Bennett Spring Guide
Bennett Spring in Winter
Catch-and-release fly fishing, quiet trails and a fire at night. Here's what's open at Bennett Spring from November to February.
Updated November 2026.
Winter is the quiet season at Bennett Spring State Park. The catch-and-keep crowds are gone, the spring branch stays open for fly fishing four days a week, and the trails are yours. Here's what to know before you come.
Winter trout fishing
From the second Friday in November to the second Monday in February, Bennett Spring opens for catch-and-release fishing on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For the 2026-27 season, that's November 13, 2026 through February 8, 2027.
- Flies only. No other lures or bait during the winter season.
- Catch and release. Every trout goes back in the water.
- Permits. You need a Missouri fishing permit and an annual trout permit. The annual trout permit replaces the daily trout tag in winter.
Our Bennett Spring trout fishing guide covers the fishing zones, the catch-and-keep season and the rest of the rules.
What's open in the park
| Place | Winter hours |
|---|---|
| Park grounds and trails | Sunrise to one hour after sunset, daily |
| Park store | Friday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through January |
| Park office | Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 1 to February 24 |
| Nature center | Closed November 1 to February 24 |
| Dining lodge | Open during trout season; call 417-532-4547 for winter hours |
Hike the winter trails
The park's trails stay open all winter. Take a short loop like the 0.7-mile Bridge Trail, or make a day of the 7.4-mile Natural Tunnel Trail. Leashed dogs are welcome on every trail; see our dog-friendly Bennett Spring guide.
For more ideas in and around the park, see things to do near Bennett Spring.
In Lebanon
Downtown Lebanon is about 15 minutes from Misty Oak. Find a warm dinner with our where to eat in Lebanon list, pick up groceries and supplies with our shopping guide, and check our events calendar for holiday shopping, live music and more this season.
Where to stay
Come back to a warm fire
Misty Oak Getaways has two dog-friendly stays on wooded acres, 4 minutes from the park. Each has an electric fireplace inside and a fire pit outside (bring your own split wood and fire starter), plus Wi-Fi, a Smart TV and board games for long winter nights.
- The Lodge sleeps 8.
- The Cabin sleeps 6.
- Book both for groups of up to 14.
Book direct and save 10% on stays through February 28 with code WINTERBREAK10.
Bennett Spring in winter: FAQ
Can you fish at Bennett Spring in the winter?
Yes. Winter catch-and-release fly fishing runs Friday to Monday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For 2026-27 the season is November 13, 2026 to February 8, 2027. It's flies only, and every trout must be released.
What permits do I need for winter trout fishing at Bennett Spring?
A Missouri fishing permit and an annual trout permit. During the catch-and-release season, the annual trout permit replaces the daily trout tag.
Is Bennett Spring State Park open in the winter?
Yes. The park grounds are open every day from sunrise to one hour after sunset. The nature center is closed from November 1 to February 24, and park buildings close on some state holidays.
Is the Bennett Spring dining lodge open in winter?
Missouri State Parks lists the dining lodge as open during trout season. Call the park at 417-532-4547 to check winter hours before you go.
Where can I stay near Bennett Spring in winter?
Misty Oak Getaways has two dog-friendly stays 4 minutes from the park, each with an electric fireplace and an outdoor fire pit. The Lodge sleeps 8 and the Cabin sleeps 6.