Reminder: Fishing permit needed starting Thursday

To give Missourians a safe way to get outdoors during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the conservation department suspended the need to have a fishing permit.

But that free ride ends Thursday.

Anglers could fish Missouri waters without a permit from March 27 through April 15. Unless the Missouri Department of Conservation opts to extend permit-less fishing, anglers will need to have a permit with them beginning Thursday.

Trout anglers will also need required fishing permits after April 15 but won't need a daily trout tag at the three open trout parks until further notice.

Trout anglers fishing other areas around the state, including lakes and streams not at a trout park, will need both a…