Mo. lawmakers to review catfish regulation

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Changes aimed at boosting numbers of large blue catfish in Missouri's lakes will be considered by a state Legislature committee.

The Conservation Commission approved a regulation that would allow anglers to keep 10 blue catfish instead of five at the Truman Lake and the Lake of the Ozarks and its tributaries. People would be allowed to keep two fish longer than 34 inches and would be required to return immediately all fish between 26 inches and 34 inches.

A state House appropriations committee focused on agriculture and natural resources has scheduled a hearing for Tuesday.

The proposal is scheduled to take effect in March. Conservation officials say it's aimed at improving the fishery and boosting the number of large blue catfish.