Island Spear Co.

Regulations Missouri

Spearfishing Regulations in Missouri

Checked against the primary source (MDC) on July 5, 2026state

Governing agency: Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Last verified July 5, 2026 by independent primary-source check.

Summary

Missouri is a landlocked state with no saltwater, so all spearfishing is freshwater and governed by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Underwater spearfishing (speargun) is legal but ONLY for nongame/rough fish (carp, suckers, buffalo, gar, drum, etc.), and spearguns may not even be possessed on unimpounded waters or their banks - so speargun use is effectively confined to impounded waters (lakes and reservoirs) and temporary overflow, sunrise to sunset. Game fish - all black bass, crappie, catfish (except bullheads), walleye, trout, white/striped/yellow bass, pike, muskie, goggle-eye, paddlefish and sturgeon - may NOT be speared, gigged or bow-fished; they are reserved for pole-and-line methods. Gigging of nongame fish (a strong Ozark tradition) is legal in streams and rivers from Sept 15 to Feb 15 and year-round on lakes, and a Missouri fishing permit is genuinely required for anglers 16-64.

License

What you need to be legal

LegalA license is required
License
Missouri Fishing Permit (Resident or Nonresident Fishing Permit; Daily Fishing Permit)
Who needs it
Any angler age 16 through 64 must have a valid Missouri fishing permit to take fish by any method, including underwater spearfishing (speargun), gigging, bowfishing, atlatl and snagging. This is a genuinely issued and enforced requirement - law and practice agree, so it is a real requirement for spearfishers. 56
Resident cost
Resident Annual Fishing Permit $14.00; Daily Fishing Permit $9.00 (2026 fees). A separate Resident Trout Permit ($12) is required to pursue/possess trout, but trout is a game fish and may not be speared. 5
Non-resident cost
Nonresident Annual Fishing Permit $57.00; Daily Fishing Permit $9.00 (2026 fees). 5
Where to buy
Online at the MDC permit portal (mdc.mo.gov/permits), through the MO Hunting & Fishing mobile app, from permit vendors statewide, or at MDC offices. 5

Exemptions

  • Anyone age 15 and younger (resident or nonresident) may fish without a permit 6
  • Missouri residents age 65 and older may fish without a permit (a trout permit or prescribed-area daily tag may still be required where applicable) 6
  • Qualifying resident landowners who own 5 or more acres, and their immediate household, may fish on their own land without a permit - but you must own all of the land surrounding the body of water to qualify 6
  • Certain residents with qualifying disabilities (e.g., visual acuity 20/200 or less, or permanently unable to move without a wheelchair) may fish without a permit with the required certified statement 6
  • Honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability of 60% or greater may fish without a permit 6
  • No permit is required to fish privately stocked/owned waters, and anyone may fish without a permit during MDC Free Fishing Days 5

The full story

The full story

Missouri is landlocked, so 'spearfishing' here is entirely a freshwater question - and, like most of the interior US, the state draws a hard line between game fish and nongame fish. Under the Wildlife Code of Missouri (as summarized by MDC), nongame fish 'may be taken by the use of bow, crossbow, gig, atlatl, snare, underwater spearfishing, snagging, or grabbing,' while game fish may be taken only by pole-and-line and related line methods. That means a diver with a speargun is limited to rough fish - carp, buffalo, suckers, gar (except protected alligator gar), freshwater drum, and other nongame species - and may not spear bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, trout, white/striped bass, pike, muskie, goggle-eye, paddlefish or sturgeon. If a game fish is caught by any means and is not hooked in the mouth or jaw, it must be released immediately.

The speargun rule has a location twist that is easy to miss: MDC regulation says 'spearguns may not be possessed on unimpounded waters or adjacent banks.' Missouri's famous clear-water Ozark rivers are unimpounded, so you cannot even carry a speargun there - lawful speargun use is confined to impounded waters (lakes and reservoirs) and temporary overflow. On those waters the underwater-spear season is year-round, sunrise to sunset, with a 20-fish daily nongame limit (40 in possession; 100 on the Mississippi River). That 20 is the aggregate for the 'special' methods (gig, atlatl, bow, crossbow, underwater spear, snag, snare, grab); nongame taken by pole-and-line has a separate 50/day limit, and the two share an overall 50-fish nongame daily cap of which no more than 20 may be taken by the special methods. Note the cultural distinction: gigging - spearing rough fish with a multi-tined gig, a deep Ozark tradition - IS allowed on streams and rivers, but only in season (Sept 15 - Feb 15, sunrise to midnight), while a speargun is not permitted on those same flowing waters at all.

On the license question there is no law-vs-practice gap. Missouri genuinely issues and enforces a fishing permit, and it is required to take fish by any method - including underwater spearfishing, gigging and bowfishing - for anglers age 16 through 64. Residents 15 and younger, residents 65 and older, and qualifying resident landowners (who own 5+ acres and all the land around the water) are exempt. So a spearfisher must carry a Missouri fishing permit just like any other angler. Two gear caveats for divers: MDC's regulation names 'underwater spearfishing'/speargun, 'gig,' 'bow/crossbow' and 'atlatl' but does not separately name pole spears or Hawaiian slings, so their device-specific status is ambiguous and should be confirmed with MDC; and the pages consulted do not spell out SCUBA vs. free-diving or a spear-tether requirement, so confirm those with MDC and the individual water's manager before you dive.

Where it's legal

Saltwater & freshwater

Saltwater

Not permitted

Missouri is landlocked and has no marine or saltwater waters, so saltwater spearfishing does not exist here. All spearfishing takes place in fresh water (lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams) under MDC rules.

Freshwater

Legal

Legal but limited to nongame fish. Nongame fish 'may be taken by the use of bow, crossbow, gig, atlatl, snare, underwater spearfishing, snagging, or grabbing' 17. Speargun/underwater spearfishing is confined to impounded waters (lakes/reservoirs) and temporary overflow because 'spearguns may not be possessed on unimpounded waters or adjacent banks,' and 'spears may not be propelled by explosives' 147. Underwater-spear season on impounded/overflow waters is year-round (Jan 1 - Dec 31), sunrise to sunset, with a daily limit of 20 nongame fish (possession 40; Mississippi River 100). That 20 is the aggregate limit for the 'special' nongame methods (gig, atlatl, bow, crossbow, underwater spear, snagging, snaring, grabbing); pole-and-line taking of nongame fish has a separate, higher daily limit of 50. The two combine so that all nongame fish taken by all methods in a day may not exceed 50, and no more than 20 of that total may be taken by the special methods 48. Gigging of nongame fish runs Sept 15 - Feb 15 on streams/rivers (legal hours sunrise to midnight) and is effectively year-round on impounded waters (sunrise to midnight Sept 15 - Feb 15, sunrise to sunset the rest of the year) 378. Game fish (all black bass, crappie, catfish except bullheads, walleye/sauger, trout, white/yellow/striped bass, northern pike, muskellunge/tiger muskie/pickerel, goggle-eye/warmouth, paddlefish, shovelnose sturgeon) may NOT be speared, gigged or bow-fished; a game fish not hooked in the mouth or jaw must be returned to the water unharmed immediately, except paddlefish legally taken during the paddlefish snagging season 17.

Gear

What you can carry

Speargun
Legal for nongame fish only, and only where they may be possessed: spearguns 'may not be possessed on unimpounded waters or adjacent banks,' so their use is effectively restricted to impounded waters (lakes/reservoirs) and temporary overflow. Spears may not be propelled by explosives. Underwater-spear season on those waters is year-round, sunrise to sunset. 147
Pole spear
Not named in MDC regulation. The Wildlife Code enumerates 'underwater spearfishing'/speargun, 'gig,' 'bow/crossbow' and 'atlatl' as legal nongame methods but does not separately name a hand-powered pole spear. A pole spear used as underwater spearfishing would still be limited to nongame fish and, like a speargun, is subject to the impounded-waters possession rule and the no-explosive rule; confirm device-specific status with MDC before use. 17
Hawaiian sling
Not named in MDC regulation. As a hand-powered underwater spearing device it is neither expressly authorized nor prohibited by name; treat as unverified and confirm with MDC. Any such device would still be limited to nongame fish and, if it is a speargun-type device, could not be possessed on unimpounded waters or adjacent banks. 17
Spearfishing on SCUBA
MDC regulation authorizes 'underwater spearfishing' for nongame fish on impounded/overflow waters but the pages consulted do not specify SCUBA vs. free-diving/snorkel, nor a spear-tether requirement. Individual lakes and MDC/Corps of Engineers area managers may post their own diving restrictions; confirm SCUBA use with the specific water's manager and MDC. 4

Gear restrictions

  • Spearguns may not be possessed on unimpounded waters or adjacent banks - effectively limiting speargun use to impounded waters and temporary overflow 147
  • Spears may not be propelled by explosives 17
  • Underwater spearfishing is a nongame-only method; game fish may not be speared 17
  • Underwater-spear legal hours on impounded/overflow waters are sunrise to sunset 4
  • Daily limit 20 nongame fish (possession 40; Mississippi River daily/possession 100) - this 20 is the aggregate for the special methods (gig, atlatl, bow, crossbow, underwater spear, snag, snare, grab); pole-and-line nongame has a separate limit of 50, and all methods share an overall 50/day nongame cap of which at most 20 may come from the special methods 48
  • Bowfishing arrows must be attached to a line so the fish can be retrieved; shot fish are considered harvested and may not be returned to the water 2
  • Alligator gar are a protected species and may not be taken or possessed by any method 4

Do not spear

Prohibited species

  • All game fish may NOT be taken by speargun, gig, atlatl or bow, including: all black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted); all crappie; all catfish except bullheads; walleye and sauger; trout; white bass, yellow bass and striped bass; northern pike, muskellunge, tiger muskie and pickerel (chain and grass); goggle-eye (Ozark bass, rock bass, shadow bass) and warmouth; paddlefish (spoonbill); and shovelnose sturgeon 17
  • Alligator gar - a protected species in Missouri; illegal to take or possess by any method 4
  • Any species listed as endangered in Missouri 2
  • A game fish not hooked in the mouth or jaw must be released immediately (except paddlefish during the paddlefish snagging season) - i.e., game fish caught incidentally by an unlawful method may not be kept 17

Where you can't

Area restrictions

  • Spearguns may be possessed and used only on impounded waters (lakes/reservoirs) and temporary overflow - not on unimpounded waters (rivers/streams) or their adjacent banks 147
  • Stream/river gigging is restricted to the Sept 15 - Feb 15 season, legal hours sunrise to midnight; nongame gigging on impounded waters is effectively year-round (sunrise to midnight Sept 15 - Feb 15, sunrise to sunset the remainder of the year) 378
  • Many conservation areas do not permit bowfishing (and by extension nongame spearing/gigging) because they do not support adequate nongame fish populations; individual conservation areas, lakes and Corps of Engineers waters may post additional restrictions - check the specific area's rules 2
  • Special-management stretches (e.g., the Current River from Cedar Grove to the Arkansas line limits hogsuckers to 5 of the daily 20) carry their own limits 34

Worth knowing

Notable rules, seasons & limits

  • Missouri has no saltwater; all spearfishing is freshwater only
  • Underwater spearfishing/speargun is a NONGAME-fish-only method - game fish are reserved for pole-and-line methods and may not be speared, gigged or bow-fished 17
  • Spearguns may not even be possessed on unimpounded waters (rivers/streams) or their banks - lawful speargun use is effectively limited to lakes/reservoirs and temporary overflow 147
  • The daily nongame limit of 20 (possession 40; Mississippi River 100) is the aggregate for the special methods - what you spear counts against what you gig, bow or crossbow the same day; pole-and-line nongame has a separate 50/day limit, and all methods together may not exceed 50 nongame/day of which at most 20 may be by the special methods 48
  • Goldfish, bighead carp, common carp, grass carp and silver carp may be possessed in any number and do not count toward the daily/possession limit 4
  • Alligator gar are protected and may not be taken 4; bowfin must remain whole and intact while on state waters or adjacent banks 4
  • Gigging streams/rivers is only open Sept 15 - Feb 15 (legal hours sunrise to midnight); lakes/impounded waters are open to gigging effectively year-round (sunrise to midnight in the Sept 15 - Feb 15 window, sunrise to sunset the rest of the year) 378
  • A game fish not hooked in the mouth or jaw must be released immediately, except paddlefish during snagging season 17

What divers here typically use

Gear up for Missouri spearfishing

Where spearfishing is allowed in Missouri, this is the core kit divers assemble before their first day in the water. Our honest guide to the Beginner Spearfishing Gear List walks through what to look for — curated from published specs and community consensus, not paid placement.

If you break them

Penalties

Taking fish without a required permit, taking game fish by an illegal method (spear, gig, bow, atlatl), possessing a speargun on unimpounded waters, exceeding nongame limits, or taking a protected species (e.g., alligator gar) violates the Wildlife Code of Missouri and Missouri statute (RSMo Chapter 252) and is enforced by MDC Conservation Agents. Violations are typically misdemeanors punishable by fines, court costs, possible permit revocation, and forfeiture of equipment and illegally taken fish. Specific fine amounts are set by statute and the courts and were not enumerated on the MDC pages consulted.

Not yet independently confirmed — verify directly

  • Legality of pole spears and Hawaiian slings by name - MDC regulation enumerates 'underwater spearfishing'/speargun, 'gig,' 'bow/crossbow' and 'atlatl' but does not name hand-powered pole spears or slings; device-specific status should be confirmed with MDC.
  • Whether SCUBA (vs. free-diving/snorkel) is permitted for underwater spearfishing, and whether any spear-tether/line requirement applies - not specified on the MDC season pages consulted; individual lake/Corps managers may impose diving restrictions.
  • Exact penalty/fine dollar amounts for fishing without a permit, taking game fish by an illegal method, or taking a protected species (set by the Wildlife Code of Missouri / RSMo Chapter 252 and the courts; not enumerated on the MDC pages consulted).
  • Whether specific individual lakes/reservoirs or conservation areas are currently open or closed to underwater spearfishing/diving - water-specific posting that must be checked with the area manager.

Confirm these points directly with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) before you rely on them.

Primary sources

Sources

Every fact above is drawn from these official sources. Each was retrieved on the date shown; regulations can change after that date.

  2. Source 2: MDC - Bowfishing (nongame species, gear, license requirement, area limits, no catch-and-release)

    Retrieved July 5, 2026https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/get-started-fishing/bowfishing

  3. Source 3: MDC - Fish Gigging (Sept 15 - Feb 15 stream/river season, nongame-only, 20-fish limit, Current River hogsucker limit)

    Retrieved July 5, 2026https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/get-started-fishing/fish-gigging

  4. Source 4: MDC - Nongame Fish: Underwater Spear: Impounded Waters and Temporary Overflow (season, hours, waters, limits, alligator gar protected, speargun method)

    Retrieved July 5, 2026https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/seasons/nongame-fish-underwater-spear-impounded-waters-temporary-overflow

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Is spearfishing legal in Missouri?
Saltwater spearfishing is restricted in Missouri, and it is permitted in fresh water, subject to license, gear, species, and area rules. Missouri is landlocked and has no marine or saltwater waters, so saltwater spearfishing does not exist here. All spearfishing takes place in fresh water (lakes, reservoirs, rivers…
Do you need a license to spearfish in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri requires the Missouri Fishing Permit (Resident or Nonresident Fishing Permit; Daily Fishing Permit). Resident cost: Resident Annual Fishing Permit $14.00; Daily Fishing Permit $9.00 (2026 fees). A separate Resident Trout Permit ($12) is required to pursue/possess trout, but trout is a game fish and may not be speared. Non-resident cost: Nonresident Annual Fishing Permit $57.00; Daily Fishing Permit $9.00 (2026 fees).
Can you spearfish on scuba in Missouri?
MDC regulation authorizes 'underwater spearfishing' for nongame fish on impounded/overflow waters but the pages consulted do not specify SCUBA vs. free-diving/snorkel, nor a spear-tether requirement. Individual lakes and MDC/Corps of Engineers area managers may post their own…
What can't you spear in Missouri?
Protected or no-take species you may not spear in Missouri include: All game fish may NOT be taken by speargun, gig, atlatl or bow, including: all black bass, Alligator gar, Any species listed as endangered in Missouri, A game fish not hooked in the mouth or jaw must be released immediately. Always check the full prohibited-species list and current seasons before diving, and confirm with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

Stay current

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Regulations shift between seasons. We re-check Missouri's rules against the primary source and send a short note when the limits, seasons, or licensing move — nothing else.

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Last verified July 5, 2026. Regulations change — always confirm the current rules with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) before you dive.

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