Target species
If trout is the goal, use only current MDC winter locations. For catfish, sunfish or bass, consider regular urban and CAP lakes.
CAST STL · URBAN FISHING · REVIEWED NOVEMBER 2, 2026
Which St. Louis lake should you fish?
Many small St. Louis lakes are easy to confuse: not every urban lake has winter trout, not every trout lake lets you keep fish in November, and the same two parks can have different lakes. Start here to make one practical decision before driving.
Current 2026 trout notice: MDC announced October 29 that warm water delayed its opening urban trout stocking. Second-week November stocking was anticipated, not confirmed. Read the notice ↗ · Stocking hotline: 636-300-9651.
November–JanuaryI want catch-and-release winter troutStart with Jefferson, Tilles or Koeneman, and pack only the permitted artificial tackle.
November–JanuaryI may want to keep troutCompare Boathouse, Vlasis, January-Wabash, Suson or Gendron; permits and pole rules differ.
Warm seasonI want catfish or panfish near townWillmore’s North and South lakes are urban warm-water options, not on the winter-trout list.
St. CharlesI want a non-trout bank-fishing optionKluesner, Moore and Skate Park lakes are distinct waters; select a fishery, not just a park.
DONT GUESS WHICH PARK HAS WHICH RULE
Ten local guides. Three big distinctions.
| Destination | Fishery / winter category | Deciding detail |
|---|---|---|
| Carondelet Park | Boathouse: trout; Horseshoe: warm-water | Two different lakes; choose before unloading. |
| Jefferson Lake | Trout release-only, artificial Nov–Jan | Nine-acre Forest Park water; no boats. |
| Tilles Park | Trout release-only, artificial Nov–Jan | Two acres; daylight park hours. |
| Koeneman Park | Trout release-only, artificial Nov–Jan | Six acres in Jennings; rule changes Feb 1. |
| Vlasis Park | Trout harvest allowed with conditions | Half-acre lake; one pole and no chum Nov–Jan. |
| January-Wabash | Trout harvest allowed with conditions | Ferguson lake; also notable spring bass potential. |
| Gendron · Tiemeyer | Statewide trout methods | Three poles max year-round; park opens at 10 a.m. per MDC. |
| Willmore North / South | Warm-water urban; not winter-trout list | Two separate city lakes. |
| Bee Tree Park | Community assistance; not winter-trout list | Spring bass potential noted by MDC. |
| Fountain Lakes · St. Charles | Community assistance; not winter-trout list | Kluesner, Moore and Skate Park are three different lakes. |
Why some urban lakes aren't on the winter trout list
Urban fishing and winter trout are related but different programs. MDC identifies specific winter trout waters; a lake’s participation in urban catfish or community fishing does not automatically mean it receives trout. Check the official list and don't rely on an outdated social post.
KEEP THE TRIP SIMPLE
Your decision in four steps.
Check the actual water
At Carondelet and Willmore, choosing the wrong lake changes your plan. At Busch, the numbered-lake rule matters.
Bring legal gear
Review current posted restrictions, park hours, permit requirements, and stocking before traveling. One-pole and bait rules differ.
Sources reviewed November 2, 2026: MDC winter-trout locations · regional special fishing rules · urban program · Oct 29 stocking update. Planning research only: no personal catch claims and no real-time stocking confirmation.