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

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View downstream at Sunset Park Access
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Sunset Park Access was both purchased from and donated by Mr. and Mrs.

Events

Find events near you.
Registration period: May 6 - June 21
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025 1:00 pm - Saturday, June 21, 2025 4:00 pm
Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center
This is part two of Fly-Fishing for Beginners. This class focuses on fishing techniques, how flies mimic insects and their metamorphic stages, ethics, and where to go fishing. Then practice casting with members of the Missouri Trout Fisherman's Association. All equipment provided. Two catch and release fishing opportunities will be available after attending, more details will be given in class. Ages 16 and up. Registration required.
Registration period: April 15 - June 24
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 9:00 am - Wednesday, June 25, 2025 5:00 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Your outdoor adventure awaits! This free, two-day camp will be full of outdoor fun as we practice skills like archery, kayaking, and fishing. We will also visit a local state park and conservation area to discover the unique features they have to offer. A welcome email will be sent prior to the program with full details and a packing list. Snacks, safety, and all equipment are provided. Each teen is only eligible for one camp session per year.
Registration period: May 23 - June 25
Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 10:00 am - Wednesday, June 25, 2025 12:00 pm
Location: Shawnee Mac Lakes Conservation Area

Five Common Missouri Fish - Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle. Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations. You must take Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 1 and 2 before you can take this class.

Additional Information:

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and their families basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs. Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations.

Participants are limited to anglers ages 7 and up. We encourage the entire family to participate. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Adults who do not wish to fish must accompany their child(ren) at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lessons 3 & 4. Participants do NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program. For additional information or questions contact LuAnn Conway at (573) 325-1381 ext. 6036

Registration period: February 17 - May 29
Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 6:00 pm - Wednesday, June 25, 2025 8:00 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 15 - June 26
Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025 9:00 am - Friday, June 27, 2025 5:00 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Your outdoor adventure awaits! This free, two-day camp will be full of outdoor fun as we practice skills like archery, kayaking, and fishing. We will also visit a local state park and conservation area to discover the unique features they have to offer. A welcome email will be sent prior to the program with full details and a packing list. Snacks, safety, and all equipment are provided. Each teen is only eligible for one camp session per year.
Registration period: February 17 - May 29
Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025 6:00 pm - Thursday, June 26, 2025 8:00 pm
Location: Forest Park Hatchery

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1

This first class includes instruction as well as hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing pole, how to fasten 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 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.

Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 10:00 am - Saturday, June 28, 2025 2:00 pm
Location: O’Fallon Park Boat House

The Missouri Department of Conservation, North Newstead Association, City of St. Louis Forestry, earthday365, Black Healers Collective, and Alderwoman Keys to Host Family Fun Day and Cleanup Event on June 28th, 2025.

O'Fallon Park, Missouri - The Missouri Department of Conservation, North Newstead Association, and earthday365 are proud to announce the 2025 Family Fun Day and Cleanup event, which will take place on June 28th, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the O'Fallon Park Boat House, 2001 E Harris Ave, St. Louis, MO 63107. This year's event will feature a range of fun activities and educational opportunities designed to connect families with nature, as well as a cleanup effort to help keep the park clean and beautiful.

In addition to outdoor fun and educational activities, this year’s event will include a listening session led by the Black Healers Collective to help residents process and share their experiences related to the tornado. Community organizations will also be on site to share tornado relief resources and help attendees navigate available support services.

The event will begin with a cleanup effort at 9am to pick up litter and debris in the park. Families are encouraged to participate in the cleanup, which will provide a great opportunity for parents and children to work together and learn about the importance of taking care of our environment. To volunteer, please sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCkHYb0uWAWiyN7Ic16N15cF4FnXEAe7NfYQgX04Fzlh4wog/viewform. After the cleanup, feel free to join in on the fun activities!

Attendees can look forward to a range of activities, including nature-themed crafts for the young ones, fishing and bird watching, tree climbing, guided hikes, and so much more! There will be several nonprofit, governmental, and neighborhood associations giving out information and resources at the event, providing a valuable opportunity for families to learn about important issues and resources in their community. And of course, a cookout for volunteers and attendees!

Registration is not required to attend, but it is appreciated. For more information about the O'Fallon Park Family Fun Day and Cleanup event, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ofallon-park-family-fun-day-tickets-1367659920639?aff=oddtdtcreator.

We hope to see you all at O'Fallon Park on June 28th, 2025, for a day of family fun, education, and community building!

The O'Fallon Park Family Fun Day and Cleanup event is sponsored by several local businesses and organizations, including the O'Fallon Park Neighborhood Association, and we would like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors for their support and generosity.

Registration period: May 2 - June 28
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 5:30 pm - Saturday, June 28, 2025 7:00 pm
Location: Sikeston Recreational Complex CAP Lake

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 Sikeston Recreational Complex. 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: June 6 - June 30
Date: Monday, June 30, 2025 6:00 pm - Monday, June 30, 2025 9:30 pm
Location: Andy Dalton Shooting Range
Are you looking for a “jumping" good time, while learning and enjoying the outdoors? Frog gigging! This program will include all you need to know to get started gigging frogs. Including topics such as; basic frog facts, legal species to harvest and their identification, seasons, limits, regulations, and methods to harvest. Participants will practice what they’ve learned on a short frog gigging trip at Bois D" Arc Conservation Area ponds. Participants will learn all the basic of cooking frog legs as well as strategies to be successful on your next frogging adventure! Participants must be at least 8 years of age; all minors will need to be accompanied by an adult with a driver’s license. Participants, not exempt, must possess a Missouri fishing or hunting permit. Participants will need to appropriate clothing and foot wear (rubber boots) for frog gigging. All equipment will be provided
Registration period: June 2 - June 30
Date: Monday, June 30, 2025 7:00 pm - Monday, June 30, 2025 10:00 pm
Location: James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area

Join us for a frog gigging clinic at the James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area.

We'll begin the evening with an amphibian program to help participants understand the difference between the different frogs that they are likely to encounter as the search for the areas bull and green frogs.

We'll also spend a little time learning how to harvest frogs with lots of tips from local experts.

Then at about sunset we'll head out to the area lakes to try our luck harvesting some frogs. Each individual participant or family will be accompanied on the area by an MDC approved mentor.

When we are finished hunting we'll do a frog cleaning demonstration and help participants clean their frogs before they leave the clinic.

Each participant must register for this clinic separately. For assistance with registration or for additional information, please contact John Rittel 816-604-8117, john.rittel@mdc.mo.gov

Missouri Department of Conservation will provide mentors, frog gigs, flashlights and frog cleaning supplies. Feel free to bring a strong flashlight and/or a headlamp though if you have them. Wear clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting wet and muddy. Bug spray is recommended.

Clinic participants will meet at the shelter house located inside the James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area directly across from the horse trailer parking lot.

Fishing permits are not required to participate in this clinic.

All children under the age a 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.