TROUT PARKS PREPARED FOR SEASON OPENER

ST JAMES, Mo. -- Nine thousand anglers are expected for the opening day of the regular season at Missouri's four trout parks March 1. These hardy fishers will stand elbow to elbow in the misty dawn, vying for the chance to net more than 28,000 rainbow trout.

The prediction of trout-season turnout comes from managers of hatcheries operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation at the four trout parks. Roaring River State Park south of Cassville expects 2,000 to 2,500 anglers and will have at least 7,500 trout in the stream, including more than 150 "lunkers" -- fish weighing 3.5 pounds or more. Bennett Spring State Park west of Lebanon expects about 2,400 anglers and will stock 7,500 trout plus more than 75 lunkers. At Montauk State Park southeast of Licking, officials expect 2,500 anglers and will stock 7,500 trout plus about 60 lunkers. Meramec Spring Park southeast of St. James looks for about 1,700 anglers and will stock 6,000 trout and about 50 lunkers for opening day.

Attendance estimates are based on the fact that the season opener falls in the middle of the week and on the assumption of normal weather conditions. Rain, snow or extreme cold might reduce the number of anglers willing to travel to the parks and brave the elements on opening morning. The last time Missouri's trout park opener fell on a Wednesday, trout tag sales totalled 7,471 for all four parks.

A carnival atmosphere permeates the four trout parks on opening day as thousands of anglers and thousands more spectators revel in their escape from cabin fever. Adding to the excitement are contests for the first and heaviest fish and the first and heaviest stringers. Some area chambers of commerce get into the act, offering fishing gear and other prizes in contests divided into youth, men's and women's divisions.

To fish at the trout parks you need a Missouri fishing permit ($8 for residents) and a $2 daily trout tag. You can keep up to five trout per day. Those who stay more than one day can have up to 10 trout in their possession.

For information about camping and other accommodations at Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park and Roaring River State Park, call the DNR toll-free information line, (800) 334-6946. For information about Meramec Spring Park near St. James, call (314) 265- 7387.

Those wanting to avoid opening-day crowds can fish for trout at Lake Taneycomo in Taney County or in the Eleven Point, Current or North Fork rivers. To catch trout in these areas a fishing permit and a trout stamp ($6) are required.