First Fishing Report of the year!
WELCOME BACK ANGLERS!
WARREN VALENTIE #1 TAG
The 2026 season is underway, and we've gotten off to a great start with several nice trout caught. Last week we had the opening with a great turnout. Opening day is so special for many people who have made it a tradition for their family to come to Bennett Spring and line up to make the first cast of the year.
This year, the opening gun to start the season was shot off by Warren Valentie. Warren was the former assistant Hatchery Manager at Bennett Spring State Park from 1979 until 2000. I spoke with Warren and he said he has even blown the closing siren on March 1st in the past. Congratulations, Warren!
We had several really nice trout caught on March 1st, including several 2-pounders, 3-pounders, and one 5.5-pounder. So, we are off to a great start.
The hatchery is still currently under construction. While the previous contractor was let go back in September, a new contractor has since been hired. Ben Havens with the Missouri Department is doing an awesome job maneuvering through many obstacles to ensure Bennett Spring continues to receive great fish.
Ben reported that we are currently receiving fish from Shepherd of the Hills and Montauk State Park.
Recommendations
Zone 1 and Zone 2- cream mopfly, orange mopfly, white mega worm, renegade, Bennett blue crackleback, white thread jig,Gold plate- black and yellow, marabou- black and yellow marabou, ginger snap, black, shell, shell & white. John Deere mini jig, peacock jig, white glo ball, Jimi Hendrix glo ball and Lt Roe glo ball.
Zone 3 - PowerBait(Yellow, white, salmon peach, cheese and orange.)
I covered this last year but I thought it would be a good idea to cover it again. So if you’re new to Bennett Spring and going to try your hand at catching some trout, here are a few tips.
1. Line size is a huge deal when it comes to starting out. This is definitely my opinion-so take it for what its worth. I like 2-to-4-pound line. My personal favorite along with several locals- is 4lb Berkley Vanish 100% fluorocarbon. Others that work great is 2lb Gamma or 2-pound Trout SOS.
2. Pick which zone you want to fish- Zone 1: From the hatchery dam to the spring area, only flies are allowed. Zone 2: From the hatchery dam to the Whistle Bridge, only flies and artificial lures are allowed. Artificial lures are like your spoons, spinnerbaits like Rooster Tails treble or single hook, Super Dupers. Zone 3: From the Whistle Bridge to the Niangua River, only soft plastic bait, natural and scented bait are allowed. This is going to be like worms, minnows, corn, marshmallows, dough baits, soft plastic worms, shrimp.
3. Do some research on the zones and familiarize yourself with the rules. Its very important to know what lures to use and what zones you can fish them in. You don't wanna be a headline on a Facebook post regarding fishing plastic worms in zone 1 or 2 which is definitely NOT legal and can only be used in zone 3. I found the best way to find something out is to ask. Ask another angler or come on up to Weaver's. We love answering questions!
4. Stringers must be labeled with the angler's name and address.
5. Have fun! Fishing is only as stressful as you make it. We all have bad days on the stream- yes even me, the owner of a tackle shop whose job is to know how to fish. "It's called fishing and not catching!" I too have gone down to the stream and got skunked but there is nothing more enjoyable than wading in the stream with a fishing rod in your hand. Yes, it's a lot more fun when your catching fish but be patient. Bennett Spring is a place where you can make memories and enjoy life.
STREAM CONDITIONS
BENNETT SPRING gage height 2.51 feet https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/06923500/#parameterCode=00065&period=P7D
NIANGUA RIVER gage height 4.46 https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/06923250/#parameterCode=00065&period=P7D
Since this is the first report of the year. I would like to show our sincere appreciation for Jim Washabaugh and everything he has done for the trout fishing community.
As we update our fishing reports on Facebook and weaverstackle.com, we are reminded that these reports were first made available on Missouritrout.com. Since Jim started the site in 1999 and added the Weavers Fishing report in 2000, he has been an incredible advocate for trout fishing at Missouri parks.
His long history of fishing the parks since the 1960s and being awarded the number 1 tag at Roaring River State Park in 2004 are true testaments to his dedication. We are so fortunate and thankful for his longstanding commitment to the sport.
Makes sure to check out Jim’s new book, Fishing the Missouri Trout Parks.
Thank you so much for everything, Jim!
All of us here at Weaver's Tackle are excited for another year and cant wait to see everyone. If you have any questions, feel free to give me a shout on Facebook, email- weavers.troutconnect@gmail.com or call 417-532-2374. We would love to hear from you and answer any questions that we can.
Thanks for reading,
Cory-The guy at Weavers :)