What special fishing regulations apply at Current River (Ozark National Scenic Riverways)?

Current River (Ozark National Scenic Riverways) carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Missouri's statewide 2026 rules, covering Smallmouth bass. One of them reads: "National Park Service wild + scenic river — premier Ozark float-stream smallmouth + stocked trout; Blue Ribbon trout reaches (Cedar Grove to Akers) 18 in min trout, 1 / day, flies and artificial lures only; smallmouth follow the 12 in min stream rule and the Mar 1 – May 22 catch-and-release harvest closure; MDC Trout Permit required for trout below Montauk." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Current River (Ozark National Scenic Riverways)?

Yes. Current River (Ozark National Scenic Riverways) 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 Current River; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Missouri rules.

Do Current River (Ozark National Scenic Riverways)'s special rules replace Missouri's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. Missouri's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Current River 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 Current River?

Smallmouth bass has a water-body-specific rule on Current River (Ozark National Scenic Riverways), each linking to its full Missouri regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Missouri limits.

2026 regulation year

Current River (Ozark National Scenic Riverways) 2026 — Missouri Fishing Regulations

Missouri statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 8, 2026

Current River (Ozark National Scenic Riverways) carries 2 special-regulation overlays on top of Missouri's 2026 fishing rules — covering Smallmouth bass. Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

National Park Service wild + scenic river — premier Ozark float-stream smallmouth + stocked trout; Blue Ribbon trout reaches (Cedar Grove to Akers) 18 in min trout, 1 / day, flies and artificial lures only; smallmouth follow the 12 in min stream rule and the Mar 1 – May 22 catch-and-release harvest closure; MDC Trout Permit required for trout below Montauk
Source: Missouri special-water list

Per-species rules on Current River (Ozark National Scenic Riverways)

Smallmouth bass regulations →
12 in min smallmouth under the stream rule; catch-and-release harvest closure March 1 – May 22; National Park Service waters

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 Current River (Ozark National Scenic Riverways)?: Current River (Ozark National Scenic Riverways) carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Missouri's statewide 2026 rules, covering Smallmouth bass. One of them reads: "National Park Service wild + scenic river — premier Ozark float-stream smallmouth + stocked trout; Blue Ribbon trout reaches (Cedar Grove to Akers) 18 in min trout, 1 / day, flies and artificial lures only; smallmouth follow the 12 in min stream rule and the Mar 1 – May 22 catch-and-release harvest closure; MDC Trout Permit required for trout below Montauk." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Current River (Ozark National Scenic Riverways)?: Yes. Current River (Ozark National Scenic Riverways) 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 Current River; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Missouri rules.
Do Current River (Ozark National Scenic Riverways)'s special rules replace Missouri's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. Missouri's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Current River 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 Current River?: Smallmouth bass has a water-body-specific rule on Current River (Ozark National Scenic Riverways), each linking to its full Missouri regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Missouri limits.

← Back to Missouri regulations overview