Nongame Fish Regulations

In Missouri, nongame fish include bluegill, green sunfish, carp, carpsuckers, suckers, buffalo, drum, gar and all other species other than those defined as game fish or listed as endangered. Nongame fish may be taken as described in the list below.

  • There is no limit on goldfish and bighead, common, grass and silver carp.
  • Bighead carp, common carp, grass carp and silver carp can be taken by hand net. Those that jump from the water into a boat or on land may also be taken and possessed in any number.
  • Bowfin must remain whole and intact while on state waters or adjacent banks.

Regulations by Method

Method Area Season
Bow Fishing Regulations (Nongame Fish) Streams, except portions of Missouri, Mississippi, St. Francis rivers Open All Year
Bow Fishing Regulations (Nongame Fish) Impounded Waters Mon, 04/01/2013 - Fri, 01/31/2014

Fri, 02/01/2013 - Sun, 03/31/2013
Bow Fishing Regulations (Nongame Fish) Temporary overflow of a river or ditch Open All Year
Bow Fishing Regulations (Nongame Fish) Portions of Missouri, Mississippi and St. Francis rivers Open All Year
Crossbow Fishing Regulations (Nongame Fish) Impounded waters and temporary overflow of a river or ditch Open All Year
Gigging Regulations (Nongame Fish) Temporary overflow of a river or ditch Open All Year
Gigging Regulations (Nongame Fish) Impounded Waters Fri, 02/01/2013 - Sat, 09/14/2013
Gigging Regulations (Nongame Fish) Streams and impounded waters Sun, 09/15/2013 - Fri, 01/31/2014
Line Fishing Regulations (Nongame Fish) Streams and impounded waters Open All Year
Snagging Regulations (Nongame Fish) Streams and impounded waters Fri, 03/15/2013 - Wed, 05/15/2013

Sun, 09/15/2013 - Fri, 01/31/2014
Snagging Regulations (Nongame Fish) Temporary overflow of a river or ditch Open All Year
Snaring Regulations (Nongame Fish) Streams and impounded waters Fri, 03/15/2013 - Wed, 05/15/2013

Sun, 09/15/2013 - Fri, 01/31/2014
Underwater Spear Regulations (Nongame Fish) Impounded waters and temporary overflow of a river or ditch Open All Year
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