Test your fishing skills through MDC’s first Blue-Ribbon Trout Slam

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Trout Unlimited encourage anglers to test their fishing skills and pursue a “Blue-Ribbon Trout Slam” from Missouri’s nine blue-ribbon trout streams.

“Missouri’s blue-ribbon trout streams are areas in the state where trout reproduce naturally,” explained MDC Fisheries Programs Specialist Andrew Branson. “The fish are wary of predators, which makes for an authentic and challenging experience for anglers.”

WHERE TO FISH

The Blue-Ribbon Trout Slam honors anglers who catch a trout in at least 5 of MDC’s 9 blue-ribbon trout streams:

• Barren Fork Creek in Shannon County
• Blue Springs Creek in Crawford County
• Crane Creek in Lawrence County
• Current River in Dent County
• Eleven Point River in Oregon County
• Little Piney Creek in Phelps County
• Mill Creek in Phelps County
• North Fork of the White River in Ozark County
• Spring Creek in Phelps County

HOW TO ENTER

The Blue-Ribbon Trout Slam is divided into three levels:

• Bronze: Catch a trout from 5 of the 9 blue-ribbon trout areas and receive a certificate and bronze pin.
• Silver: Catch a trout from 7 of the 9 blue-ribbon trout areas and receive a certificate and silver pin.
• Gold: Catch a trout from all 9 blue-ribbon trout areas and received a certificate, gold pin, and medallion.

All pins and medallions awarded to participants have been provided by Trout Unlimited.

Anglers need to possess a trout permit if they want to keep their trout. Trout of any size will qualify for the Blue-Ribbon Trout Slam, but trout under 18 inches must be released.

Anglers can complete a Blue-Ribbon Trout Slam entry form each time they catch a trout. They may also submit a picture of their trout if they wish, but it is not required.

Once participants accomplish one of the three Trout-Slam levels, MDC will verify their submissions and mail them their award. Additionally, anglers can have their successes listed on the MDC website.

“This Trout Slam is a great new program that will encourage anglers to get outside and discover nature throughout the year,” said Branson.

For more information on the Blue-Ribbon Trout Slam, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/troutslam.

To learn more about Missouri’s trout fishing areas, go to https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZmT.