keep season; winter catch-and-release days

WHY GO

Bennett Spring State Park

A classic Missouri trout-park trip where zone rules matter as much as lure choice.

Trip type: Long day / overnight

Targets: Rainbow trout · Brown trout

STARTER SETUPS

Pack for the target.
Not every fish.

Zone-first tackle

Read the zone before rigging. Bennett's legal presentations change by section.

Read the zone before rigging. Bennett's legal presentations change by section.

Light line

4–6 lb mono/fluoro is a practical general trout starting point.

4–6 lb mono/fluoro is a practical general trout starting point.

Small presentations

Small jigs, spoons, spinners or legal bait—only where the specific zone allows them.

Small jigs, spoons, spinners or legal bait—only where the specific zone allows them.

CURRENT NOTES

Rules that matter.

  • A fishing permit plus daily trout tag is required during the regular March 1–October 31 trout season unless exempt.
  • The spring branch is divided into zones with different legal flies, lures and baits.
  • During the 2026 season, MDC says the hatchery complex is unavailable for public tours/use because of renovations.
  • Porous-soled waders are prohibited.

OFFICIAL SOURCE

Verify before the drive.

Conditions and regulations change. Use the official agency source before a long trip.

Official fishing information