NEW TROUT RULES FOR ELEVEN POINT RIVER

ALTON, Mo. Missouri trout anglers now have a greater diversity of fishing opportunities on the longest trout stream in the state.

New trout regulations on a 5.5-mile stretch of the Eleven Point River in Oregon County went into effect Jan. 1.

From the Greer Branch to Turner Mill Access, all trout less than 18 inches long have to be released unharmed immediately after being caught. Furthermore, anglers will not be able to legally possess trout shorter than 18 inches in this stretch of the river, regardless of where they were caught.

The daily and possession limit for trout in this stretch is three, and only flies and other artificial lures are now legal for fishing there. Besides prohibiting natural baits, such as salmon eggs, crayfish and dough bait, the new regulations do not permit the use of soft plastic lures or artificial salmon eggs.

Anglers who take trout in this area are be required to leave the head, tail and skin on the fish. A Missouri Trout Stamp is required to possess trout on this section of river, and gigging is prohibited there.

Fisheries District Supervisor Bob Legler said the new regulations are designed to increase the number of large trout on the Eleven Point River.

"It probably will be two or three years before enough trout grow to the 18-inch and larger size for anglers to catch many," Legler said. "However, we are confident that the Eleven Point can support large trout and can develop into a self-sustaining wild trout fishery."

Legler said the prohibitions against natural bait and gigging are intended to reduce the death rate among young, growing trout. He said the death rate among trout caught using natural-type baits is five times as high as for those caught on artificial lures. It can be difficult to distinguish a large trout from a redhorse sucker when gigging at night. This is the reason for the exclusion of gigging from the area.

Legler said the Missouri Department of Conservation will continue to stock trout in the new wild-trout management area until a self-sustaining trout fishery develops. Trout stocking will continue in the remaining 16 miles of the river that are suitable for trout. MDC will stock approximately 12,000 rainbow trout measuring 10 to inches long annually, with stockings taking place every two or three weeks from March through August.

Legler said the new regulations should ensure the continued availability of fishing for average-sized trout, while increasing the chances of harvesting trout weighing 3 pounds and more.

Additional information about the new regulations is available by contacting Legler or Fisheries Management Biologist Dave Mayers at MDC's West Plains office, telephone (417) 256-7161. Information is also avable from the Winona and Van Buren offices of the Eleven Point Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest.