MDC Lost Valley Hatchery to host Kids Fishing Day April 25

Warsaw, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host the 14th annual Kids Fishing Day on Saturday, April 25, at its Lost Valley Fish Hatchery, 28232 Hatchery Way in Warsaw. This free event welcomes youngsters age 15 and under to try fishing for the first time or for experienced anglers to learn new skills.

Registration for participants starts at 9 a.m. The whistle will blow at 10 a.m. for fishing to begin in the kid's pond in front of the hatchery. The event will conclude at 2 p.m.

Channel catfish and hybrid sunfish will be stocked in the pond. Participants will be allowed to take two fish home to eat. MDC staff and volunteers will show new anglers how to bait hooks, cast with rod and reel, and land a fish.

"We can provide fishing poles and tackle on a first-come, first-serve basis, or they can bring their own poles and equipment," said Lesly Conaway, MDC aquaculture biologist.

Besides fishing, the event will offer target archery shooting, crafts, and outdoor exhibits. Drawings will be held for giveaway items such as fishing rods and tackle boxes. Hotdogs and chips will be served as a free lunch while supplies last.

MDC's Lost Valley Hatchery produces sport fish such as walleye for stocking in Missouri's lakes. But the hatchery also provides a year-round angling opportunity for youngsters. The kid's pond is open to youth fishing year round. Channel catfish and hybrid sunfish are caught in warmer months. Rainbow trout are stocked in winter. The hatchery also offers a visitor showroom. Visitors can buy books in the Nature Shop, watch native fish in a large aquarium, and view exhibits about Missouri's outdoor heritage.

For more information on Kids Fishing Day, call 660-438-4465. Missouri is a great place to fish and more information is available at mdc.mo.gov/fishing.