Discover Nature Fishing

Ever been on the river and no one is catching except for that one lone fisherman? Participants will do macroinvertebrate sampling / comparison to standard flies during the morning and learn how to tie flies during the afternoon. This workshop helps you figure out what is going on in the water so you can match the lure to macroinvertebrates present in the environment. Participants will then be provided the tools and expert coaching to create up to three different flies to take home. Individuals wishing to try their new flies within a trout stream the final hour of the workshop must possess the required daily trout tag. Instruction and equipment are provided at no cost by Missouri Department of Conservation during the workshop; but individuals may bring their own fly fishing equipment if they wish. Space is limited to 10 participants and all participants must be 16 years or older. This workshop will be held at Maramec Spring Park located just six miles south of St. James, MO, on Hwy. 8, on January 29th from 9 AM – 5 PM.; participants will meet at the museum within the park. Participants should bring their own lunch, snacks, knee/hip boots, and be prepared to be outside from 10-11:30 am & 4-5 pm. We will follow any COVID-19 safety guidelines, so please bring a mask when within 6 feet of staff / participants.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to fly fish but just weren’t sure where to start, this is the program for you! We will begin in the classroom, for a 1–2-hour workshop on fly tying. When we’re done with fly tying, we will move out to the Lake for some hands-on Fly-Fishing experience! In this introductory class, participants will learn about basic fly-fishing concepts, equipment, rigging and casting. All equipment and materials will be provided at no cost, but you are welcome to bring your own if you wish. This will be a catch-and-release program, and all participants age 16 or older will be required to have a standard fishing permit. As this is a 4 hour class, it is recommended that all participants and attendees bring water and a lunch or snack with you. Please be prepared to be outside for several hours in potentially cold weather.

Get your trusty fishing reels in tip top shape before spring weather arrives.

Learn how to maintain and make minor but common repairs to spincasting, spinning and bait casting reels.

During this program we'll learn how to disassemble, clean, lubricate and make some common repairs on these three common types of fishing reels.

This program is appropriate for adults and children over the age of 11. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Each participant must register for this program.

Email the instructor for assistance with registration.

Ice fishing is a fun way to get outdoors and enjoy a winter day. Join us for an ice fishing lesson and a couple hours out on the ice catching fish.

We'll start the morning off at the Kansas City Regional Conservation Office with a short ice fishing lesson where we will learn about ice fishing equipment and techniques as well as ice fishing and winter fishing safety. Then we'll head out on the ice for a fishing opportunity.

Missouri Department of Conservation will provide equipment, bait, and fishing coaches. Dress warm and bring your own snacks and drinks to help you keep warm.

Fishing permits are not required to fish during this program.

The fishing segment of this program will be outside so please dress appropriately for the weather.

Safe ice and weather conditions will be necessary for this program. In the event that weather or ice conditions are not acceptable for this program participant will be contacted with postponement dates.

Each participant must register for this clinic. Contact instructor for assistance with registration.

Join us to discover nature as we

catch and release rainbow trout! This part of the clinic will be held at Spur Pond to give

everyone a chance to experience catching and releasing trout. Please dress accordingly. Registration is required. All supplies are provided.

When the going gets tough, tough anglers switch to a more delicate approach to landing bass. Cold and hot weather, the midday lull, and when the barometer isn’t cooperating are all wonderful times to downsize gear and lures and provide fish with a more subtle presentation. There are a wide array of techniques, both old and new, which will help you land fussy fish. Join us for a virtual look at how to go small to catch the big one. For those participating in our “A Year in Color” this program will earn a blue aquatics bead, and virtual participants are welcome to pick up their bead at the nature center after the program.

Please make sure that your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program.

Learn everything you need to know about catching winter trout during this two day clinic.

This is a two part clinic including a trout fishing orientation/ground school and a hands on trout fishing opportunity. Participants must attend the orientation/ground school to be included in the fishing opportunity.

Join us for a winter trout fishing orientation and ground school on Saturday, February 19th, 11:00am, at the Liberty Community Center 1600 S. Withers Rd, Liberty Missouri, where we'll learn how to catch and clean winter trout.

Then, we'll meet again on Saturday, February 26th at the Capitol Federal Sports Complex, 2200 Old 210 Hwy Liberty Mo, 64068, where we'll trying our luck at catching some hungry rainbow trout.

Dress for the weather and bring your own snacks and drinks. Missouri Department of Conservation will provide rods, equipment, tackle, bait and fishing coaches.

Fishing permits are not required to fish during this event as long as participants DO NOT plan to keep the trout that they catch. If participants would like to keep their trout they WILL need a trout permit.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The classroom portion of this clinic will happen regardless of conditions. However, acceptable weather and open water will be required for the fishing opportunity. Should we have bad weather or ice on the lake on February 26th we'll postpone the fishing opportunity pending better conditions. Participants will be contacted if changes are necessary.

Clinic is free but registration is required. Each participant must register separately. Please contact instructor if you need assistance with registration.

Registration required. CALL 660-530-5500 TO REGISTER. REGISTRATION BEGINS MARCH 9 at 8:00am. Participants 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Only open to first time participants.

Participants will learn about conservation efforts with paddlefish, techniques for snagging and go out snagging on Lake of the Ozarks for 2-hours.

For more information email Trish.Yasger@mdc.mo.gov

Registration required. CALL 660-530-5500 TO REGISTER. REGISTRATION BEGINS MARCH 19at 8:00am. Participants 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Only open to first time participants.

Participants will learn about conservation efforts with paddlefish, techniques for snagging and go out snagging on Lake of the Ozarks for 2-hours.

For more information email Trish.Yasger@mdc.mo.gov