Roaring River Opening Day numbers top trout parks across state
This year’s opening gun shot was an honor bestowed upon local longtime journalist Bob Mitchell. Mitchell is pictured above in the middle with Roaring River Hatchery manager Paul Spurgeon on the left and State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick on the right.
March 6, 2019
Charlea Estes-Jones
Roaring River anglers favored Roaring River over the other two trout parks in the state for the Opening Day of catch-and-keep trout season. In total, 1,784 took to the banks of the local park despite frigid temperatures on Friday.
The state’s other two trout parks, Montauk and Bennett Spring, came in with 1,727 and 1,684 tags, respectively. For a Friday, numbers were lower than other years, likely due to the threat of impending winter weather on Saturday evening that amounted to less than an inch of snow in actuality.
This year’s opening day, despite cool temps, was a family affair with 277 of the tags sold at Roaring River going to children. Of all of the trout fishing state parks in Missouri, Roaring River is well known as a family friendly atmosphere that draws families instead of just adults.
This year’s opening gun was shot by Bob Mitchell, longtime local journalist, for his dedication to press coverage for the park during his career. State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick was also in attendance at the event.
There was also a Chamber-sponsored lunker weigh in until noon. Winners were: men’s division: Rob Greer, of Joplin, with 8.6 pounds and 25 inches; women’s division: Dani Yockey with 7.5 pounds and 23 inches; and children’s division: Beau Chapman, of Pierce City, with 4.75 pounds and 21 inches.
Catch-and-keep trout season will continue through October.
Charlea Estes-Jones
Roaring River anglers favored Roaring River over the other two trout parks in the state for the Opening Day of catch-and-keep trout season. In total, 1,784 took to the banks of the local park despite frigid temperatures on Friday.
The state’s other two trout parks, Montauk and Bennett Spring, came in with 1,727 and 1,684 tags, respectively. For a Friday, numbers were lower than other years, likely due to the threat of impending winter weather on Saturday evening that amounted to less than an inch of snow in actuality.
This year’s opening day, despite cool temps, was a family affair with 277 of the tags sold at Roaring River going to children. Of all of the trout fishing state parks in Missouri, Roaring River is well known as a family friendly atmosphere that draws families instead of just adults.
This year’s opening gun was shot by Bob Mitchell, longtime local journalist, for his dedication to press coverage for the park during his career. State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick was also in attendance at the event.
There was also a Chamber-sponsored lunker weigh in until noon. Winners were: men’s division: Rob Greer, of Joplin, with 8.6 pounds and 25 inches; women’s division: Dani Yockey with 7.5 pounds and 23 inches; and children’s division: Beau Chapman, of Pierce City, with 4.75 pounds and 21 inches.
Catch-and-keep trout season will continue through October.
