Fishing is a great way to spend time with family and friends creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it's a full-blown vacation or a quiet Saturday morning, fishing can get you away from it all. All you need is a pole, a line, a hook, some bait, and a permit.
No matter where you live in Missouri, a great fishing trip is close to home. Check Places to Go for conservation areas with fishing opportunities near you.
Guidelines for Fishing on MDC Areas
Have the Right Equipment
Essential equipment includes a rod, reel, hook, line, and lure. Check the fishing gear page to see if you have the correct equipment.
Apply Bug Spray and Sunscreen
In addition to sunscreen, wearing a hat and/or sunglasses can protect you from too much sun and the glare reflecting off the water.
Bring a First Aid Kit
Put your kit in a waterproof case, especially if you are fishing from a boat. Be sure to include the basics in your kit: bandages, sterile pads, pain relievers, disinfectant, and an antibiotic cream.
Get your fishing permit.
You can purchase permits online or in most Missouri sporting goods stores.
Follow Fishing Etiquette
- Some fishing locations are more popular than others, so when you find yourself sharing the space with fellow anglers, make sure you are respecting them and the outdoor area to ensure everyone has the best fishing experience.
- Be aware of fishing seasons, area-specific regulations, and creel limits (the maximum amount of fish you can catch). Creel limits vary by conservation area and are posted on signs near conservation area parking lots.
- Leave no trace. Properly dispose of your fishing line, lures, trash, and food waste in a trash receptacle. Littering can harm both land and aquatic wildlife and habitats.
- Be a good steward and dispose of bait properly. Dumping bait can result in the introduction of an invasive animal. Invasive species can harm native wildlife and habitats and impact the ability humans have to do their favorite outdoor activities, such as fishing.
Great Places for
Events
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 3 & 4 Description:
*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*
In the Lesson 3 portion, participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.
In the Lesson 4 portion, participants will learn about various fishing lures and techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.
All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.
This class is for 7 years old and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family. You must complete Lesson 1 before any others.
To register your child, you may need to make a family account or add them to an existing family account. You can also make your child their own separate account using your same email, just a different username.
Please meet at Lake 2
*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*
In the Lesson 3 portion, participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.
In the Lesson 4 portion, participants will learn about various fishing lures and techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.
All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.
This class is for everyone 7 years old and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Every person planning to attend must be registered separately.
All participants who complete all four Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing on your own. You must complete Lesson 1 before any others.
Please meet at Forest Park Hatchery.
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 3 & 4
*You must attend Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 (Equipment, Casting, & Proper Fish Handling) before attending this class.*
*A current, valid fishing permit is encouraged for all participants ages 16–64.*
In the Lesson 3 portion, participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.
In the Lesson 4 portion, participants will learn about various fishing lures and techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.
All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.
All participants who complete all four Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family. You must complete Lesson 1 before any others.
This class is for everyone 7 years old and up. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Every person planning to attend must be registered separately.
To register additional family members, you may need to make a group account or add them to an existing group account. You can also create an additional account for them sharing your same email and phone # but using individual usernames and passwords. Please contact the instructor with any issues related to registration. Non-registered participants may not be able to participate in the program.
Please meet at the Suson Park “Rearing Pond” at the north end of the park.
If the class must be canceled for any reason, including weather, registrants will receive an email notification 24 hours in advance.
Outdoor “Adventure Day” for blind and low vision individuals and their families. The Missouri Department of Conservation is partnering with the Springfield chapter of the National Federation of the Blind and Freedom Park to host the event. The event will be, come and go, between 10:00am –2:00pm held at Freedom Park just east of Springfield.
The day will be filled with fun adventures allowing participants to experience fishing, archery, corn hole, nature hiking, kayaking, and shot gun shooting. All equipment and some adaptive equipment will be provided. All participants will be covered by a group fishing permit. Lunch will be provided, but participants should bring all other personal items needed. Participants that will be fishing near the water are encouraged to bring their own PFD (personal floatation device), but PFD will be provided.
This is a fishing program meant for all levels and all ages to come and have a chance to learn about our local St. Louis lakes! We will be giving a demonstration of the habitat of the lakes along with the species in each one. We will then go over different techniques to target each species and even try it ourselves!
You will leave with the ability to target any species on your own.
Please bring close-toed shoes, food/drink, and your enthusiasm!
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 1 Description:
*This lesson is required for anyone wanting to take Lessons 2-4*
Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1
This beginning class involves hands-on instruction to teach new anglers basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spin-cast rod and reel, how to recognize and rig basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.
All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.
This class is for 7 years old and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family. You must complete Lesson 1 before any others.
To register your child, you may need to make a family account or add them to an existing family account. You can also make your child their own separate account using your same email, just a different username.
Please meet at Busch Wildlife Lake 2