MDC alters winter trout stocking schedule for KC area lakes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is altering the winter trout stocking schedule for lakes in the Kansas City area. MDC raises rainbow trout at hatcheries and typically stocks the Kansas City area lakes in phases during the winter months. This winter, the hatcheries are over capacity with fish due to drought and renovations on one hatchery. Kansas City area lakes will get the same total number of fish as scheduled for the winter, but they will receive twice as many fish in November and January.

Rainbow trout are not native to Missouri waters. MDC stocks trout in some spring-fed streams in the Ozarks, including at trout parks. Cooler water temperatures and higher oxygen levels during winter enable Kansas City area lakes to support trout as well. MDC stocks trout during winter to provide anglers a close-to-home fishing opportunity. Most of the stockings are done in public lakes in partnership with county and city parks departments.

Kansas City area lakes that are stocked include:

• Cleveland Lake in Belton
• Chaumiere Lake in the Northland of Kansas City
• Two ponds at Capitol Federal Sport Complex in Liberty
• Jesse James Park Lake in Kearney
• Johnston Lake in Raymore
• Plover Lake and Coot Lake at James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee's Summit
• Honker Lake at James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee's Summit (Youth only)

Anglers may keep trout up to a limit of four if they have a Missouri trout permit. Missouri residents over age 15 and under 65 need a valid fishing permit. Non-residents over 15 need a state fishing permit and a trout permit.

To check on whether the November and January trout stockings have occurred, call MDC's fish stocking hotline at 816-525-0300. Press 2 at the recorded prompt.

For more information on urban winter trout fishing throughout Missouri, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoH