Start with official sources
Access rules, harvest limits, closures and stocking information are checked against wildlife agencies, park departments and other primary sources. The official source and posted signs always control.
WHO RUNS CAST STL
Matthew Butler,
site owner and editor.
Matthew Butler lives in the St. Louis area and created Cast STL to organize the scattered information anglers need before a local trip: legal access, likely species, current regulations, simple tackle choices and official sources.
Cast STL is independent. It is not operated by or affiliated with the Missouri Department of Conservation, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, St. Louis County or any park agency.
HOW GUIDES ARE BUILT
Useful facts.
Clear limits.
Every page separates verified public information from general fishing guidance and community-submitted observations.
Turn facts into a trip plan
Cast STL adds practical comparisons: whether a water suits bank fishing, beginners, kids, a quick outing or a longer drive, plus a conservative starting setup.
Never invent a catch
Seasonal suggestions are labeled as plans. Community reports are identified as reports. A recommendation is not presented as proof that fish were caught there that day.
CORRECTIONS
Local information changes.
Roads close, regulations change and park access can shift. Readers can submit a correction through the feedback page. Material corrections are reviewed against an official source before a guide is updated.
Submit a correctionEDITORIAL STANDARDS
See the full process.
The editorial standards page explains sourcing, update dates, community reports, AI-assisted production and how advertising is kept separate from recommendations.
Read editorial standards