Some things are made to last, and then there is Brian Clapp’s fishing record.
Clapp, of Butler, captured the Missouri state record for yellow perch March 18 when he caught a 1-pound, 7-ounce fish measuring 13 inches. His fame was short-lived. (more…)

The Mo. Dept. of Conservation announced that fish losses at Missouri hatcheries in 2008 will result in about 180,000 fewer fish being stocked in 2009 at Missouri trout parks and other waters. This is about a 10% reduction, or 0.25 fish per angler, according to James Civiello, Trout Hatchery Program Director.

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If hooking into a big river catfish, and feeling the whiskered power try to pull your boat upstream is your idea of fishing, take note: The Twisted Cat Tournament Series for 2009 is underway.

The first event, March 7 at Columbia Bottoms/Confluence, has already passed, but six events remain:

• April 4 – Hermann MO, Missouri River
• May 2 – Eire, IL , Rock River
• July 4 – Louisiana, MO, Mississippi River
• Aug. 22 – Fishing for the Cure @ Eire, IL, Rock River*
• Sept. 12 – Taylor’s Landing Columbia MO, Missouri River
• Oct. 10 – Quincy, IL, Mississippi River. (more…)

According to a report this morning in the St. Louis Post Dispatch, noodlers, fans of barehanded  catfishing, are back in Jefferson City at a Senate hearing to legalize their sport.

MDC had a five year trial starting in 1995 on Missouri’s big rivers, in which 159 people caught and reported 27 fish. Noodling has been a point of contention ever since it was outlawed in 1917. After the trial, Department fisheries biologists ruled that noodling would negatively affect catfish stock, and the ban was reinstated. Noodlers, however, are not deterred easily.  Noodling link.

Resident fishing permit prices remain unchanged from 2008.
Resident and nonresident anglers under age 16 will be able to buy trout
permits for $3.50 instead of the regular price of $7, effective July 1. Daily trout tags remain $3 for adults and $2 for anglers under age 16.
Effective July 1, nonresident fishing permits will increase from $40 to $42.
Nonresident students attending public or private secondary, post-secondary or vocational schools in Missouri can buy 2009 resident permits, except lifetime permits, starting in July. Such purchases must be made at MDC offices. Such student fishers need student and residency IDs with them while fishing. –MDC releases.

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The Missouri Department of Conservation has decided not to
test special restrictions on catfishing in central Missouri. The agency
held four public meetings in July and August to gauge anglers’
attitudes toward a possible trial of more restrictive flathead and blue
catfish regulations. Eight out of 10 anglers who commented on the proposed regulations said they did not want the change. (more…)