Area residents enjoy free fishing at Roaring River
April 8, 2020
Sheila Harris
Area fishermen (and women) are taking advantage of the temporary waiver of requirements for Missouri fishing permits and trout tags by enjoying some extra time in the sunshine at Roaring River State Park.
David Roughton and his wife, Robin, make the trip from their home in Joplin to Roaring River with their three children on a regular basis.
“My brother-in-law was here last week after they announced the waiver on permits and trout tags. He said the park was packed, so I wasn’t sure what to expect today,” David Roughton said. “But this is really nice. We've got some elbow room. I’m not much on crowds, that's why we never come down on opening day."
Roughton spoke from his lawn chair beneath a tree, while he baited his 17-year-old daughter Makayla's hook.
“The kids are the ones who like to fish,” he continued. “I just enjoy sitting and relaxing. My wife didn’t come with us today, but we’ve made a habit of coming down here as a family for long weekends ever since the kids were little.”
22-year-old Katey Jennings, the oldest of the three children, was quick to say she loves to fish.
“I’ve fished in this river ever since I was big enough to hold a fishing pole,” she said. “I’ve got pictures to prove it. It’s my favorite thing to do.”
Her brother, 15-year-old Jordan Jennings, feels the same way. Makayla Jennings, though, is happy to cast a couple of times and call it good.
Since the Missouri Department of Conservation is refraining from stocking the river daily due to COVID-19 concerns associated with the crowds it could attract, it might be a bit more challenging to catch a fish, according to Roaring River Park Director, Joel Topham.
“Some of those fish get pretty smart after they’ve been hooked a time or two,” Topham said, “but they’ll eventually get hungry and bite again.”
For Katey Jennings, a dearth of fish doesn’t matter.
“I just enjoy the action involved in fishing,” she said. “Sure, I like it if I catch one, but mostly I just like being here on the river and casting my line.”
The waiver of needing a permit or trout tag to fish will run from Friday, March 27, through April 15. MDC will reassess the situation at that point. All season dates and limits will continue to apply and be enforced.
“The current public-health emergency caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) has many Missourians and others looking for safe ways to get outside in nature,” said MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley. “Missouri’s rivers and streams offer high quality fishing as a way for people to connect with nature while still complying with all health and safety recommendations. Fishing is also a great way to get some much needed physical and mental health
benefits during this stressful time.” According to DNR, Missouri State Parks remain open. However, in reaction to COVID-19 and out of an abundance of caution, Missouri State Parks will temporarily close all campgrounds and lodging effective Friday, March 27, through Thursday, April 30. This includes campgrounds, park-run lodging and concessionaire-run lodging. While they are not able to accommodate overnight guests, Missouri State Parks remain open to the public for day-use, including boat ramps and more than 1,100 miles of trails. MDC and DNR remind people to make outdoor activities as safe and enjoyable as possible by taking the following actions:
If you have been sick in the last two weeks, please stay home for your health and the safety of others.
Travel in a small group with a maximum of 10 people.
Avoid popular areas where people may congregate, such as scenic overlooks, buildings, playgrounds, etc.
Maintain at least a six-foot distance between you and others.
Pack water, soap and/or hand sanitizer.
Sheila Harris
Area fishermen (and women) are taking advantage of the temporary waiver of requirements for Missouri fishing permits and trout tags by enjoying some extra time in the sunshine at Roaring River State Park.
David Roughton and his wife, Robin, make the trip from their home in Joplin to Roaring River with their three children on a regular basis.
“My brother-in-law was here last week after they announced the waiver on permits and trout tags. He said the park was packed, so I wasn’t sure what to expect today,” David Roughton said. “But this is really nice. We've got some elbow room. I’m not much on crowds, that's why we never come down on opening day."
Roughton spoke from his lawn chair beneath a tree, while he baited his 17-year-old daughter Makayla's hook.
“The kids are the ones who like to fish,” he continued. “I just enjoy sitting and relaxing. My wife didn’t come with us today, but we’ve made a habit of coming down here as a family for long weekends ever since the kids were little.”
22-year-old Katey Jennings, the oldest of the three children, was quick to say she loves to fish.
“I’ve fished in this river ever since I was big enough to hold a fishing pole,” she said. “I’ve got pictures to prove it. It’s my favorite thing to do.”
Her brother, 15-year-old Jordan Jennings, feels the same way. Makayla Jennings, though, is happy to cast a couple of times and call it good.
Since the Missouri Department of Conservation is refraining from stocking the river daily due to COVID-19 concerns associated with the crowds it could attract, it might be a bit more challenging to catch a fish, according to Roaring River Park Director, Joel Topham.
“Some of those fish get pretty smart after they’ve been hooked a time or two,” Topham said, “but they’ll eventually get hungry and bite again.”
For Katey Jennings, a dearth of fish doesn’t matter.
“I just enjoy the action involved in fishing,” she said. “Sure, I like it if I catch one, but mostly I just like being here on the river and casting my line.”
The waiver of needing a permit or trout tag to fish will run from Friday, March 27, through April 15. MDC will reassess the situation at that point. All season dates and limits will continue to apply and be enforced.
“The current public-health emergency caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) has many Missourians and others looking for safe ways to get outside in nature,” said MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley. “Missouri’s rivers and streams offer high quality fishing as a way for people to connect with nature while still complying with all health and safety recommendations. Fishing is also a great way to get some much needed physical and mental health
benefits during this stressful time.” According to DNR, Missouri State Parks remain open. However, in reaction to COVID-19 and out of an abundance of caution, Missouri State Parks will temporarily close all campgrounds and lodging effective Friday, March 27, through Thursday, April 30. This includes campgrounds, park-run lodging and concessionaire-run lodging. While they are not able to accommodate overnight guests, Missouri State Parks remain open to the public for day-use, including boat ramps and more than 1,100 miles of trails. MDC and DNR remind people to make outdoor activities as safe and enjoyable as possible by taking the following actions:
If you have been sick in the last two weeks, please stay home for your health and the safety of others.
Travel in a small group with a maximum of 10 people.
Avoid popular areas where people may congregate, such as scenic overlooks, buildings, playgrounds, etc.
Maintain at least a six-foot distance between you and others.
Pack water, soap and/or hand sanitizer.
The Jennings siblings, Makayla, Katey and Jordan, enjoy fishing at Roaring River State Park. Their father, David Roughton, is content to watch, and to bait the occasional hook. The family is from Joplin.