The greater Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas boast,
by far, the largest population centers in the state. For this reason, the
Missouri Department of Conversation made the decision that additional outdoor
recreation experiences should be brought into the cities to reach those
citizens that are most typically left out. And so the Urban Winter Trout
fishing program was born. At first, only a few lakes were stocked. The
program became so popular, however, that additional lakes were quickly added.
As participation grew, additional cities were added to the mix. First Jefferson City,
Columbia and Jackson were added. Now we also have programs in Mexico and Sedalia.
With Kansas City's four trout lakes and St. Louis' 16 trout lakes, that brings the
state's urban trout lake total to 25 destinations.
All of Missouri's 25 urban trout lakes are pretty much managed the same way. All are
stocked in early November, with a few receiving more than one stocking during the winter.
Several of the lakes have a catch-and-release season, but the others have no bait
restrictions with a daily limit of four trout, just like the White Ribbon trout areas.
The most popular method of fishing these lakes is the sit-and-wait bait method using any of
the popular floating dough baits. The most successful method, however, tends to be using
lures like in-line spinners, small spoons, teeny crankbaits, rubber shad or trout worms
(if legal), and fly casting small colorful streamers. At times, dry flies can also work.
Without a current, though, the trout are forced to cruise in search of food and are
generally more willing to chase down minnows and swimming aquatic insects.
