Lake Venita 

FISHING 

• A city fishing permit is NOT required on Lake Venita provided the person fishing is in possession of a current state fishing license
• Fishers must comply with all state fishing and wildlife code requirements

HUNTING 

• Hunting is prohibited on Lake Venita or its surrounding areas or waters, except frog hunting
• Frog hunting season, state permit requirements, and the method of frogging/limit is set by the Missouri Department of Conservation and typically runs from June to October
• No guns are allowed to be used for hunting 

BOATING 

• A city boating permit is NOT required on Lake Venita
• The minimum boat length is 10 feet
• No rubber boats are allowed 
• All boats used on Lake Venita shall be licensed and operated in accordance with state boating statute and the Missouri State Highway Patrol
• The use of motors on Lake Venita is prohibited, except electric trolling motors
• The city shall not be responsible to any boat operator or other person for injury or damage to property due to accidents occurring on Lake Venita or the surrounding property 
• All boats shall be equipped with at least one approved life preserve per passenger
• Click here to view the entire Boating City Code

Odessa Reservoir 

FISHING

• A City of Odessa and a Missouri Department of Conservation fishing permit is required to fish at the Odessa Reservoir 
• Fishing permits are free to those over the age of 65 and under 16 years of age 
• Fishing season is year-round and permitted between 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. 
• More information can be found on the Missouri Department of Conservation website, including state fishing permits

HUNTING

FROGS 

• Frog hunting season, state permit requirements, and the method of frogging/limit is set by the Missouri Department of Conservation and typically runs from June to October
• No guns are allowed to be used for hunting 
• A city fishing permit is required for frog hunting 

BOATING 

• A city boating permit ($8.00/year) is required for the Odessa Reservoir and can be obtained at City Hall
• No boat shall be allowed on the waters without a boat permit
• A permit must be available for inspection by authorized city staff, Odessa Police Department, or state Department of Conservation staff at any time
• The minimum boat length is 10 feet
• No rubber boats are allowed 
• All boats used on the city reservoir shall be licensed and operated in accordance with state boating statute and the Missouri State Highway Patrol
• Motor boats shall be operated in a manner that leaves no wake or wave
• Pontoon boats are allowed on the Odessa Reservoir provided they do not create a wake or remain on the lake overnight
• Click here to view the entire Boating City Code
• The city shall not be responsible to any boat operator or other person for injury or damage to property due to accidents occurring on Lake Venita or the surrounding property 

SPECIAL EVENTS 

All special events taking place in and on Odessa City-owned property will require a  Special Event Permit. 

To view all rules and regulations regarding Odessa City Lakes please reference Chapter 34 Article II of the City of Odessa Municipal Code

Odessa Reservoir Fees