Yes, there are eels in Missouri – And they're all female
Earlier this week, Steve Hite of Environmental Restoration, LLC, caught and released an American eel while working on the Mississippi River, just south of Plattin Creek near Festus.
The Missouri Department of Conservation recently shared about the sighting, reminding the public that – while rare – American eels indeed live here among us.
According to MDC, the only eels you will find in Missouri are female. While both males and females are commonly found in coastal estuaries, only females make the long journey inland to rivers and streams like those in Missouri. Freshwater environments provide critical feeding and growth habitat for females before some return to ocean to spawn.
Though considered uncommon, eels can occasionally be found in Missouri's large rivers and major streams. The distribution and abundance of eels can still be difficult to track, but they tend to be especially rare in southwest Missouri.
That said, American eels play a quiet, yet important role in local ecosystems. Young eels feed on aquatic insects, while adults consume crayfish and fish. The adults also serve as prey for larger predators.
Conservations believe Missouri's eel population have declined over time, largely due to dams that restrict their long migratory routes. That's part of what makes encounters like the one on Festus ever so more special.
If you happen to come across an eel in Missouri waters, be sure to handle it with care. Use wet hands or a wet cloth to protect its slippery, delicate skin. If it's been hooked, gently remove it and release it back into the water as soon as possible.
MDC also encouraged anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to take a quick photo or video of any eel sightings. Each encounter could be valuable information for researchers and conservationists.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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