MO Fishing Without a License — Penalties, Fines & Creel Limits (2026)

MO fishing penalties: $50–$1,000. MDC (800) 392-1111. Crappie 30/day! Bass 6. Trout 4.

Fishing without a valid MO fishing permit carries penalties from MDC conservation agents.

ViolationFine RangeNotes
No fishing permit$50 – $500Per offense
No trout permit at trout park$50 – $200$12 permit — don't risk it!
Over creel limit$100 – $1,000 per fishPer-fish basis

Key Creel Limits

SpeciesDaily LimitNotes
Largemouth bass6Table Rock, Ozarks — 12″ min
Smallmouth bass6Current/Jacks Fork rivers — float fishing!
Crappie3030 crappie/day! Lake of the Ozarks!
Trout (parks)4Trout parks — 4/day catch-and-keep
Channel catfish10Statewide river/lake

Call MDC Poaching Hotline: (800) 392-1111.

A MO permit is only $13. Get yours.