• Young people floating past yellow flowers

    Ozark

    National Scenic Riverways Missouri

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  • Closings and service reductaions due to Federal Budget Cuts announced.

    The public will experience reduced hours and services provided by Ozark National Scenic Riverways due to the budget cuts that became effective March 1, 2013. Please check back often for further details or changes. List of closed facilities, click "MORE." More »

Hunting & Fishing

HUNTING

FISHING

Trout Rules

Bass Rules

Hunting is permitted inside most areas of Ozark National Scenic Riverways and subject to state regulations. Consult the Missouri Wildlife Code for legal methods of pursuing and transporting game and seasons. (Also available as a booklet where hunting licenses are sold).

  • A Missouri hunting license is required.
  • All state seasons and limits apply.
    Areas closed to hunting, year round:
  • ¨ Alley Spring Area
  • ¨ Big Spring Area
  • ¨ Round Spring Area
  • ¨ Powder Mill / Owls Bend Area
  • ¨ Big Spring Wildlife Refuge Area
  • ¨ All other developed park areas

Vehicles -including off-road vehicles and ATVs, must remain on the established county roadways. Off-road travel is prohibited. All vehicles, including ATVs must be properly licensed and have a valid county permit and all required safety equipment.

FISHING

Fishing is permitted in the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, with a valid Missouri fishing license. However, fishing in springs or spring branches is strictly prohibited. Consult the Missouri Fishing Regulations for regulations, length limits and seasons. (There is also a booklet available where fishing licenses are sold). Anyone possessing trout must also have a valid trout permit.

TROUT SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA

Current River and its tributaries from Montauk State Park to Cedargrove bridge:

Bait - Only artificial lures and flies are permitted. Soft plastic, scented and natural (natural fish food and other food substances - such as: worms, fish eggs, dough baits) are specifically prohibited.

Trout must be at least 18" long, or be immediately released. Daily limit is one trout of any species. A trout permit is required, regardless of age, to have trout in your possession.Trout in possession must retain head, skin and tail. (No filets)

BLACK BASS SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA

Jacks Fork River between Highway 17 and Highway 106 bridges:

Black Bass must be at least 12" long or else be immediately released unharmed.

Smallmouth Bass must be at least 18" long, or else immediately released unharmed.

Daily limit for Black Bass is six, of which no more than one may be a Smallmouth Bass.

The Black Bass family includes the Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Spotted (Kentucky) Bass.


  • Canoers enjoying the river Canoers enjoying the river

    Canoeing is the most popular activity at Ozark National Scenic Riverways

  • Alley Mill was built in 1894 Alley Mill was built in 1894

    Learn more about the history of the "Old Red Mill" Read More

  • Wildflowers in the Ozarks Wildflowers in the Ozarks

    Many people are surprised to find that wild orchids grow in the Ozarks. More about wildflowers.... Read More

  • Welch Hospital ruins near Akers Welch Hospital ruins near Akers

    The Welch Hospital sits next to Welch Spring upstream from Akers. Read about its history.... Read More

Did You Know?

thick stand of rivercane, which looks like bamboo.

Cane brakes are thick stands of rivercane, which is much like bamboo. The endangered Swainson's Warbler nests in these thickets. Many stands have been lost to reservoir impoundments throughout the South, but many stands are protected at Ozark National Scenic Riverways. More at www.nps.gov/ozar More...