What special fishing regulations apply at Bull Shoals Lake (MO/AR boundary, White River)?

Bull Shoals Lake (MO/AR boundary, White River) carries 3 special-regulation overlays that override Missouri's statewide 2026 rules, covering Largemouth bass and Walleye. One of them reads: "45,440-acre MO/AR boundary reservoir on the White River; black bass 15 in min largemouth + smallmouth (12 in spotted), 6 / day combined; walleye + sauger 18 in min, 4 / day; crappie 10 in min; striped bass 20 in min; no length limit on white bass." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Bull Shoals Lake (MO/AR boundary, White River)?

Yes. Bull Shoals Lake (MO/AR boundary, White River) is in Missouri, so a valid Missouri fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Missouri Department of Conservation. The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Bull Shoals Lake; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Missouri rules.

Do Bull Shoals Lake (MO/AR boundary, White River)'s special rules replace Missouri's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. Missouri's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Bull Shoals Lake by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on Bull Shoals Lake?

Largemouth bass and Walleye have a water-body-specific rule on Bull Shoals Lake (MO/AR boundary, White River), each linking to its full Missouri regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Missouri limits.

2026 regulation year

Bull Shoals Lake (MO/AR boundary, White River) 2026 — Missouri Fishing Regulations

Missouri statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 8, 2026

Bull Shoals Lake (MO/AR boundary, White River) carries 3 special-regulation overlays on top of Missouri's 2026 fishing rules — covering Largemouth bass, Walleye. Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

45,440-acre MO/AR boundary reservoir on the White River; black bass 15 in min largemouth + smallmouth (12 in spotted), 6 / day combined; walleye + sauger 18 in min, 4 / day; crappie 10 in min; striped bass 20 in min; no length limit on white bass
Source: Missouri special-water list

Per-species rules on Bull Shoals Lake (MO/AR boundary, White River)

Largemouth bass regulations →
15 in min largemouth + smallmouth (12 in spotted), 6 / day combined
Walleye regulations →
18 in min, 4 / day combined walleye + sauger

Official source

Missouri Department of Conservation publishes the authoritative 2026 Missouri fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official Missouri fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to Missouri Department of Conservation's emergency-order feed — check it before any Missouri trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in Missouri

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Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at Bull Shoals Lake (MO/AR boundary, White River)?: Bull Shoals Lake (MO/AR boundary, White River) carries 3 special-regulation overlays that override Missouri's statewide 2026 rules, covering Largemouth bass and Walleye. One of them reads: "45,440-acre MO/AR boundary reservoir on the White River; black bass 15 in min largemouth + smallmouth (12 in spotted), 6 / day combined; walleye + sauger 18 in min, 4 / day; crappie 10 in min; striped bass 20 in min; no length limit on white bass." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Bull Shoals Lake (MO/AR boundary, White River)?: Yes. Bull Shoals Lake (MO/AR boundary, White River) is in Missouri, so a valid Missouri fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Missouri Department of Conservation. The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Bull Shoals Lake; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Missouri rules.
Do Bull Shoals Lake (MO/AR boundary, White River)'s special rules replace Missouri's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. Missouri's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Bull Shoals Lake by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on Bull Shoals Lake?: Largemouth bass and Walleye have a water-body-specific rule on Bull Shoals Lake (MO/AR boundary, White River), each linking to its full Missouri regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Missouri limits.

← Back to Missouri regulations overview