Fish Salvage Order Announced for Lions Lake in Johnson County
Missouri fish salvage order — WARRENSBURG, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has authorized an Emergency Fish Salvage Order for Lions Lake in Johnson County, in effect from Friday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 31.
The Missouri Department of Conservation has issued an emergency fish salvage order at Lions Lake, effective immediately, as the City of Warrensburg prepares to drain the lake for upcoming deepening, habitat restoration, and walking path expansions. MDC manages the fishery through the Community Assistance Program (CAP). The order allows anglers to remove as many fish as possible before the draining to minimize waste. To view official info, check out the Missouri Department of Conservation page.
What the Order Allows
During the Missouri fish salvage order, anglers may take all species of fish from the lake, excluding endangered species listed in 3 CSR 10-4.111 of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.
In addition to standard fishing methods, MDC has temporarily expanded legal harvest techniques. Anglers may now take fish by:
- Gig
- Atlatl
- Underwater spearfishing
- Bow or crossbow
- Snagging
- Grabbing
- Dip net
- Throw net
- Seine
- By hand
These expanded allowances apply only to Lions Lake during the fish salvage order. All other Missouri fishing rules, permits, and seasons remain unchanged. Anglers between the ages of 16 and 65 must still hold a valid Missouri Fishing Permit.
For full statewide details, visit the Missouri fishing regulations page on the MDC website.
Lake Details and Access
- Lions Lake covers 8 acres.
- The area is closed from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. unless users are actively fishing.
- Boats are permitted but restricted to trolling motors or no motors.
Directions: From Warrensburg at the junction of South Maguire Street/Route DD (Hale Lake Road), take Route DD west 0.75 miles, then Rotary Drive north 0.33 miles.
Why This Matters
Fish salvage orders like the current Missouri fish salvage order at Lions Lake are uncommon, making this August event especially significant for local anglers.
For residents of Johnson County, this is also a reminder of how conservation and community projects intersect. Deepening the lake and improving walking paths will make Lions Lake a safer and more enjoyable destination for years to come, while the salvage order gives today’s anglers a meaningful role in the process.
Opportunities for Anglers
For local residents, the salvage order is both a rare opportunity and a community event. Normally, anglers must follow strict size limits, possession limits, and seasonal restrictions. But for the month of August, those limits are lifted at Lions Lake. The Missouri fish salvage order at Lions Lake creates a rare opportunity for anglers to harvest unlimited fish, try new methods, and reduce waste before the renovation begins.
The temporary rule change means anglers can take home as many catfish, bass, crappie, sunfish, and other species as they catch — using methods that are usually restricted, such as bowfishing, snagging, or even dip nets.
While it’s a unique chance to stock up, MDC reminds anglers that a valid Missouri Fishing Permit is still required for those between the ages of 16 and 65. The salvage order aims to ensure that as many fish as possible are put to use before the lake is drained.
Looking Ahead
Once the draining is complete, Lions Lake will undergo its planned improvements. Afterward, MDC is expected to restock the lake with fingerlings and manage it as a community fishery. It may take several years before fish populations fully rebound, but the result will be a healthier lake with better access and habitat.
Conservation and Education
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) emphasizes the importance of engaging with local fisheries and understanding ecological balance. In addition to the immediate opportunity provided by the salvage order, anglers are encouraged to attend workshops on sustainable fishing practices, learn about native species, and understand the impact of invasive species.
Community Engagement
MDC frequently conducts surveys and public meetings to gather input from anglers. By participating in these discussions, the fishing community helps shape future policies and restoration projects, ensuring that local waters remain sustainable and productive.
💡Takeaways
📌Rare Fishing Opportunity
The Missouri fish salvage order at Lions Lake runs from Aug. 1–31, 2025, allowing anglers to harvest unlimited fish before the lake is drained.📌Reason for the Salvage Order
The City of Warrensburg will deepen Lions Lake and add walking paths, requiring it to be drained. MDC manages the lake under the Community Assistance Program (CAP).📌Expanded Fishing Methods
During the salvage order, anglers may use a wide range of techniques not normally permitted, including gigging, bowfishing, dip nets, seining, and even fishing by hand.📌Rules Still Apply
A valid Missouri Fishing Permit is required for anglers ages 16–65, and endangered species remain protected under Missouri law.📌Future of Lions Lake
After the draining and improvements, Lions Lake will be restocked with fish and restored as a community fishery, though it may take several years to fully recover.
FAQ
What is the Missouri fish salvage order at Lions Lake?
It’s a temporary regulation in effect Aug. 1–31, 2025, that allows anglers to harvest unlimited fish before Lions Lake is drained for renovations.
Why is Lions Lake being drained?
The City of Warrensburg is draining the lake to deepen it and add walking paths. MDC manages the fishery under the Community Assistance Program (CAP).
What fishing methods are allowed during the order?
In addition to standard fishing, anglers may use gig, atlatl, underwater spearfishing, bow, crossbow, snagging, grabbing, dip net, throw net, seine, and by hand.
Do anglers still need a fishing permit?
Yes. Anglers between ages 16 and 65 must hold a valid Missouri Fishing Permit, even during the salvage order.
Are there any restrictions on what fish can be taken?
All species may be harvested except for endangered species listed in 3 CSR 10-4.111 of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.
How big is Lions Lake and when is it open?
Lions Lake is an 8-acre fishery. It is closed from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. unless users are actively fishing. Boats are allowed with trolling motors or no motors.
Jesse Earl – Author
Jesse Earl is a passionate freshwater angler and the founder of Reel Activities. When he’s not testing gear or writing how-to guides, you’ll find him exploring hidden lakes, chasing walleye, or casting from the shoreline with a cup of gas station coffee in hand.
