Fishing

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Trout angler fishing in a stream
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Fishing is a great way to spend time with family and friends creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s a full-blown vacation or a quiet Saturday morning, fishing can get you away from it all. All you need is a pole, a line, a hook, some bait, and a permit.

No matter where you live in Missouri, a great fishing trip is close to home. Check Places to Go for conservation areas with fishing opportunities near you.

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Guidelines for Fishing on MDC Areas

Have the Right Equipment

Essential equipment includes a rod, reel, hook, line, and lure. Check the fishing gear page to see if you have the correct equipment.

Apply Bug Spray and Sunscreen

In addition to sunscreen, wearing a hat and/or sunglasses can protect you from too much sun and the glare reflecting off the water.

Bring a First Aid Kit

Put your kit in a waterproof case, especially if you are fishing from a boat. Be sure to include the basics in your kit: bandages, sterile pads, pain relievers, disinfectant, and an antibiotic cream.

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Before You Go

Get your fishing permit.

You can purchase permits online or in most Missouri sporting goods stores.

More information on fishing permits.

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Follow Fishing Etiquette

  • Some fishing locations are more popular than others, so when you find yourself sharing the space with fellow anglers, make sure you are respecting them and the outdoor area to ensure everyone has the best fishing experience.
  • Be aware of fishing seasons, area-specific regulations, and creel limits (the maximum amount of fish you can catch). Creel limits vary by conservation area and are posted on signs near conservation area parking lots.
  • Leave no trace. Properly dispose of your fishing line, lures, trash, and food waste in a trash receptacle. Littering can harm both land and aquatic wildlife and habitats.
  • Be a good steward and dispose of bait properly. Dumping bait can result in the introduction of an invasive animal. Invasive species can harm native wildlife and habitats and impact the ability humans have to do their favorite outdoor activities, such as fishing.

Great Places For Fishing

Events

Find events near you.
Registration period: May 1 - May 29
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 8:30 am - Wednesday, June 12, 2024 4:00 pm
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center

If you love to have fun outdoors, and would like to learn new skills, then this program is for you! Teamwork, safety, and leadership are stressed. Join us in June as we learn the basics of these outdoor skills: (archery, atlatl, canoeing, fishing, letter boxing, and air rifles).

Each child may only sign up to attend one day. Participants must dress to be outside the full length of program, wear sturdy shoes (no flip flops or flimsy sandals) and bring a water bottle that can be refilled. Bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended.

Registration period: March 29 - June 12
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 4:00 pm - Wednesday, June 12, 2024 6:00 pm
Location: Bray (Marguerite) Conservation Area

Five Common Missouri Fish - Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle. Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations. You must take Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 1 and 2 before you can take this class.

Additional Information:

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and their families basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs. Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations.

Participants are limited to anglers ages 7 and up. We encourage the entire family to participate. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Adults who do not wish to fish must accompany their child(ren) at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lessons 3 & 4. Participants do NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program. For additional information or questions contact LuAnn Conway at (573) 325-1381 ext. 6036
Registration period: June 1 - June 13
Date: Thursday, June 13, 2024 5:30 pm - Thursday, June 13, 2024 8:00 pm
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center
Learn the basics of fly fishing! Discover how fly fishing differs from conventional fishing, equipment needed, and how to cast. We will then move to the lake to try and catch a fish or two. Bring a water bottle, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. All fishing equipment will be provided. Participants 16 – 64 years old will need a valid State of Missouri Fishing License. This program will take place at Jaycee (County Lake) Park in Jefferson City. Registration required. Ages 12+
Registration period: April 30 - June 11
Date: Thursday, June 13, 2024 6:00 pm - Thursday, June 13, 2024 8:00 pm
Location: Forest Park Hatchery

*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.

Registration period: May 1 - May 29
Date: Friday, June 14, 2024 8:30 am - Friday, June 14, 2024 4:00 pm
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center

If you love to have fun outdoors, and would like to learn new skills, then this program is for you! Teamwork, safety, and leadership are stressed. Join us in June as we learn the basics of these outdoor skills: (archery, atlatl, canoeing, fishing, letter boxing, and air rifles).

Each child may only sign up to attend one day. Participants must dress to be outside the full length of program, wear sturdy shoes (no flip flops or flimsy sandals) and bring a water bottle that can be refilled. Bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended.

Registration period: April 30 - June 13
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024 9:00 am - Saturday, June 15, 2024 11:00 am
Location: Suson Park - Rearing Pond

*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.

Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2024 9:00 am - Tuesday, June 18, 2024 12:00 pm
Location: Jackson Rotary Lake
Fishing is a great opportunity to engage with our natural resources, grow close to family, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Join the Missouri Department of Conservation at Jackson Rotary Park, June 18 from 9am-12pm, for a free fishing opportunity. Participants will be provided fishing equipment and bait free of charge with no registration or permit necessary. So come get hooked on fishing with MDC.
Registration period: April 30 - June 18
Date: Thursday, June 20, 2024 6:00 pm - Thursday, June 20, 2024 8:00 pm
Location: Forest Park Hatchery

*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.

Registration period: March 15 - June 21
Date: Friday, June 21, 2024 5:30 pm - Friday, June 21, 2024 7:30 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Description:

Fishing is a great way for kids and families to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories. Our Discover Nature-Fishing program is a hands-on, four-part fishing instruction series that helps families gain the skills and confidence they need to go fishing on their own.

This program will cover lessons 3 and 4 which are best completed after lessons 1 and 2. Participants will learn about Missouri freshwater ecosystems, common fish, artificial lures, and the regulations regarding fishing in Missouri. The Discover Nature-Fishing program is available for ages 7 and up. We will host this program at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license and those who have already completed lessons 1 and 2 will receive fishing related rewards.

Registration period: March 15 - June 22
Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024 11:00 am - Saturday, June 22, 2024 12:30 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
With the start of summer comes frogs singing throughout the night around our ponds. One in particular is bull frogs. We’ll learn about bull frog life history and the frog gigging season before making some delicious frog leg mole tacos. We’ll also learn how to make your own tortillas.