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
*YOU MUST HAVE A FISHING PERMIT* Anyone ages 16-64 needs a permit. You can purchase one online at mdc.mo.gov/permits or at tackle stores or Walmart.
Welcome to All About Trout! In this class you will learn all about trout species, habitat, history, and fishing and try your hand at catching your very own Rainbow Trout! Once completed, you can sign up for the follow-up class “Pond to Plate: Trout” where you’ll put your trout fishing skills to the test in order to catch, clean, and cook them.
Register for free and create an account for ALL participants (children too). You can either create a group account or create multiple individual accounts using the same email and password, just a different username.
Please dress for the weather. Feel free to bring water, snacks, and anything else you may need. You will receive an email from us if there is need for cancellation.Come learn how to tie different fishing knots at Northeast Regional Office located in Kirksville
(There will not be a fishing field experience with this class)
Southeast Fishing Fin-atics is an opportunity to meet other anglers, explore different areas of fishing, and expand your skills. We are looking for anglers who have some fishing experience but are not sure how to go after that prize bass or spot bluegill from shore.
We will be meeting at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center then heading to a local lake stocked with trout. This is a great opportunity for young adults to learn about trout fishing and the trout stocking program.
*YOU MUST HAVE A FISHING PERMIT* Anyone ages 16-64 needs a permit. You can purchase one online at mdc.mo.gov/permits or at tackle stores or Walmart.
Welcome to All About Trout! In this class you will learn all about trout species, habitat, history, and fishing and try your hand at catching your very own Rainbow Trout! Once completed, you can sign up for the follow-up class “Pond to Plate: Trout” where you’ll put your trout fishing skills to the test in order to catch, clean, and cook them.
Register for free and create an account for ALL participants (children too). You can either create a group account or create multiple individual accounts using the same email and password, just a different username.
Please dress for the weather. Feel free to bring water, snacks, and anything else you may need. You will receive an email from us if there is need for cancellation.Pond to Plate: Trout:
*YOU MUST HAVE A FISHING PERMIT AND TROUT STAMP* Anyone ages 16-64 needs a permit, and every age needs a trout stamp to harvest trout. You can purchase one online at mdc.mo.gov/permits or at tackle stores or Walmart.
Welcome to Pond to Plate: Trout! This class is meant for those who have taken All About Trout or already know how to fish, as we will not be going into detail on how to use a fishing rod/catch fish. The main goal of this class is for participants to catch their limit of trout and learn cleaning techniques and recipes for cooking them at home! We will start the day by catching, followed by a trout cleaning demonstration, and then some grilling and a taste test! You will ideally go home with your bag of trout, a recipe + how-to-clean packet, and some new skills and knowledge.
Register for free and create an account for ALL participants (children too). You can either create a group account or create multiple individual accounts using the same email and password, just a different username.
Please dress for the weather. Feel free to bring water, snacks, and anything else you may need. You will receive an email from us if there is need for cancellation.