Missouri Fishing License Requirements

The Short Version

Before your guided trip on Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo, you need a current Missouri fishing license. If you plan to fish for trout on Lake Taneycomo, you also need a Missouri trout permit. Both are easy to buy. Keith cannot buy them for you and cannot cover you on his license.

Here is everything a visitor needs to know. Always verify current rules on the Missouri Department of Conservation website at mdc.mo.gov before your trip because regulations can change.

Who Needs a Fishing License in Missouri

Missouri residents sixteen through sixty four need a license.

Non residents sixteen years and older need a license.

Kids under sixteen do not need a license in Missouri. This makes family trips easy since nobody under sixteen has to buy anything to fish.

Missouri resident seniors sixty five and older can fish without a license but should carry proof of age and residency.

Types of Licenses Non Residents Need to Know

Non Resident Daily Fishing Permit: Valid for one calendar day. Good for short trips or tournament days.

Non Resident Three Day Fishing Permit: Valid for three consecutive days. The most popular option for Branson visitors.

Non Resident Annual Fishing Permit: Valid for a full calendar year. Worth it if you plan to fish Missouri multiple times a year.

A three day permit typically covers a half day guided trip plus a day of fishing off a resort dock plus a family morning on Taneycomo. It is the default pick for most visiting families.

The Missouri Trout Permit

To fish for trout on Lake Taneycomo you also need a Missouri trout permit on top of your fishing license. This applies to non residents and residents alike.

Resident trout permit and non resident trout permit both exist. Both are inexpensive and valid for a calendar year. Buy them at the same time as your fishing license.

In the trophy trout management area of Lake Taneycomo from Table Rock Dam down to Fall Creek, additional regulations apply. Artificials only. Specific length limits. I manage all of those details on every trip.

Where to Buy a Missouri Fishing License

Online at mdc.mo.gov. The fastest and easiest option. You can print the license or pull it up on your phone on the water.

Walmart stores across Missouri sell licenses at the sporting goods counter.

Bass Pro Shops Tracker Boat Center in Springfield sells all licenses and permits.

Local Branson marinas, bait shops, and tackle shops typically sell licenses.

Buy your license before the trip, not at 5 AM at the dock. Servers sometimes go down early in the morning. Last minute hunting for a place to buy a license is a stressful way to start a trip.

What You Need to Buy a License

Driver's license or state issued ID.

Social Security Number or Missouri conservation number if you have one from a prior purchase.

Payment method, typically a credit card online.

For non residents, your home state driver's license is what you will use for identification.

Do Kids Need a License in Missouri?

No. Children under sixteen do not need a Missouri fishing license whether resident or non resident. This is part of why Branson is such a great family fishing destination. Your nine year old can fish all morning and not need any paperwork. See our family fishing trip guide.

Cost Expectations

License prices change every year. Check mdc.mo.gov for current rates. As a general range, a non resident three day permit plus a trout permit typically runs well under the cost of a single guided trip and is the price of admission for legal fishing in Missouri.

Questions on License or Regulations?

Call Keith at (417) 693-0298. I will point you to the right permit for your trip and lake. Read our what to bring guide for the full pre trip list.

Frequently Asked Questions