Fishing regulations
Statewide methods, seasons, limits and links to special-water regulations.
MDC regulations ↗BEFORE YOU CAST
Check the rule that
applies to your water.
Fishing rules can differ by species, season and individual waterbody. Cast STL summarizes trip-planning information, but the current agency rule and posted signs always control.
Do this before every trip: confirm your permit, check statewide rules, check the specific lake or river for special regulations, and read signs at the access point.
MISSOURI
Official MDC resources.
Most Cast STL local guides are in Missouri. Use these Missouri Department of Conservation pages for the current rule, not a screenshot or an old summary.
Fishing permits
Current permit types, fees, exemptions and purchasing information.
MDC permits ↗Fishing seasons
Current dates, hours, statewide limits and species-specific season information.
MDC seasons ↗ST. LOUIS AREA
Special rules matter.
Urban lakes and conservation-area waters can have regulations that differ from general statewide limits.
Check the exact waterbody
Busch Wildlife, trout-program lakes and some city or county waters can have special harvest, lure, length or access rules. Open the official regulation page from the Cast STL location guide whenever one is provided.
Posted signs still count
Temporary closures, park hours, construction and site-specific restrictions can change faster than a web guide. Read the signs where you enter and follow current instructions from the managing agency.
ILLINOIS ROAD TRIPS
Official IDNR resources.
For Pere Marquette, Carlyle Lake, Rend Lake and other Illinois destinations, verify Illinois rules separately.
2026 Illinois fishing regulations
The current Illinois regulation booklet includes statewide and site-specific sportfishing rules.
2026 regulations ↗Illinois fishing licenses
Current resident and nonresident fishing-license information from IDNR.
IDNR licenses ↗IDNR home & current notices
Use IDNR for current site notices, closures and agency information before a longer trip.
Illinois DNR ↗CAST STL RULE
Plan here.
Verify there.
Cast STL guide pages are written to help you choose a water and prepare a simple trip. They are not a substitute for the current fishing code, permit requirements or posted site rules.