Harvesting of trout at Hannibal’s Huckleberry Lake begins Jan. 31

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Trout at Huckleberry Lake can be harvested starting Jan. 31. The lake was stocked with 720 rainbow trout on Oct. 31, 2022. Hannibal Parks and Recreation has partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation for management and monitoring of the fish.

The other fish available for harvesting and daily limits are:

• largemouth bass (more than 15 inches): 6
• channel catfish: 4
• trout: 4
• crappie: 30
• All other fish combined: 20

Fish may be taken only with pole and line with lure or bait. No trot lines, bank poles, limb lines or jug lines are allowed and no more than three poles per person.

Fishing licenses are required along with a trout permit for trout. Information on fishing licenses is available on the Missouri Department of Conservation website: https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing.

The pond was renovated in 2019 with the help of an $184,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant. The pond was drained, excavated and lined with clay. It was widened at its north and the shore was lined with stone rip-rap to control erosion. A sidewalk was constructed around the pond and a handicap- accessible dock installed.

In a press release, Mary Lynne Richards, recreation supervisor with Hannibal Parks and Recreation, said, “Fishing at Huckleberry Park has been a popular activity. With the accessible dock, even people with mobility issues are able to get outside and enjoy nature.”