For many Missourians, March 1 isn’t just another date on the calendar — it’s a tradition that signals the unofficial start of spring.
Before the sun rises, anglers bundled against the chill of late winter gather along the banks at Roaring River State Park, Bennett Spring State Park, and Montauk State Park, waiting patiently for the official 6:30 a.m. opening bell of Missouri’s catch-and-keep trout season.
The scene is a familiar one. Headlamps glow in the dark. Thermoses of coffee are passed around. Families claim their favorite spots along the water, many returning to the same stretch of stream year after year. When the whistle blows, the quiet anticipation gives way to the splash of lines hitting the water and the cheers of anglers landing their first trout of the season.
For some, opening day is about more than just fishing. It’s about tradition — about grandfathers teaching grandchildren how to bait a hook, about stories shared along the riverbank, and about memories that stretch back generations. Many anglers can trace their March 1 routines to childhood mornings spent shivering beside a parent or grandparent, learning patience, skill, and respect for the outdoors.
Missouri’s three premier trout parks have long been cornerstones of the state’s outdoor heritage, drawing thousands of anglers each year. Local businesses in surrounding communities also benefit from the annual influx of visitors who fill cabins, restaurants, and bait shops as part of the opening day experience.
While the weather can vary from sunshine to snow flurries, one thing remains constant: the dedication of anglers who wouldn’t miss it for anything. Whether it’s about reeling in a limit of trout or simply continuing a family tradition, March 1 holds a special place in the hearts of Missouri fishermen.
As the first trout of the season are pulled from the cold, clear waters, another year of memories begins — one cast at a time.
