GO FISH!
The St. Louis-area GO FISH! fishing-education pilot program ended in late 2011, but youth groups can still use the four program lakes for aquatic education. Use this page to find out how and to browse frequently asked questions about the pilot program's closure.
Q. Are GO FISH! programs still available?
A. Sorry, but no. GO FISH! was a pilot program, and the pilot has been completed. The Missouri Department of Conservation will now review data collected during the pilot program and apply those findings to the development of a statewide angler-education program.
Q. Can my youth group still use the retired program's four education lakes?
A. Yes. Lake 15-August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, Rearing Pond-Suson Park, Hybrid and Bluegill Ponds-Bellefontaine Conservation Area and the hatchery ponds-Forest Park Hatchery are available for reservation and free use to groups for aquatic education purposes only. Any group wishing to use the lakes can call the appropriate number below to learn specific lake availability and procedures.
- August A. Busch Education Lakes: 636-441-4554
- Suson Park-Rearing Pond: 314-615-4386
- Forest Park Hatchery Lakes: 314-877-1309
- Bellefontaine Conservation Area Education Lakes: 314-877-6014
Q. Will there still be MDC staff to provide programs to help scout groups earn their fishing merit badge through MDC/GO FISH!?
A. No. The Department of Conservation can no longer accommodate such requests. Scout groups can still reserve MDC education lakes and conduct their own scout fishing programs (see the list of lakes and phone numbers above).
Q. Where can I find more information on fishing opportunities in the St. Louis area?
A. Check under "Related Information" and "External Links" below.
