Missouri regulations
Walleye Regulations in Missouri 2026
Missouri walleye 2026 open seasons vary by 13 management regions. Statewide rules apply for 15″ min. Pick your region in the rule table below. Sourced from Conservation.
Rules (18)
All Streams, Except The Missouri And Mississippi RiversOut of season
- Season opens
- Feb 20
- Season closes
- Apr 14
can be taken and possessed only between 1/2 hour before sunrise and 1/2 after sunset
Bull Shoals In The Swan Creek Arm Above U.s. Highway 160Out of season
- Season opens
- Feb 20
- Season closes
- Apr 14
may be taken and possessed only between 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset
Mississippi River, Including Pools 20–26Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Daily bag
- 8 fish
- Possession
- 8 fish
No seasonal restrictions on the hours for take and possession. combined total of both species.
Missouri RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
No seasonal restrictions on the hours for take and possession
St. Francis River Above Wappapello Dam, From The Lake And Its Tributaries Including The St. Francis River And Its Tributaries
- Min size
- 18"
Wappapello Lake On The Lake And Its Tributaries Including The St. Francis River And Its Tributaries Above Wappapello Dam
- Min size
- 18"
Walleye on famous Missouri waters
Dedicated rule pages for Walleye on the most-targeted destinations in Missouri.
Other Missouri fish regulations
Other regulated species in Missouri with current rule pages — same Conservation source, same verification cadence.
- Smallmouth Bass55 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)27 rules
- Largemouth Bass20 rules
- Blue Catfish15 rules
- Channel Catfish6 rules
- Flathead Catfish6 rules
- Bluegill (Sunfish)4 rules
Frequently asked questions
When is Walleye season in Missouri?
Walleye season in Missouri runs from Feb 20 to Apr 14 per Conservation.
What is the size limit for Walleye in Missouri?
Minimum size for Walleye in Missouri is 18 inches in Bull Shoals On The Lake And Its Tributaries, per Conservation. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Walleye in Missouri?
Daily bag limit for Walleye in Missouri is 8 fish in Mississippi River, Including Pools 20–26, per Conservation.
Official sources cited
- https://www.eregulations.com/missouri/fishing/special-waterbody-regulations
- https://www.eregulations.com/missouri/fishing/fish-specific-seasons-limits
- https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/species
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with Conservation before keeping a catch.