Fishing

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Trout angler fishing in a stream
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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.

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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.

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Before You Go

Get your fishing permit.

You can purchase permits online or in most Missouri sporting goods stores.

More information on fishing permits.

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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 Fishing

Jefferson
Mammoth access is located on the Big River 3.30 river miles down-river from the Washington Stat

Events

Find events near you.
Registration period: April 30 - October 6
Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2024 5:00 pm - Tuesday, October 8, 2024 7:00 pm
Location: St. Louis Regional Office/Busch Memorial CA

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

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 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 Children and Families of all ages! 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.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Registration period: April 30 - October 8
Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024 5:00 pm - Thursday, October 10, 2024 7:00 pm
Location: Forest Park Hatchery

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

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 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 Children and Families of all ages! 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.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Registration period: August 23 - October 11
Date: Friday, October 11, 2024 5:30 pm - Friday, October 11, 2024 7:30 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Fishing is a great way for kids and families to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories. Our Discover Nature-Fishing program is a hands-on, four-part fishing instruction series that helps families gain the skills and confidence they need to go fishing on their own.

This program will cover the Discover Nature-Fishing Lessons 1 and 2, which are best to complete before Lessons 3 and 4 (hosted later). Participants will learn about fishing equipment, casting, rigging a fishing rod, baiting a hook, and proper fish handling. The Discover Nature-Fishing program is available for ages 7 and up. This program will take place at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license for this program.

Registration period: April 30 - October 10
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024 9:00 am - Saturday, October 12, 2024 11:00 am
Location: Suson Park - Rearing Pond

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

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 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 Children and Families of all ages! 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.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Registration period: September 13 - October 11
Date: Sunday, October 13, 2024 12:00 pm - Sunday, October 13, 2024 2:00 pm
Location: Forest Park Hatchery

Cane poles are one of the simplest forms of traditional fishing. This program will introduce use of the cane pole, casting technique, landing and handling fish, and pole and line maintenance. An opportunity to practice cane pole fishing (catch and release) will follow the instruction portion of this program. No need to bring equipment. Cane poles will be provided, and participants will get to bring a cane pole home at the end of the program.

In the event of weather-related cancellation, registrants will be notified by email at least 24 hours prior to the start of the program.

Registration period: April 30 - October 13
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 5:00 pm - Tuesday, October 15, 2024 7:00 pm
Location: St. Louis Regional Office/Busch Memorial CA

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

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 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 Children and Families of all ages! 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.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Registration period: April 30 - October 16
Date: Friday, October 18, 2024 5:00 pm - Friday, October 18, 2024 7:00 pm
Location: Forest Park Hatchery

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

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 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 Children and Families of all ages! 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.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Registration period: August 23 - October 18
Date: Friday, October 18, 2024 5:30 pm - Friday, October 18, 2024 7:30 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Fishing is a great way for kids and families to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories. Our Discover Nature-Fishing program is a hands-on, four-part fishing instruction series that helps families gain the skills and confidence they need to go fishing on their own.

This program will cover Lessons 3 and 4 which are best completed after Lessons 1 and 2. Participants will learn about Missouri freshwater ecosystems, common fish, artificial lures, and the regulations regarding fishing in Missouri. The Discover Nature-Fishing program is available for ages 7 and up. We will host this program at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license and those who have already completed Lessons 1 and 2 will receive fishing related rewards.

Registration period: September 17 - October 19
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024 3:00 pm - Saturday, October 19, 2024 4:00 pm
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

Fishing lures come in all kinds of crazy colors, but which color is the best? In this hands-on program you will learn what is on the menu for Missouri fish and get to paint your own fishing lure.

All materials for this program will be provided.
Registration period: October 3 - October 24
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024 6:30 pm - Thursday, October 24, 2024 8:00 pm
Location: Online only

Muskie Fishing Program – Virtual Program

Did you know the Missouri Department of Conservation stocks Muskie in Fellow’s Lake just north of Springfield? Do you want to learn basic Muskie fishing methods? This workshop is for YOU! MDC Conservation Educator Lyle Whittaker is partnering with the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, Springfield Utilities, and the Pomme D Terre Muskie Inc. to offer this unique opportunity for anglers. There is an in-person musky fishing event on Fellow’s Lake on Oct. 26th from 7:00am-11:30am, registration for the that event can be found at:

Events | Missouri Department of Conservation (s3licensing.com)

Topics covered in the virtual program:

- Musky biology

- Regulations

- Equipment and tackle

- Methods of fishing for musky

A WebEx link to view the virtual program will be sent out 24 hours before the program.