Winter in Missouri brings catch-and-release trout fishing at four trout parks from November 13 and eagle viewing events, including Eagle Days December 5-6, 2026 (read 2026-10-30).
Each row below was read on the page named in its last column on October 30, 2026. Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm with the operator before you go. Items we could not read are listed under What We Could Not Verify.
Background
- The catch-and-release trout rules say fish cannot be kept and only fly fishing with pole and line is allowed. (mdc.mo.gov)
- Catch-and-release covers brown and rainbow trout. (mdc.mo.gov)
- Gateway Arch grounds stay open 5:00am-11:00pm year round; the park is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. (nps.gov)
- Warm weather pushed winter trout stocking to mid-November, per an MDC news item dated Oct. 29, 2026. (mdc.mo.gov)
What to Do
| Place | Town | What It Is | Hours or Price as Printed | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter trout catch-and-release | Maramec Spring Park, Bennett Spring SP, Montauk SP, Roaring River SP | Four parks allow catch-and-release trout fishing with fly gear in winter; trout permit and fishing permit required. | Nov 13, 2026 – Feb 8, 2027; hours vary by park | mdc.mo.gov |
| Eagle Days | Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge | A two-day event with live eagle shows by World Bird Sanctuary and auto-tour spotting scopes. | Dec 5 8:30 am – Dec 6 4:00 pm, 2026; price not stated | mdc.mo.gov |
| Other eagle viewing sites | Bagnell Dam Access, Eagle Bluffs CA, Truman Reservoir, Swan Lake NWR | MDC lists these for eagles from late December through early February, early morning best. | not stated | mdc.mo.gov |
| St. Louis Zoo | St. Louis | The zoo is always free; paid attractions are on an Adventure Pass. | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily Oct 8 – Dec 31, 2026; Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve to 2 p.m.; closed Dec 25 and Jan 1 | stlzoo.org |
| Winter Magic lights | Kansas City (Platte Purchase Park) | Visit KC lists a holiday light party at Winter Magic. | not stated | visitkc.com |
| Nelson-Atkins Museum holiday closures | Kansas City | Museum closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1. | closed Nov 26, Dec 24, Dec 25, 2026 and Jan 1, 2027 | nelson-atkins.org |
What We Could Not Verify
- Katy Trail trailhead water shutoff Nov-March: NPS page 404, not re-confirmed on a fetched page
- Silver Dollar City Christmas event: operator site returned 403
- Climate normals by month: not found
More Missouri Guides
Questions People Ask
When can I fish for trout in winter?
Catch-and-release runs Nov 13, 2026 to Feb 8, 2027 at four parks.
When is Eagle Days?
Dec 5-6, 2026 at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, per MDC.
Is the St. Louis Zoo open on Christmas?
The zoo page shows it closed Dec 25 and open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Sources
Checked October 30, 2026 by It’s Missouri. Cite this page: It’s Missouri (https://itsmissouri.com/things-to-do/winter-in-missouri/), checked October 30, 2026. Free to quote with a link.