Fishing Permit Requirements for Fishing in Columbia, Missouri Parks

Columbia, Missouri isn't just a thriving college town and cultural mecca in the heart of Mid-Missouri. Thanks to the city's Parks and Recreation Department, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Conservation, Columbia's parks are also a great place to fish for crappie, bass, and catfish.

There are designated fishing lakes in Columbia's public parks. These are: Cosmo-Bethel, Twin Lakes, Lake of the Woods, Antimi (in Cosmo Park), Stephens Lake, Phillips Lake, Nickell (at the L.A. Nickell Golf Course), Nifong, and American Legion Lake. Fishing is allowed during regular park hours. For more information on fishing in Columbia, check the fishing section of the Parks and Recreation Department web page.

Permits

In the state of Missouri, most anglers between the ages of 15 and 64 need to purchase a permit from the Missouri Department of Conservation in order to fish on public land. Resident anglers with cerebral palsy, low visual acuity, honorably discharged veterans with service-related disabilities, or anglers confined to wheelchairs may be exempt, but should purchase a daily fishing tag.

Tags and permits may be purchased from MDC over the phone, in their office in Jefferson City, or via their website. Permits and tags are also available at most sporting goods or discount stores. Copies of state regulations pertaining to hunting and fishing are also available anywhere you buy your permit.

Seasonal fishing permits are available to Missouri residents for $19 and to non-residents for $40. According to the MDC website, the following must be true for an individual to be considered a resident for the purposes of purchasing a permit:

- The individual does not claim resident privileges in another state or country

- The individual's actual and legal permanent home address are in Missouri for at least 30 days before applying for the permit.

Also, after July 1, 2009, non-residents residing in Missouri and attending vocational, secondary or post-secondary schools in Missouri will be eligible for resident permits as well. Missouri residents working in Washington D.C. and members of the United States armed forces stationed in Missouri may also purchase permits at the resident rate.

In addition to seasonal permits, daily permits are also available for $7 per day, and lifetime permits are available to Missouri residents from the MDC on a sliding scale according to age. Anglers over the age of 65 should obtain an Age Affidavit from the MDC (a .PDF is available on their website) and have it notarized. Remember to carry your permit at all times as Missouri law requires anglers to be able to produce their permits upon request.

Individuals fishing for trout at Cosmo-Bethel Park should also purchase a trout permit ($7/day).

For more information on Missouri hunting and fishing permits and season dates, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's Permits, Seasons, and Regulations web page.