Register by February 24
Date: Wednesday, February 24, 2021 - 11:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Virtual
Ever walk down the fishing aisle looking at all the equipment and just not know where to begin? Watch from your home computer or smartphone as Discover Nature-Fishing instructor Colt Wahl gives you some helpful tips on choosing the right equipment for you without breaking the bank. Beginner anglers will learn about the different rod styles, what type of reel will work best for them, and some basic information on fishing gear to catch a wide variety of common fish. All ages are welcome, though this program will be more appropriate for ages 16 and up. Sign up and join us to help you be better prepared for the upcoming fishing season!
Register by February 24
Date: Wednesday, February 24, 2021 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: Spur Pond
Join us for part 2 of our Trout Fishing class! We will be fishing at Spur pond, possibility of ice fishing (ice depth dependent), otherwise we will be fishing from the dock and banks of the pond. All equipment and bait will be provided, though you are welcome to bring your own equipment. DNF volunteers will also be available to assist you! You must have a valid fishing permit to fish (exemptions apply), and a Trout Permit (if you are going to keep what you catch, Catch & Release does not require a Trout Permit).
You MUST register by 10am on the 24th. Space and supplies are limited. Please register all participants. If you need assistance registering or have questions, please email Alyssa.garver@mdc.mo.gov.
Register by February 25
Date: Thursday, February 25, 2021 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: Virtual
The world of fly fishing is just a cast away! Join us virtually for the basics on gear, casting, flies, presentation, and more! A link to the program will be sent out 24 hours and 30 mins before the program. Please call the Runge Nature Center if you have questions.
Register by February 26
Date: Saturday, February 27, 2021 - 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
Get your trusty fishing reels in tip top shape before spring weather arrives.
Learn how to maintain and make minor but common repairs to spincasting, spinning and bait casting reels.
During this program we'll learn how to disassemble, clean, lubricate and make some common repairs on these three common types of fishing reels.
This program is appropriate for adults and children over the age of 12. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Each participant must register for this program.
Email the instructor for assistance with registration.
Masks and social distancing will be required in the Nature Center during this program.
Register by March 6
Date: Saturday, March 6, 2021 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
Everyone has broken fishing rod or two sitting around the house. Learn how get your old rods back in working order.
During this program participants will learn how to make simple but common repairs like fixing broken rod tips and replacing damaged eye's. However, they'll also learn to make some more complicated repairs like repairing a broken rod shaft and replacing a damaged or worn handle.
This program is appropriate for adults and children over the age of 12. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Each participant must register for this program.
Email the instructor for assistance with registration.
Masks and social distancing will be required in the Nature Center during this program.
Register by March 11
Date: Thursday, March 11, 2021 - 6:00pm to Saturday, March 13, 2021 - 11:00am
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
Learn everything you need to know about catching winter trout during this two days clinic. (Adults and families with children 9 years old and older).
Join us on Thursday evening, March 11th for a winter trout fishing lesson at Burr Oaks Woods Nature Center where we'll learn how to catch and clean winter trout.
Then bright and early Saturday morning, March 13th we'll meet again at Plover Lake, James A. Reeds Memorial Wildlife Area and spend a few hours trying our luck at catching some hungry trout.
Participants must attend the classroom trout fishing lesson inorder be included in the fishing opportunity.
Dress for the weather and bring your own snacks and drinks. Missouri Department of Conservation will provide equipment, tackle, bait and fishing coaches.
Fishing permits are NOT required to fish during this event as long as participants DO NOT plan to keep the trout that they catch. If participants would like to keep their trout they WILL need a Missouri trout permit.
Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
In the event of bad weather we will go ahead with the indoor fishing lesson but the outdoor fishing opportunity may be postponed. Participants will be contacted if changes are necessary.
Responsible social distancing will be required during the classroom and fishing segments of this program. In addition, masks will be required during the classroom lesson in the Nature Center.
Each participant must register for this clinic, email instructor for assistance with registration.
Register by March 16
Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2021 - 10:00am to 11:00am
Location: Virtual
The dreaded winter season is finally coming to an end. That means it’s time to get out and do some fishing! And what better way to start the fishing season than by catchin’ crappie? Join Discover Nature-Fishing instructor Colt Wahl to learn everything you need to know about how to catch a favorite early season fish and the gear you may need to get you started.
Anyone is welcome to join us for this virtual program, though it will be more appropriate for ages 16 and up.
Register by March 20
Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Location: Virtual
The weather is starting to get really nice, so there’s no better time to get back outside! What’s better than spending your time outdoors around a lake fishing with your family? Join Discover Nature-Fishing instructor Colt Wahl to learn all the very basics of fishing to get any beginner angler on the water and catching fish. You will learn about some of the gear that will help you, how to use it, and even learn how to identify some of our favorite fish species.
Anyone is welcome to join us for this virtual program, though it will be more appropriate for children and families.
Register by March 25
Date: Thursday, March 25, 2021 - 8:00am to 3:00pm
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center
Join us for an introduction to trout fishing at Bennett Springs State Park. We will learn the methods, gear, and even how to clean and prepare our trout for eating! Participants ages 16+ must have a valid MO fishing license. Daily trout permits must be purchased by each participant. You may meet us at Bennett Springs Park or follow us from the Runge Nature Center. We will leave Runge at 8 am. Registration Required. All Ages.
Register by July 7
Date: Thursday, July 8, 2021 - 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Location: Platte Ridge Park
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
Register by July 13
Date: Wednesday, July 14, 2021 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Location: Lake Jacomo Marina
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.
This program will go on rain or shine since we will be under the cover of the Jacomo Marina dock.
Participants will be asked to maintain safe social distance with staff and other participants who are not their family members distance during this program.
Register by July 14
Date: Thursday, July 15, 2021 - 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Location: Platte Ridge Park
Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and 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. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. All children ages 5-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lesson 3 & 4.
Equipment, bait and fishing coaches will be provided.
Participants DO NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program.
Participants will be asked to maintain safe social distance from staff and other participants who are not their family membersembers during this program.
Each participant must register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website. For assistance with registration please email the program instructor.
Register by July 26
Date: Tuesday, July 27, 2021 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Location: Lake Jacomo Marina
Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and 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 artificial 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.
Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by a registered adult at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lesson 3 & 4.
Participants DO NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program.
Participants will be asked to maintain safe social distance from staff and other participants who are not their family membersembers during this program.
Each participant must register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Nature-Fishing website. For assistance with registration please contact the program instructor.
This program will go on rain or shine since we'll be under the cover of the Jacomo Marina dock.