What special fishing regulations apply at Smithville Lake?

Smithville Lake carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Missouri's statewide 2026 rules, covering Crappie (white + black). One of them reads: "7,200-acre reservoir; crappie 30 / day with no more than 15 over 9 in; black bass 15 in min, 6 / day combined; channel catfish + walleye + muskellunge (36 in min statewide)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Smithville Lake?

Yes. Smithville Lake 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 Smithville Lake; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Missouri rules.

Do Smithville Lake's special rules replace Missouri's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. Missouri's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Smithville 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 Smithville Lake?

Crappie (white + black) has a water-body-specific rule on Smithville Lake, each linking to its full Missouri regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Missouri limits.

2026 regulation year

Smithville Lake 2026 — Missouri Fishing Regulations

Missouri statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 8, 2026

Smithville Lake carries 2 special-regulation overlays on top of Missouri's 2026 fishing rules — covering Crappie (white + black). Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

7,200-acre reservoir; crappie 30 / day with no more than 15 over 9 in; black bass 15 in min, 6 / day combined; channel catfish + walleye + muskellunge (36 in min statewide)
Source: Missouri special-water list

Per-species rules on Smithville Lake

Crappie (white + black) regulations →
30 / day, no more than 15 over 9 in

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

Browse all water bodies →

Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at Smithville Lake?: Smithville Lake carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Missouri's statewide 2026 rules, covering Crappie (white + black). One of them reads: "7,200-acre reservoir; crappie 30 / day with no more than 15 over 9 in; black bass 15 in min, 6 / day combined; channel catfish + walleye + muskellunge (36 in min statewide)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Smithville Lake?: Yes. Smithville Lake 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 Smithville Lake; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Missouri rules.
Do Smithville Lake's special rules replace Missouri's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. Missouri's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Smithville 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 Smithville Lake?: Crappie (white + black) has a water-body-specific rule on Smithville Lake, each linking to its full Missouri regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Missouri limits.

← Back to Missouri regulations overview