Angling for Fun at Bennett Spring

Trout fishing fans across the Midwest know that March 1 is the opening day for the catch-and-keep season in Missouri's four trout parks, including Bennett Spring State Park. Hordes of anglers descend upon the parks to participate in the opening day ritual. But you don't have to be an angler to join in the fun.

The dogwoods and redbuds are blooming and spring is luring you outdoors. Heed the call and head to Bennett Spring State Park for a getaway that will revitalize your winter-weary spirits. Called the "eye of the sacred one" by Native Americans, Bennett Spring is the fourth largest spring in Missouri, with an output of more than 100 million gallons of water a day. The spring branch flows through the park and into the Niangua River. Fishing is the park's main attraction, partly because more than 320,000 pounds of rainbow trout are released at the park annually by the Missouri Department of Conservation, which operates a hatchery there. The stream is stocked daily during the season.

Another reason fishing is so popular is thanks to Jim Rogers, the park concessionaire and a fly fishing expert. Rogers has a Master Certification in fly fishing instruction from Fly Fishers International (formerly Federation of Fly Fishers). He is the director of the Jim Rogers Fly Fishing School, which attracts anglers worldwide. Since 1975, "I've taught more than 4,000 people," he says.

But fishing isn't the only thing to do at Bennett Spring. With 3,216 acres to explore, the park offers 12 miles of hiking trails, including one trail that goes through a 296-foot natural tunnel. There's a fish hatchery, a nature center and an outdoor swimming pool. Other activity options, either in the park or nearby, including float trips, bird watching, horseback riding and a zip line. Or just sit back and relax.

A sample day might begin with fishing when the whistle blows. After catching your day's limit of trout, stop at the dining lodge to enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch, then relax in the afternoon with a hike, a float, a shopping excursion to the park store, or a drive into nearby Lebanon to explore its Route 66 heritage. After dinner in the lodge, gather around a campfire and enjoy the night sky.

CCC "Parkitecture"

Many of the park's rustic structures, including the iconic triple-arched stone bridge, were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), in a style often referred to today as "parkitecture." The CCC was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal.

A great way to learn about the park's CCC structures is via a self-guided tour. Pick up a free brochure, which includes a map and a description of the buildings, at the nature center, which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. While at the nature center, check out the exhibit with artifacts and photographs from the CCC period. Eat. Shop. Repeat. The rustic CCC lodge with its fishing theme decor is part of the charm when dining at Bennett Spring State Park. This writer's favorite "decoration" is the chalkboard with the day's pies listed on it. Save room for dessert, folks!

The menu features trout, which is no surprise. The kitchen crew will even prepare your catch for you if you don't want to cook it yourself. Enjoy it grilled or fried, with your choice of sides.

In addition to trout, the menu offers a variety of freshcooked foods ranging from hearty breakfast fare to burgers and sandwiches to daily specials. The dining lodge, which is next to the park store, is open from March 1 through Oct. 31 daily, from 7 a.m. until one hour after fishing ends for the day. Forgot your sunglasses or need to buy a fishing license? The park store offers everything you need for your fishing trip, including daily trout tags, rental gear, bait and tackle. It also stocks all sorts of camping and picnicking items, as well as a varied selection of clothing, hats, jewelry and gifts -- just right for a little retail therapy. Lodging options include motel rooms and single, duplex or four-plex cabins, for a total of 65 units. Campgrounds offer both RV and tent camping.

Barbara Gibbs Ostmann

People fishing enjoy an afternoon at Bennett Spring. (Photo: Courtesy of Barbara Gibbs Ostmann)

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

WHEN TO VISIT

Bennett Spring State Park is about 10 miles west of Lebanon on Highway 64A. The concession hosts are Jim and Carmen Rogers, who also operate the concession at Roaring River State Park. The park is open daily from March 1 (opening day of the catch-and-keep trout season) through October 31. It closes briefly, then reopens for weekends only (Friday through Monday) from the second Friday in November through the second Monday in February; during this time, trout fishing is catch-and-release only. For specific dates each year, check the website.

GET IN TOUCH

Bennett Spring State Park, 26250 Highway 64A, Lebanon, 65536; 417532-4307 or 800-334-6946; for dining lodge, 417-532-4547; for nature center, 417-532-3925. For more information, visit www.bennettspringstatepark.org, www.jimrogersflyschool.com or http:// mostateparks.com. Changes to opening hours and services may occur because of the coronavirus pandemic. Be sure to check the website or call the park before your visit.