A Holiday for Trout Anglers
March 1st is practically a holiday for Missouri trout anglers, rich with traditions that date back to 1924. After a seemingly everlasting Winter this hallowed date finally arrives. And at precisely 6:30 am Trout season begins, signaled by a blaring siren. Opening day of Trout season in Missouri is finally here!
For those of you not familiar with Missouri Trout Parks, the “whistle” is a repurposed civil defense or air raid horn. The State of Missouri wanted to make good use for these sirens and placed them at the trout parks. And the “whistle” is in charge. No fishing before the “whistle” in the morning or after it in the evening.
So exactly what does this mean? It means anglers of all types jockey for position in the stream before the sound of the whistle. It is not uncommon for fishermen to stand shoulder to shoulder along the banks and wading in the stream. Showing up at 6:30 on opening day guarantees you limited selection of places to fish. Plan to show up to your “honey hole” an hour or two before 6:30 am. And when the whistle blows everyone casts at the same time.
Missouri is home to other trout streams and lakes but the 4 trout parks all open for catch and keep fishing March 1. The other parks are Roaring River State Park, Cassville, MO, Meramec Spring Park, St. James, MO and Montauk State Park, Salem, MO.
Opening Day Preparations
The Missouri Department of Conservation is stocking the stream at Bennett Spring State Park with 6500 hungry Rainbow Trout! Bennett Spring is trending at about 2000 anglers on opening day. Total trout stocked among the three trout parks is about 20,000.
As the sun begins peaking over the horizon on March 1st the atmosphere is charged and exciting, like a tailgate party at Arrowhead Stadium before a KC Chiefs game. Hoots and hollers up and down the stream break the tension before the whistle blows. Some years there have been bonfires lighting the dark up and down the stream.
Fishing opening day truly is an event. Some folks have fished opening day religiously for years! Some just show up to observe the craziness that is the Missouri trout opener. Some local school districts including Cassville, MO which is the home of Roaring River State Park actually are closed every March 1st just like any other federal holiday.
There are some things that are certain! Many fish will be caught. There will be many crossed and tangled lines. Fun will be had by everyone–and that is the whole point.
The weather forecast is calling for a sunny 75 degree day! Opening Day of trout season is finally here! I can’t think of a better place to be on March 1st. It’s a tradition!