Fishing

Lesson 3&4

Lessons 1 & 2 MUST be taken before any of the other Discover Nature Fishing Lessons.

Lesson 3: Participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.

Lesson 4: Participants will learn about various fishing lures techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri fishing regulations.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing suitable for outdoor and water activities. We will be following local mask and social distancing guidelines. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen. This class is for ages 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All persons in your group MUST be individually registered.

Class at Lake 15

Whether you are backpacking, camping, or at a backyard cookout, food just tastes better when it’s cooked outside! We will learn how to cook outside safely and practice a variety of different techniques before tasting our hard-earned rewards.

The trees are changing color and the breeze is cool. Join us for a kayaking program at Ashland Lake located by Ashland, MO; a short drive from both Columbia and Jefferson City. Bring a water bottle, snacks, and fishing equipment (optional). If fishing, you will need a valid permit. Dress for the weather. All kayaking equipment is provided, including PFD's. Meet at the Ashland Lake parking lot or meet at Runge and follow the presenters. Registration required. Ages 13 and up.

This event is oriented toward young hunters and anglers, and is open to the public. All participants will earn free membership to JAKES, in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, and area sponsors. Youth are welcome to bring their own shotgun, but firearms, ammunition, fishing equipment, and bait are all provided. Lunch will include hamburgers, hotdogs, chips and drinks.

For questions or assistance with preregistration, please contact Conservation Agent Sean Ernst, at (573) 673-7588, or sean.ernst@mdc.mo.gov

Celebrate Fall by taking the kids outside and discover the basics of family fishing. Learn the basics of fishing to get any angler catching fish. You will learn about the basic gear and how to use it as well as fish identification, strategies, rules and regulations, and cleaning and cooking your catch. Fishing equipment will be provided, but you may bring your own. All participants 16 years of age and older must have a valid Missouri fishing license. All participants must register separately.

Celebrate Fall by taking the kids outside and discover the basics of family fishing. Learn the basics of fishing to get any angler catching fish. You will learn about the basic gear and how to use it as well as fish identification, strategies, rules and regulations, and cleaning and cooking your catch. Fishing equipment will be provided, but you may bring your own. All participants 16 years of age and older must have a valid Missouri fishing license. All participants must register separately.

Kayak fishing is a fun and adventurous sport

that offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. Join us for a fun time

learning how to use kayaks to fish! Kayaks, life jackets and fishing poles/tackle will be

provided. Participants must be 8 years of age or older. Participants 15 and younger must be

accompanied by an adult. Class is limited to 20 participants. You MUST REGISTER at

mdc.mo.gov/events by 5pm, October 21st.

This event is a partnership between The Missouri Department of

Conservation (MDC), The Outdoor Dream Foundation (ODF), Missouri

Disabled Sportsmen (MDS), Dead end Game Calls, and Rest Inn Him Lodge. Applicants will be sent

formal application paperwork following their registration on MDC’s site.

Outdoor Dream will review applications, and provided any necessary

hunting gear for successful applicants. Rest Inn Him will provide lodging and

activities for participants during the weekend. Missouri Disabled Sportsmen

will provide funding for meals. MDC will supply track chairs, equipment &

supplies, as well as necessary staff. Participants will attend a deer hunting

clinic, be taken on a Mentored deer hunt in some of Missouri’s best deer

country, and have some time for fishing and other activities around deer

camp. Those applicants 16 years of age or older will hunt using archery methods

Registration required for all attending (adults and families with children of all ages)

Everyone is welcome, wear your Halloween costume if you like and spend a little family time fishing this Halloween season. Everyone gets to fish but we'll also have fishing themed games and prizes for the biggest fish of the day and scariest costume.

Come learn the basics of Dutch Oven cooking! You will learn about the history of Dutch Oven cooking, and how easy it is to make anything you would cook in your home oven in a Dutch Oven. All participants will have the opportunity to help prepare one of the dishes we will be making and try all the dishes at the end. Part of this program will be outside, so dress according to the weather.

We are strongly encouraging masks when indoors, and outdoors when social distancing is not possible.

This program is for individuals who are 18 years and older. Anyone who will be present must register.

While known for trout fishing, Roaring River State Park also has an array of hiking trails. Volunteer naturalist Sandy Vaughn will help you become familiar with their trail system. Meet at the CCC Lodge at Roaring River State Park, near Cassville. Bring a sack lunch and water and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Hike is five to six miles and rated moderate to difficult. Ages 18-adult.

Join us on scenic Lake Girardeau as we watch the final blaze of autumn reflect in the water. This program is an opportunity to simply borrow a boat and go at your own pace. Staff will be on hand to monitor safety and give instruction but you spend your time doing whatever you choose. Binoculars, a fishing pole and permit, or a camera might all make good companions as your drift across this medium sized lake. Lifejackets, kayaks (weight limit 300lbs), paddles and other safety equipment will all be provided. Participants should bring water, snacks, and shoes which can get wet for entering and exiting the kayak. This program is open to ages 10 and up. Participants ages 10-15 require an adult to accompany them. Meet at the main boat launch off of county road 383

We’re out for trout! Come and join us for a winter urban fishing program perfect for all experience levels. Whether you’re a novice fisher or an experienced angler, this program aims to connect participants with the winter fishing areas of Saint Louis city and provide a lively time as the holidays approach.

This will be a rainbow trout catch-and-release program. Poles and bait will be provided. Experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own poles and bait, regulations apply.

Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants 16 and over who plan to fish will need a valid fishing license which can be purchased here: https://mdc-web.s3licensing.com/

MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.

Let’s celebrate Thanksgiving by cooking wild turkey. Sometimes people are a little intimidated by wild game but there is no reason to be. We will cover how to prepare a wild turkey for cooking and share some recipes.

We will have a Dutch oven roasted turkey for tasting to encourage you to try this recipe out at home. This program is intended for adults, youth 12 years old and older may attend with an adult. Both must register.

We’re out for trout! Come and join us for a winter urban fishing program perfect for all experience levels. Whether you’re a novice fisher or an experienced angler, this program aims to connect participants with the winter fishing areas of Saint Louis city and provide a lively time as the holidays approach.

This will be a rainbow trout catch-and-release program. Poles and bait will be provided. Experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own poles and bait, regulations apply.

Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants 16 and over who plan to fish will need a valid fishing license which can be purchased here: https://mdc-web.s3licensing.com/

MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.

While bass, catfish and bluegill get sluggish in the cold winter water, trout are in peak season. Join us for an overview of all things Missouri trout. Topics will include gearing up, techniques, regulations, and where MDC may stock trout in streams and ponds near you. This program is open to all ages but is most appropriate for ages 10+. Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive the link to the virtual program.

Participants will be carving a Balsa crankbait. Materials will be provided for you to carve a blank during class. Some additional supplies will be needed for finishing your lure following class. A list of materials and instructions will be provided.

Annual Kid's Free Fishing Day at Bennett Spring State Park. For More information contact Ben Havens at Ben.Havens@mdc.mo.gov

Women's Free Fishing Day at Bennett Spring State Park. Girls of all ages fish for free! For more information contact Ben Havens at Ben.Havens@mdc.mo.gov or call the hatchery at 417-532-4418