Free Hands-On Instruction
Fishing is a great way for everyone to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories together. Our Discover Nature — Fishing Program helps Missourians gain the skills and confidence to go fishing on their own.
- Classes are free.
- No special equipment needed — we’ll provide all the gear.
More advanced classes can be found on the list below and on the Fishing Events page.
Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1
This first class includes instruction as well as hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing pole, how to fasten basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.
All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.
This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.
To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.
Come join us to learn fishing basics.
Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish.
Fishing equipment and bait/lures will be provided.
All children under 15 years-of-age must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*
Lesson 3: Participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.
Lesson 4: Participants will learn about various fishing lures techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.
All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.
This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.
To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.
*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*
Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 2
Participants will learn intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will be taught how to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure a variety of baits to various types of hooks.
All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.
This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.
To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.
Meet at the large pavilion in Huckleberry Park next to the playground. Fishing is encouraged but optional.
A valid fishing permit is required for Missouri residents ages 16 to 64, and nonresidents ages 16 and up.
Permits are available for purchase online.
Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach anglers basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish.
Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach anglers intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks.
Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.
Ages 7 and above. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website. Email instructor for assistance with registering for this program.
Lesson 1: Learn the parts and function of a spin cast fishing rod and reel. How to cast safely and successfully. How to fasten basic tackle to a fishing line. Learn techniques to catch fish and handle it properly.
Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks.
Participants will be able to take what they learned and go fishing.
Meet at the Large pavilion next to the playground in Huckleberry Park. Bring a lawn chair. Fishing is encouraged but optional.
A valid fishing permit is required for Missouri residents ages 16 to 64, and nonresidents ages 16 and up.
Permits are available for purchase online.
Lesson 3; Five Common Missouri Fish - there Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle.
Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations.
Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.
Ages 7 and above. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website. Email instructor for assistance with registering for this program.
*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*
Lesson 3: Participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.
Lesson 4: Participants will learn about various fishing lures techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.
All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.
This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.
To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.
Lesson 1: Learn the parts and function of a spin cast fishing rod and reel. How to cast safely and successfully. How to fasten basic tackle to a fishing line. Learn techniques to catch fish and handle it properly.
Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks.
Participants will be able to take what they learned and go fishing.
Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish. Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks.
Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.
Ages 7 and above. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Participants DO NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program.
Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website. Email instructor for assistance with registering for this program