Roaring
River State Park This page was
updated 5/22/06
Daily tag required. Regulations vary by zone.
Daily limit is 4 trout, of which only one may be a brown trout. All brown trout less than 15" long
must be released immediately unharmed.
Roaring River State Park is the second most popular trout park in the state, according
to daily tag sales, and it's popularity is growing. This growing popularity is largely
due to the various amenities that are now available. The Roaring River Inn is very nice
and offers both hotel rooms and suites, and the Tree Top Grille is also very nice, with
rustic décor and good food. Their park store is an Orvis certified flyshop, which is a
rarity regardless of location. And while you'll find the things you would expect --
cabins, swimming pool, camping, nature center, etc. -- you'll also find things that will
surprise you -- like bicycle rentals. However, a big reason it's becoming more popular
is that Kansas City fishermen are becoming more aware of it. Many KC trout enthusiasts
have long believed that it's Bennett Spring or nothing. If
you're willing to invest an extra 1/2-hour of driving time, you could be at Roaring River
instead -- lighter crowds and (arguably) better fishing.
The river is fed by a primary large spring which… well… springs from a very impressive
submerged cave into a dammed spring pool full of giant fish, which we're not allowed to
fish for. Perhaps they'll make it catch-and-release someday (cross your fingers). There
are 3 zones with various regulations, which is typical of the three state-owned trout
parks, but there are some notable differences to fishing here. First, the landscaping
(or "hydro-scaping") varies quite a bit.
Zone 1 has been restructured with a series of natural dams, forcing the river into a
series of shallow riffles and deep pools, both of which are routinely productive. The
pools can be exceptional, if you can get your bait deep enough. And, a nice side effect
of this restructuring is that it naturally restricts wading -- its just too deep. So
what, you ask? No wading means that the aquatic insects are able to maintain a strong
population and, thus, the fish eat them! So what, you ask again? This means two things.
First, it means that Western-style flies work well in this area. Second, the fish grow
more quickly with the abundant natural food sources.
Zone 2 has a catch-and-release area, so look for the signs. This area is stocked less
frequently, if at all, but the fish are also a bit bigger and act more as nature intended.
An interesting twist in this area is that waders and swimmers are also permitted to be in
the area, so everyone will have to mind their manners.
Zone 3 is unique among the parks. First, there are no bait restrictions of any kind in zone
3. Lastly, there is very little bank access and no landscaping, meaning you'll be fishing
in a truly wild setting with very little company. Bait fishermen have good success drifting
salmon eggs under a small bobber, while fly fishermen will enjoy using pheasant tails and
hare's ears while watching for some decent little mayfly and caddis hatches to prompt them
to tie on a dry. Spin fishermen will have a ball casting in-line spinners into pools and
near rootwads. FYI: in the past, a daily tag was not required in zone 3, which was another
interesting aspect of this place. Consider yourself warned, however, that this is no longer
the case.
To get here from Springfield, take Highway 60 West to Monett, then Highway 37 South to Cassville.
Then pick up Highway 112 South and follow it to the park entrance. Kansas City fishermen generally
take Highway 71 South past Joplin all the way to Highway 60. Take 60 East to Monett, and 37 South,
as just described previously. To get here from Branson, first go South on Highway 13, then hang a
right on Highway 86 and take it to Eagle Rock. Cross the river and turn left on Highway F.
Call (417) 847-2430 for more information
You can download a detailed conservation department map of Roaring River State Park by checking our
Maps page. Click here to see a recent
Roaring River State Park fishing report. After you visit Roaring River, we hope you'll also
come back to tell us how you did.
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written permission. Please contact us if you see something you'd like to use.
