Fishing at Valley Water Mill Park
Valley Water Mill Lake is a 13-acre lake managed under a cooperative agreement between the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks and the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Angler Frequently Asked Questions
What is in the lake?
Largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish are the main species in the lake. From time to time an angler may catch a crappie, or see a koi (colorful carp)
Do you need a fishing license?
Yes, everyone who fishes at Valley Water Mill Lake must have the appropriate lifetime, annual, or daily fishing permit or qualify for an exemption. These can be purchased over the counter from any permit vendor or online at www.mdc.mo.gov/permits
How many fish can I take?
Valley Water Mill Lake Fishing Regulations:
Species — Daily Limit — Length Limit
Black Bass — 6 daily — 12 to 15 inch protected slot
Crappie — 30 daily
Catfish — 4 daily
All others — 10 daily
Can I take a boat on the lake?
No, no boats of any kind and no wading or swimming in the lake is allowed.
Recycling Fishing Line
“In partnership with Line Cycle Fishing LLC there are several fishing line (monofilament) recycling bins around the fishing access areas. Fishing line that is discarded on the ground or in the water often makes its way onto bird nests. Birds are attracted to it as a nesting material. However, if they become wrapped in the line, they can be injured or even killed when the line will not break.”
“Recycling the line is an equally important step as line that makes it to the landfill will also be picked up by birds. When recycled, the line is melted down and can be used to make new plastic items. Thank you for properly disposing of your broken fishing line!”