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

Events

Find events near you.
Registration period: December 13 - January 24
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025 9:00 am - Saturday, February 1, 2025 12:00 pm
Location: Army Corps of Engineers Visitors Cent.-Long Branch
Come spend a few relaxing hours learning the art of fly tying! Many different materials will be available for use, Pat will teach the skill, and you can go home with a supply of your finished products!
Registration period: January 15 - February 1
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025 10:00 am - Saturday, February 1, 2025 12:00 pm
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center
Fishing is a great way to connect with nature and that connection doesn’t have to stop just because it’s winter. Now is a great time to tie your own flies! Whether you are wondering what a fly even is, or you are an experienced fisherwoman, join us for a morning of learning, practice, and fun. Participants will receive a brief overview of the artform, including materials needed and some basic techniques, before tying their own flies to take home.
Registration period: January 15 - February 3
Date: Monday, February 3, 2025 9:00 am - Monday, February 3, 2025 12:00 pm
Location: McKay Park Lake
Join us for some trout fishing at McKay Park in Jefferson City. Equipment and instruction will be provided so no experience is necessary. Meet MDC staff at the parking area in the NW corner of the park at the end of Sunset Lake Road. All participants ages 16 to 64 must come prepared with a Missouri Fishing Permit. Participants of all ages must have a Trout Permit to keep trout. Registration required. Ages 6+
Registration period: November 18 - February 2
Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025 9:00 am - Tuesday, February 4, 2025 11:00 am
Location: Forest Park Hatchery

*Lesson 1 is not required to attend lesson 2*

Welcome to the first ever “All About Trout,” program put on in the St. Louis region. This is a Traditional fishing class, meaning we will be using traditional “Ultra-Light,” fishing gear and lures to fish for Rainbow Trout. If you are wanting to try Fly-Fishing, we have plenty of fly-fishing classes throughout the fall and winter months!

In Lesson one we will be introducing you to trout as a species, going over the history of trout in Missouri, the gear/techniques we use to catch them, the identification/use of trout bait, handling the trout, and hands on fishing.

In lesson two we go over Trout habitat, life cycle, wildlife regulations and their importance, the difference in ribboned trout streams/special use areas, fish handling overview, lure identification/use, and hands on fishing.

DURING THESE LESSONS ONLY: We are going to catch and cook trout pond-side. There may even be opportunities for participants to take home their very own catch!

This is a fishing event in the cold fall/winter months! Be sure to come prepared with water, snacks, and very warm clothing (Winter jackets, pants, hats, etc.) Closed-toed shoes are required. Gloves are optional but highly recommended!

Registration period: November 22 - February 7
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025 12:00 pm - Friday, February 7, 2025 1:00 pm
Location: Online only

Bass are incredible fish; they fight hard and make for an exciting fishing trip. Join us for this virtual program covering all you will need to know to have a successful bass fishing experience. From huge largemouth to stealthy smallmouth there is a bass out there you can catch.

Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. Registration ends 2 hours before program begins.

Registration period: November 18 - February 6
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025 8:00 am - Saturday, February 8, 2025 10:00 am
Location: Forest Park Hatchery

*Lesson 1 is not required to attend lesson 2*

Welcome to the first ever “All About Trout,” program put on in the St. Louis region. This is a Traditional fishing class, meaning we will be using traditional “Ultra-Light,” fishing gear and lures to fish for Rainbow Trout. If you are wanting to try Fly-Fishing, we have plenty of fly-fishing classes throughout the fall and winter months!

In Lesson one we will be introducing you to trout as a species, going over the history of trout in Missouri, the gear/techniques we use to catch them, the identification/use of trout bait, handling the trout, and hands on fishing.

In lesson two we go over Trout habitat, life cycle, wildlife regulations and their importance, the difference in ribboned trout streams/special use areas, fish handling overview, lure identification/use, and hands on fishing.

DURING THESE LESSONS ONLY: We are going to catch and cook trout pond-side. There may even be opportunities for participants to take home their very own catch!

This is a fishing event in the cold fall/winter months! Be sure to come prepared with water, snacks, and very warm clothing (Winter jackets, pants, hats, etc.) Closed-toed shoes are required. Gloves are optional but highly recommended!

Registration period: January 22 - February 8
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025 9:00 am - Saturday, February 8, 2025 12:00 pm
Location: Happy Holler Lake Conservation Area

Pre-register on MDC website or by calling and leaving your name, phone number, and number of participants.

Bait, Tackle, and pre-drilled holes will be provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own gear if you have it.

Dress appropriately for the weather
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025 10:00 am - Saturday, February 8, 2025 11:30 am
Location: Capaha Park
With the start of February comes the start of catch and keep season for trout for all of our stocked ponds. See what is best to use on the stocked trout along with places in Southeast Missouri that have stocked trout ponds
Registration period: January 9 - February 12
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025 6:00 pm - Thursday, February 13, 2025 7:30 pm
Location: Online only
Wild game is a great source of protein and offers many health benefits over store purchased products. Due to several factors, these meats often require a different cooking approach to make the best possible table fare. Join us in this virtual classroom as we discuss some of the popular wild game meats available in Missouri and how you can go about preparing some of these.
Registration period: December 13 - February 8
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 9:00 am - Saturday, February 15, 2025 12:00 pm
Location: Mark Twain Lake - M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor
Come spend a few relaxing hours learning the art of fly tying! Many different materials will be available for use, Pat will teach the skill, and you can go home with a supply of your finished products!