Trout action in the Northern Ozarks
On The Fly Freshwater
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October 2025
By Polly Dean
Banner photo by Polly Dean.
Maramec Spring Park is one of Missouri’s five trout parks featuring quality trout fishing on cold-water streams that run through the parks. Each of these trout parks is supported by an onsite trout hatchery. Maramec Spring Park’s hatchery differs from the others in that it is not really a hatchery, but a “nursery” on Maramec Spring Branch where the fish are reared. This spring branch flows for one mile through the park and eventually dumps into the Maremec River (note that the spring and river have different spellings).
The spring water within the park is stocked daily by the Missouri Department of Conservation, which also manages the fishery for the park. Maramec Spring Park differs for the other state trout parks in that it is privately owned and operated by the James Foundation, though the MDC leases the waterways for raising the trout and then releases them into the park’s waters to make available for visitors to fish for them.
The author targeting the spring run in Maramec Spring Park. Photo by Jimmy Jacobs.
Rainbow trout are raised in the rearing area. Brown trout are able to make their way up into the park from the Maremec River downstream. There is no size limit for rainbows that can be kept. There is a 15-inch minimum on brown trout taken.
The author’s first trout from Maramec Spring Run. Photo by Jimmy Jacobs.
The park boasts on their website that once one goes fishing at Maramec Spring Park, they’ll keep coming back. I learned from spending a day there, that this is indeed true! The park is a true gem. Locals return with friends and family, even bringing along the very youngest members. And anglers such as I travel from other states to test the waters at this trout park.
My fishing partner Jimmy Jacobs and I were fortunate in that we were accompanied by local angler Caleb Hemby for our day of fishing in the park. He knew the park’s waters well and was able to show us around the different portions of the stream. The portion of Spring Branch that runs through the park is fairly simple to wade. The bottom is relatively level gravel and sand with rocks sporadically dispersed.
Caleb Hemby working a riffle in the lower reaches of the park. Photo by Polly Dean.
Caleb suggested using a 5- or 6-weight rod with a 6x leader of 8 or 9 feet in length. We tied on an orange Mop Fly per his suggestion. I was happy to oblige knowing that there was a chance that we could catch brown trout as well as rainbows. I have found Mop Flies to be brown trout magnets on several other waters. We used the Mop Fly the majority of the time with success, though only with the rainbow trout.
Later in the day I switched to an Elk-hair Caddis. We saw a number of trout sipping bugs on the surface. In some runs and spots where Caleb thought it likely was holding a fish, I did get some takes on the dry fly. I had a good-sized rainbow respond with a splashy rise to the caddis, but I failed to connect. I was a little bummed, but at the same time excited that I at least had enticed the fish.
Caleb was familiar with the seams, currents, drop-offs, and individual flows. He guided me where to place my fly, when to mend and exactly where to encourage the fly’s drift. If I was able to follow his instruction, a fish was generally where he predicted. That was satisfying to say the least!
Jimmy and I finished the day without catching the big brown that we had hoped for, but a few rainbows to be proud of, along with some smaller ‘bows.
Jimmy Jacobs with a 14-inch rainbow from the park waters Note the daily permit on his cap that must be visibly worn while fishing the spring run. Photo by Polly Dean.
The park is open daily year-round. Fly anglers may especially choose to visit from the second Friday in November through the second Monday in February. Only flies may be used at this time during their catch-and-release season. All anglers need a fishing license, along with a daily trout tag that is purchased at the park. Daily trout tags are $5 for adults and $3 for youth 15 years and younger. The daily limit is four trout (rainbow and brown trout combined).
The history of the park and area revolves around its natural beauty, abundant and diverse wildlife, rich water resources and valuable mineral deposits that have attracted people to the area. The natural spring has long been a gathering place for the locals. Indigenous people used the hematite deposits to adorn themselves and their belongings. In the mid-1800s the area was home to a bustling ironworks industry. Lucy Wortham James, great-granddaughter of Thomas James, who owned roughly 10,000 acres of the surrounding land during its ironworks heyday, had the park established upon her passing. She regarded it the most beautiful spot in Missouri.
Maramec Spring Park does not have a lodge or cabins, though it does have a campground. Lost Creek Ranch Getaway Cabins are a convenient option very close to Maramec Spring Park for those that prefer a cabin. The park has special fishing days designated for children, women, and veterans.
