https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/regulations

All anglers 16 and older must obtain a valid Missouri fishing license. Anyone 15 and younger may fish without a permit when accompanied by a licensed adult.

You may take fish by pole and line, trotline, throwline, limb line, bank line and jug line. Ice fishing tackle, or tip-ups, are considered a pole-and-line method.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring?

• Not much! I will supply most everything you need, however you will need to come somewhat prepared. Below is a list of things you will want to consider:

  • Your own waders, In the summer months, I like to promote wet wading, but if it’s going to be moderate temps at all, I highly recommend waders

  • Clothes that are quick dry, and are appropriate to the conditions. Missouri has weather that is unpredictable.it can be sunny and 80 one minute, and 40 with rain 20 minutes later.

  • Camera. I try and get as many pictures as I can, and share them all with clients. With that being said, its never a bad thing to have you own!

  • you are more than welcome to bring your own gear. Rods, flies, tools, etc. With that being said, I will be providing all necessary equipment to get a fish on the end of your line!

  • Sunscreen, Bug spray, Polarized Glasses (I have glasses that I can loan to you, but don’t count on that)

  • Proper shoes for wet wading.

How much exercise is there going to be?

• Bear this in mind, we will be in the Ozarks. It’s not the Rockies or anything, but it’s still very steep, slick, remote, and wet! We will talk about your physical capabilities before your trip and find out what suits you best. On wading trips expect to walk a minimum of a couple miles. As always, there are exceptions to that.

Where is the best place to go?

• It really depends on what you want to catch, and how you want to catch it, and if nature wants to cooperate.

Am I guaranteed to catch a fish?

• No. Remember, this is fishing, and not catching. Let’s put it this way, I guide places where the chances of getting into fish are good enough that I am willing to bet my clients happiness. I want nothing more than to see you catch fish and have a great time. With that being said, sometimes it doesn’t work out. If you get skunked due to environmental conditions, we will talk about options then. To put you at ease, I can count on one hand how many times I’ve ever had a client get skunked. Some of these places are tough, but trust me when I say there’s fish there!

Do you guide in the winter?

• Why yes I do! I actually prefer to do my trout fishing in the winter. There’s less fishing pressure. The water temps are more consistent, and best of all, there aren’t as many leaves for you to catch on your back cast! I prefer to do the Smallmouth fishing in the warmer months, but I’ll tell ya, sometimes those winter smallies can be very exciting!

You had me using a fly that I really like. Can I buy some off of you?

• Yes! I don’t keep selling stock on hand (except for some select patterns), but if you are interested in something, I can tie them to order.

So I want to fish this waterway that isn’t on you list, but I still want a guide. Can you still take me?

• As long as I can legally guide there, yes! I like learning new water and am always down to explore!

How many people can I bring?

• At this time, I am willing to take a maximum of 2 people. My boat is plenty big, but has a weight cap, so that is to be considered. Besides that, with more than 2 people, it becomes hard to give everyone the same amount of attention.

I want to learn how to fly fish, AND I want a guided trip in the same weekend. Can I do that?

• Yes. This is my favorite kind of trip! I love teaching, and nothing gets me more excited than a newbie catching their first fish on a fly! If this is what you are looking at doing, I recommend that you do a 2 hour lesson the day or week before. This is to save you time, money and frustration. You don’t want to be the one out there learning how to cast, while paying a guide rate to fish!

Do you offer overnight fishing trips?

• Yes! I have all gear needed to have a great overnight fishing experience! Get ahold of me and we can work out details and come up with a price!

My trip got rained out. Now what?

• Rain outs happen. Sometimes it’s not even the rain, but the flood waters that come after. If your trip is in jeopardy due to natural events, I will happily reschedule you for a different day, or fishery.

Can I keep fish that I catch?

• Yes, BUT, I highly suggest that we practice catch and release tactics, I generally won’t have any equipment to keep fish fresh, and properly process them.