Winter Trout Fishing Program

Cosmo-Bethel Lake
4500 Bethel St.

Notice: The Winter Trout Fishing Program has been RESTORED!!!

2008-2009 Season - UPDATE 10/28/08

We are pleased to announce that the Mid-Missouri Chapter of Trout Unlimited has agreed to sponsor the 2008-2009 Winter Trout Fishing Program at Cosmo-Bethel Lake. Once board members of the local Trout Unlimited Chapter heard about the cancellation of the program due to the City's budget constraints, they agreed to pick-up the City's portion through the use of Chapter funds and private donations. The Missouri Department of Conservation agreed to continue their sponsorship of 50% of the program and together, the 2008-2009 winter trout program will proceed as originally planned. Total cost of this program ranges from $5,000-$6,000 depending on the number and size of the trout stocked. If you would like to help contribute to the program, please contact the Mid-Missouri Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Funding for the 2009-2010 winter trout season is uncertain at this time. Your support could help continue this program.

Program

Under a cooperative agreement, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Columbia Parks & Recreation, and the Mid-Missouri Chapter of Trout Unlimited stocks trout into Cosmo-Bethel Lake to create an urban winter fishery in central Missouri. The program was initiated in 2003 and has continued each year since. Note: City funding is not included in the 2008-2009 program.

One of the goals of the Missouri Department of conservation’s Urban Fishing Program is to increase fishing opportunities and species diversity in urban lakes. Since 1989, the Missouri Department of Conservation has stocked rainbow trout in St. Louis and Kansas City area lakes to provide close-to-home fishing opportunities. Urban winter trout fishing has been so successful in these cities that the program was expanded to include Columbia.

About 2,400 trout are stocked into Cosmo-Bethel Lake during the first week in November. Most of the trout stocked are 10 to 12 inches long; however, some larger fish are also released.

All trout must be released, unharmed from November 1-January 31. Only artificial baits (no natural or scented baits) can be used from November 1-January 31. After January 31, anglers can harvest trout under statewide regulations (see below).

Columbia’s Winter Trout Program is sponsored by Columbia Parks & Recreation, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Mid-Missouri Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Call the Missouri Department of Conservation, 573-884-6861, for more information.

Columbia's Winter Trout Fishing Brochure (PDF)

Columbia Area CAP Lakes Brochure (PDF)

Cosmo-Bethel Park

Cosmo-Bethel Park Map

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Rules and Regulations:

1. All trout must be released, unharmed from November 1 to January 31.
2. Only artificial baits (no natural or scented baits) can be used from November 1 to January 31.
3. After January 31, anglers can harvest trout under statewide regulations. Any legal bait or lure can be used.
   • Daily Limit - 4
   • Possession Limit - 8
4. Anglers ages 16 through 64 must possess a valid Missouri fishing permit.
5. Anglers wanting to keep trout must possess a trout permit. Catch-and-release anglers do not need a trout permit.
6. Anglers are limited to three (3) fishing poles.
7. Wading is allowed during the winter trout program.
8. All types of boats, including personal flotation devices such as belly boats, are prohibited.

Missouri Trout Fishing - MO Dept. of Conservation website

Know Missouri's Trout Brochure (MDC Website, PDF- 2.3 mb)

A Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations Booklet (MDC Website, PDF - 3.9 mb)

 

 

 

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