Nestled deep in an Ozark valley and beside Roaring River Spring can be found one of the oldest fish hatcheries in the state. First constructed in 1910, the Civilian Conservation Corps later rebuilt it during the 1930's. The hatchery produces and stocks more than 250,000 rainbow trout each year and most end up right here in the 1.6 miles of trout stream that lie within the boundaries of Roaring River State Park. Each year, more than 100,000 people come here to fish the crystal clear water. But there is much more to see and do at Roaring River. After a trip to the trout stream, take a hatchery tour, feed the fish, or sit in on a nature presentation. And during the summer, local musicians put on a free bluegrass show every Friday night at the amphitheater.
Trout fishing is permitted in accordance with the state wildlife code and posted restrictions daily from March 1 through Oct. 31, and during the winter catch-and-release season from the second Friday in November to the second Monday in February on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday only.
Anglers need a fishing permit, unless exempt, as well as a daily trout tag. The daily trout tag is $3 for adults and $2 for those 15 and younger.
| March | 6:30* 7:30** | 6:00* 7:00** |
| April | 7:00 | 7:30 |
| May | 6:30 | 8:15 |
| June/July | 6:30 | 8:30 |
| August | 7:00 | 8:00 |
| September | 7:30 | 7:15 |
| October | 7:30 | 6:30 |
* - Central Standard Time
** - Daily Light Saving Time
Grass cutting is scheduled for April 3-4, May 14-1`5, June 25-26, Aug 6-7, and September 17-18.
| Zone 1 | From the hatchery to the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek, only artificial lures, soft plastic baits and flies are permitted. An artificial lure is defined as a manufactured lure. Soft plastic lures include synthetic eggs, worms or grubs. Flies are a lure constructed on a single point hook of feathers, tinsel, chenille, yarn, fur, silk, rayon or nylon thread or floss, with or without a spinner. No putty-dough baits, other natural baits or foods may be used in this area. |
| Zone 2 | From the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek to the old dam in the lower end of Campground 3, only flies are permitted. In the area of Zone 2 designated as catch-and-release only (from the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek to the posted sign below the bridge on Hwy. F) trout may not be possessed and must be returned to the water unharmed immediately. This portion of Zone 2 is designated as a multiple-use area with wading and swimming allowed. |
| Zone 3 | From the old dam to the park boundary, artificial lures, soft plastic baits, flies and natural or scented baits may be used. Natural and scented baits include live bait or any other substance designed to attract fish by taste or smell including dough, putty or paste-type baits. |
Experience the finest in casual dining and take in a breathtaking view of the park at the Roaring River Restaurant, located inside the Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center. The restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious entrees in a rustic atmosphere. Full-service breakfast, lunch and dinner are offered. In addition to restaurant service, they provide specialty catering for events such as weddings, parties, banquets and family reunions.
Stay in Emory Melton Inn, a stunning facility consisting of large, elegant, yet comfortable rooms and suites. The rooms are decorated with rustic flair and a few feature a spectacular private balcony view of the river valley below. Rooms are available March through October. Reservations are required. The park also offers rustic cabins, duplex and fourplex units.
Cool off in the park's swimming pool, located across from the park office. It is open to park visitors for a nominal fee daily from Memorial Day weekend to mid-August and on weekends from mid-August to Labor Day. For hours and more information, please call 417-847-2330 or visit the concessionaire's website.
You can attend regularly scheduled nature programs every day during the summer season and weekends during spring and fall seasons. Morning and evening programs include slide shows and movies, nature hikes and much more. Contact the park naturalist at 417-847-3742 for information regarding interpretive programs.
Roaring River State Park offers basic, electric and sewer/electric/water campsites. On-season (Feb. 25 through Oct. 31) services include reservable sites, a dump station, showers, water and laundry.
Current nightly camping fees can be found through the Fees and Seasons link to the right; nightly camping fees effective May 1, 2013, can be found by clicking here
Reservations can be made by phone - 877-422-6766 from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. CT seven days a week. For online reservations chick site.
For a overview of roaring River State Park and the Roaring River area click on the picture of the park sign.
Guide to Missouri State Parks - Roaring River State Park
Goodspeed's History of Barry County, published in 1888, notes, "Roaring River is a favorite haunt of delicious fish, speckled trout twelve inches long." These non-native fish probably were stocked by the Neosho Hatchery, the oldest federal hatchery west of the Mississippi.
Later, one of the old mills was converted into a resort hotel/restaurant, and a trout hatchery was built in 1910. The owner of the resort fell on hard times in 1928 and went into bankruptcy. The property was sold at auction on the courthouse steps in Cassville that year to Thomas Sayman, who donated it to the State of Missouri.
From 1933 to 1939 the Civilian Conservation Corps worked to create the beautiful stonework in the park. The hatchery's dam, stone pools and buildings appear to be a natural part of the environment. The same is true for the Old Roaring River Lodge, an elegant three-story stone building-originally a hotel, restaurant and store.
The Conservation Commission was created in 1937. The first commissioners reasoned that since trout were not native to Missouri and since raising them to stocking size was expensive, the trout fishery in the state should pay its own way. Accordingly they established a 25-cent daily tag.
Today the daily tag costs $3 for adults and $2 for children 15 and younger. Anglers have a lot of options and opportunities. The Conservation Department now stocks the upper 1.6 miles of stream each night from March 1 to October 31 at 2.25 fish per angler expected the next day. For a more detailed history of the park go to More....