MDC Stocks Trout at Jackson’s Rotary LakeVhttps://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/rPwwxMbVqqNMW6QqSBRU7txit03cCobdk69diOLq4HBKfYDA_c3XvSvL_U8mnejUsa3TZsF7Z5IViKXpBGbjeOB57V6Z-JZoD6GlY7GIy_wu_s0GoJIuZoAyhYg9Z_5fDq-EFan4rY8wZ0AinzBGpjL8hPjzONgsW3Eq19yUfSrekXjYkhnS_YTtE0LvuUB87cF3C5tqw6y2Dp-KnO61aWl5yA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MODC/2014/10/373106/389408/crystalbailey-25june2014-jacksonrotarylake-1-web_crop.jpg

The annual winter trout fishery at Jackson’s Rotary Lake begins Nov. 1, according to the

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), marking the opening of Missouri’s winter trout season in lakes around the state.

According to MDC Fisheries Management Biologist Mike Reed, approximately 1,900 trout, as well as a number of ‘lunkers,’ will be stocked in Jackson’s Rotary Lake prior to the opener.

Rainbow trout are purchased by the City of Jackson and MDC and stocked in Rotary Lake each fall. Anglers are then able to fish for this popular cold-water fish through the fall and winter months on a catch-and-release basis. Anglers may harvest trout as of Feb. 1, 2015. Rainbow trout are cold-water fish which live in water temperatures less than 70 degrees. They do well in waters such as Rotary Lake during the colder months. 

Reed cautions anglers to remember that from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31, all trout must be released unharmed immediately. During this time, anglers may only fish with flies, artificial lures and unscented plastic baits. In addition, they may only use one fishing rod at a time and chum is not permitted. Starting Feb. 1, any bait may be used and four trout may be kept regardless of size. All anglers between the ages of 16 and 64 must have a valid Missouri fishing permit and any angler harvesting trout must possess a trout permit as well. 

Trout can be caught on a wide variety of lures, according to Reed.

Flies, which imitate aquatic insects, are popular with fly fishers,” he said, “but spinners, small spoons, and various small lures are also effective.”  

Light line and tackle will typically produce more fish than heavier tackle. Successful anglers typically use 2-6 pound test line when fishing with lures, and add little or no additional weight to the line. Set the drag light as a trout often hits hard and makes strong runs which can break weak or frayed line.

For more information, contact MDC’s Southeast Regional Office in Cape Girardeau at (573) 290-5730.