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Discover Nature — Fishing offers families with children between the ages of 7 and 15 a hands-on introduction into angling.
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It's more than breaking out the tackle box. That's why the department is looking for experienced anglers who are ready to lead the next generation of Missouri anglers.
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Program at a Glance
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- Lesson one: Equipment, Casting, and Proper Fish Handling
- Lesson two: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook
- Lesson three: Five Common Missouri Fish - Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle
- Lesson four: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations
- Classes are free
- No permits or additional paperwork required
- Bait and equipment provided
Enrollees must take lesson one to be eligible for later lessons. However, lessons two, three, and four may be taken in any order once lesson one has been completed.
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What to Expect
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What to Expect
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- Each class is approximately two hours and will include indoor and outdoor segments.
- Separate registration required for each participant
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- All registrants are expected to participate
Both the child and the accompanying adult(s) must be registered for classes in order to attend.
Due to limited space and seating, only those registered for a class may attend.
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What to Bring Along
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What to Bring Along
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All supplies and fishing equipment will be provided. However, you might want to bring the following:
- Water bottle
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Insect repellent
- Notebook and pencil
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Cancellation or Withdrawal
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Cancellation or Withdrawal
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Bad Weather:
In the event of class cancellation or rescheduling, registrants will be notified by either phone or email.
Withdraw from a Class:
To withdraw, navigate to My Events, log in, then select “cancel registration.” Remember that this will have to be done for every participant registered for the class.
Fishing Classes
Registration period:
December 29 - February 21
Date:
Saturday, February 21, 2026 10:00 am - Saturday, February 21, 2026 11:00 am
Location:
MDC Northeast Regional Office
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)
Registration period:
February 27 - March 12
Date:
Thursday, March 12, 2026 5:30 pm - Thursday, March 12, 2026 7:00 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 be hosted at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.
This program will cover Discover Nature-Fishing Lessons 1 and 2, which are best to complete before Lessons 3 and 4 (hosted March 25). 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. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license for this program.
Registration period:
January 1 - March 19
Date:
Thursday, March 19, 2026 6:00 pm - Thursday, March 19, 2026 8:00 pm
Location:
MDC Northwest Regional Office
New to fishing? This beginner-friendly introduction covers everything you need to get started with confidence. Learn about gear, knots, baiting a hook, and casting. No experience required - just willingness to get your line wet. By the end you'll be ready to cast on your own and catch your first fish!
Discover Nature Fishing lessons are free and open to ages 7 and above. This event covers lessons 1-2 and will have a hands-on fishing portion.
Participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free gift to encourage future fishing.
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.
All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
While fishing permits are not required for DNF events, we encourage participants 16 and older to purchase a permit so they are a valid angler following this class.
Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation website. Email instructor for assistance with registering or questions about the program.
Registration period:
February 27 - March 25
Date:
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 5:30 pm - Wednesday, March 25, 2026 7:00 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 be hosted at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.
This program will cover Lessons 3 and 4 which are best completed after Lessons 1 and 2 (March 12). 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. 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:
January 1 - March 28
Date:
Saturday, March 28, 2026 9:00 am - Saturday, March 28, 2026 11:00 am
Location:
MDC Northwest Regional Office
New to fishing? This beginner-friendly introduction covers everything you need to get started with confidence. Learn about gear, knots, baiting a hook, and casting. No experience required - just willingness to get your line wet. By the end you'll be ready to cast on your own and catch your first fish!
Discover Nature Fishing lessons are free and open to ages 7 and above. This event covers lessons 1-2 and will have a hands-on fishing portion.
Participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free gift to encourage future fishing.
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.
All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
While fishing permits are not required for DNF events, we encourage participants 16 and older to purchase a permit so they are a valid angler following this class.
Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation website. Email instructor for assistance with registering or questions about the program.
Registration period:
March 20 - April 2
Date:
Thursday, April 2, 2026 5:30 pm - Thursday, April 2, 2026 7:00 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 be hosted at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.
This program will cover the Discover Nature-Fishing Lessons 1 and 2, which are best to complete before Lessons 3 and 4 (hosted April 9). 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. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license for this program.
Registration period:
March 20 - April 9
Date:
Thursday, April 9, 2026 5:30 pm - Thursday, April 9, 2026 7:00 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 be hosted at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.
This program will cover the Discover Nature-Fishing Lessons 1 and 2, which are best to complete before Lessons 3 and 4 (hosted April 9). 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. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license for this program.
for ages 7 and up. 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:
January 1 - April 16
Date:
Thursday, April 16, 2026 6:00 pm - Thursday, April 16, 2026 8:00 pm
Location:
Belcher Branch Lake Conservation Area
New to fishing? This beginner-friendly introduction covers everything you need to get started with confidence. Learn about gear, knots, baiting a hook, and casting. No experience required - just willingness to get your line wet. By the end you'll be ready to cast on your own and catch your first fish!
Discover Nature Fishing lessons are free and open to ages 7 and above.
This event covers lessons 3-4 and will have a hands-on fishing portion.
Participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free gift to encourage future fishing.
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.
All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
While fishing permits are not required for DNF events, we encourage participants 16 and older to purchase a permit so they are a valid angler following this class.
Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation website. Email instructor for assistance with registering or questions about the program.
Registration period:
January 1 - April 25
Date:
Saturday, April 25, 2026 9:00 am - Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am
Location:
Belcher Branch Lake Conservation Area
New to fishing? This beginner-friendly introduction covers everything you need to get started with confidence. Learn about gear, knots, baiting a hook, and casting. No experience required - just willingness to get your line wet. By the end you'll be ready to cast on your own and catch your first fish!
Discover Nature Fishing lessons are free and open to ages 7 and above.
This event covers lessons 3-4 and will have a hands-on fishing portion.
Participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free gift to encourage future fishing.
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.
All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
While fishing permits are not required for DNF events, we encourage participants 16 and older to purchase a permit so they are a valid angler following this class.
Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation website. Email instructor for assistance with registering or questions about the program.
Registration period:
January 1 - May 21
Date:
Thursday, May 21, 2026 6:00 pm - Thursday, May 21, 2026 8:00 pm
Location:
Corby Pond
New to fishing? This beginner-friendly introduction covers everything you need to get started with confidence. Learn about gear, knots, baiting a hook, and casting. No experience required - just willingness to get your line wet. By the end you'll be ready to cast on your own and catch your first fish!
Discover Nature Fishing lessons are free and open to ages 7 and above. This event covers lessons 1-2 and will have a hands-on fishing portion.
Participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free gift to encourage future fishing.
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.
All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
While fishing permits are not required for DNF events, we encourage participants 16 and older to purchase a permit so they are a valid angler following this class.
Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation website. Email instructor for assistance with registering or questions about the program.