Missouri Department of Conservation
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Learn simple things you can do to protect Missouri’s waters from aquatic invaders, read up on fishing ethics and safety, browse fishing management plans, and find wader-washing stations.

Don’t Dump That Bait!

large green and rusty-brown grayfish
Asian carp, rusty crayfish, zebra mussels and other invasive, non-native aquatic species hurt Missouri's waters and wildlife. Keep invasive species from colonizing new waters—don't dump live bait! More

Don't Spread Crayfish

Invasive crayfish are a serious problem in Missouri and prevention is key. Don't buy, sell, relocate or dump live crayfish. More

Don't Spread Didymo

Photo of large didymo clump
Please comply with the porous-soled wader ban, and wash your waders between visits to Missouri's trout waters. More

Fish Management Plans

Browse Missouri's fish-management plans. More

Help Improve Paddlefishing

Swimming paddlefish
Beginning in 2012, MDC is conducting a long-term project to get more information on both paddlefish sport fishing statewide and commercial harvest from the Mississippi River. Please share your opinions. More

Show-Me Muskie Project

Want to help improve Missouri's muskellunge-management program? It's easy. Just enroll in the project, fill out a form every time you fish for muskie, and return in your forms once a year. Learn about the project and get the forms here. More

Wader-Washing Locations

Protect Missouri’s trout fishing—wash your waders! Use our location maps to find wader-washing stations and prevent the spread of didymo—a slimy, invasive alga—at your favorite trout park. More

Related Information

  • Asian Carp Control

    Because black, silver carp and bighead carp are non-native Asian fish that can cause big problems, it's illegal to use them as live bait in Missouri. Keep them from spreading to your favorite sport-fishing water.

  • Operation Game Thief

    Stop wildlife poachers in Missouri! Remain anonymous. Reward possible. Program 1-800-392-1111 into your cell phone—so you can act fast!

  • What's Hurting Our Hellbenders?

    Our largest salamanders are declining at an alarming rate. Learn what you can do to help them.

  • Zebra Mussel Control

    These invasive, fingernail-sized, black-and-white striped "clams" hurt Missouri's waters. Learn to avoid spreading them.

External Links

  • Report Stream Pollution

    To report a chemical spill in Missouri, call the Department of Natural Resource's 24-hour environmental emergency hotline at 573-634-2436.

  • Video: Treating Felt-soled Waders

    Tips to treat felt-soled waders to help prevent the spread of didymo into Missouri.

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MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.

We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.

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MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.

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