Missouri Department of Conservation delayed winter rainbow trout stocking in urban lakes because water temperatures have not cooled enough. Fisheries staff typically start the first week of November and now intend to begin the second week.

The program puts more than 70,000 trout raised at four hatcheries into more than 30 lakes. Hatchery Systems Manager Clint Hale noted that trout need water of 55 to 60 degrees or they risk dying from temperature shock, and expected cooler weather should make stocking possible. Anglers should review each lake’s regulations, which may permit keeping trout immediately or require catch and release until February 1, and Missouri residents ages 16 to 64 need a fishing permit while anyone keeping trout needs a trout permit available from vendors, the MO Fishing app, or the department.