Fishing Events

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.