Bennett Spring Guide
Bennett Spring Trout Fishing Guide
Seasons, hours, tags, fishing zones and the rules you need to know, from your hosts 4 minutes down the road.
Updated November 2026 for the 2026–27 winter season and 2027 trout season.
Bennett Spring State Park is one of Missouri's four trout parks, about 12 miles west of Lebanon on Highway 64. The spring sends an average of about 100 million gallons of cold, clear water a day down the spring branch to the Niangua River, and from March through October the branch is stocked with rainbow trout every day of the season.
We host guests at Misty Oak Getaways, 4 minutes from the park, and put this guide together for anyone planning a fishing trip. Here's what you need to know before your first cast.
Trout season at Bennett Spring
Catch-and-keep season: March 1 to October 31
The main season opens every year on March 1. You need a Missouri fishing permit and a daily trout tag, and the spring branch is stocked daily. Opening day is a big event: the hatchery manager expected 2,500 to 2,600 anglers for the 2026 opener, and the park's record is over 4,000. In 2027, opening day falls on a Monday.
Fishing hours change by month:
| Month | Fishing starts | Fishing ends |
|---|---|---|
| March | 7:30 a.m. CDT (6:30 a.m. CST) | 7:00 p.m. CDT (6:00 p.m. CST) |
| April | 7:00 a.m. | 7:30 p.m. |
| May | 6:30 a.m. | 8:15 p.m. |
| June and July | 6:30 a.m. | 8:30 p.m. |
| August | 7:00 a.m. | 8:00 p.m. |
| September | 7:30 a.m. | 7:15 p.m. |
| October | 7:30 a.m. | 6:30 p.m. |
Winter catch-and-release: November to February
From the second Friday in November to the second Monday in February, the park opens for catch-and-release fly fishing on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This winter that runs November 13, 2026 to February 8, 2027. Flies only, and every fish goes back in the water right away. Instead of a daily tag, you need a fishing permit plus an annual trout permit.
Winter is the quiet season at the park, and a good time to have the spring branch nearly to yourself.
Permits and daily trout tags
- Missouri fishing permit: required unless you're exempt. Anglers 15 and younger and Missouri residents 65 and older don't need one. You can buy it online from the Missouri Department of Conservation before your trip.
- Daily trout tag: required March 1 to October 31 to fish the spring branch. It's $5 for adults and $3 for kids 15 and younger, sold at the park store. Sign your tag.
- Annual trout permit: takes the place of the daily tag during the winter catch-and-release season.
The park store also answers fly-fishing questions and offers free general fly-fishing classes and private lessons. Call the store at 417-532-4307.
The three fishing zones
The spring branch is split into three zones, and each one allows different tackle. Zone boundaries are marked in the park, and maps are available there.
| Zone | Where | What you can use |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | From the spring down to the hatchery dam | Flies only |
| Zone 2 | From the hatchery dam down to the Whistle Bridge | Flies and artificial lures |
| Zone 3 | From the Whistle Bridge down to the Niangua River | Soft plastic, natural and scented bait. No flies or artificial lures. |
Rules to know
- Daily limit is 4 trout during catch-and-keep season. Once you have your limit, you're done fishing for the day.
- One pole and line per person.
- No gigging, snaring or snagging.
- No chumming. Food can only be used on a hook.
- Keep your trout separate from other anglers' fish.
Good to know before you go
- The hatchery is under renovation. In 2026 the hatchery complex is closed to the public, including fish feeding and tours. The park is still stocked during the season.
- Free fishing days. The park and MDC hold special days through the year, such as Kids Free Fishing Day in spring and Missouri's statewide Free Fishing Days in June. Check the MDC calendar for next year's dates.
- Accessible fishing. The park has three accessible fishing piers on the spring branch.
- More to do. The spring branch flows into the Niangua River, where you can canoe and float, and the park has trails and a 1930s stone arch bridge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Rules can change from year to year. Before you go, check the official MDC trout park regulations and the Bennett Spring fishing page from Missouri State Parks.
Where to stay
Stay 4 minutes from the spring
Misty Oak Getaways has two dog-friendly getaways on wooded acres, 4 minutes from Bennett Spring State Park. Be on the water when fishing opens, then come back to the fire pit at night.
- The Lodge sleeps 8.
- The Cabin sleeps 6.
- Book both for fishing groups and family trips of up to 14.
Planning opening day or a spring trip in 2027? Book any 2027 stay by December 31 and save 20% with code EARLYBIRD20.
Bennett Spring trout fishing FAQ
When does trout season open at Bennett Spring?
Catch-and-keep season opens March 1 and runs through October 31. A winter catch-and-release season runs Friday to Monday from the second Friday in November to the second Monday in February.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Bennett Spring?
Yes, you need a Missouri fishing permit unless you're 15 or younger or a Missouri resident 65 or older. From March 1 to October 31 you also need a daily trout tag from the park store.
How much is a daily trout tag at Bennett Spring?
$5 for adults and $3 for youth 15 and younger.
How many trout can I keep?
The daily limit is 4 trout during catch-and-keep season. In the winter season, all fish must be released.
Can I fish with bait at Bennett Spring?
Only in Zone 3, from the Whistle Bridge down to the Niangua River, where soft plastic, natural and scented bait are allowed. Zone 1 is flies only and Zone 2 is flies and artificial lures.
Where can I stay near Bennett Spring State Park?
Misty Oak Getaways is 4 minutes from the park, with the Lodge (sleeps 8) and the Cabin (sleeps 6). Both are dog-friendly, and you can book both for up to 14 guests.
Sources: Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri State Parks, MDC Bennett Spring fishing prospects.