MDC stocks trout at Cosmo-Bethel Lake after delay
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Missouri Department of Conservation has stocked rainbow trout at Cosmo-Bethel Lake in Columbia, marking the start of the winter trout season.
The catch-and-release winter season typically begins on Nov. 1, but the MDC was not able to stock trout last week in Columbia and Jefferson City due to high-water temperatures at Cosmo-Bethel and McKay Park lakes. The City of Columbia confirmed that the lake was stocked on Friday in a press release.
An MDC spokesperson told ABC 17 News that McKay Park Lake was also stocked on Friday.
Only artificial baits (no natural or scented baits) can be used during the winter catch-and-release season. The winter season runs through Jan. 31, according to the MDC's website.
The MDC stocks trout at five lakes in Mid-Missouri. A fishing license with a trout stamp is required. Stocked lakes in Mid-Missouri include:
- Veterans Park Lake in Fulton
- Cosmo-Bethel Lake in Columbia
- McKay Park Lake in Jefferson City
- Kiwanis Lake in Mexico
- Lake Minesa in Marshall
