Body
Discover Nature Fishing offers families with children between the ages of 7 and 15 a hands-on introduction into angling.
Media
Image
Media
Title
Media
Title
Body
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.
Title
Program at a Glance
Body
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
Body
- 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.
Title
What to Expect
Title
What to Expect
Body
- 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.
Title
What to Bring Along
Title
What to Bring Along
Body
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
Title
Cancellation or Withdrawal
Title
Cancellation or Withdrawal
Body
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:
March 25 - April 21
Date:
Saturday, April 25, 2026 9:00 am - Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:00 am
Location:
Suson Park - Rearing Pond
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 2 Description:
*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*
Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 2
Participants will learn intermediate fishing techniques and skills. This includes how to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure a variety of baits to various types of hooks.
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 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. You must complete Lesson 1 before any others.
To register your child, you may need to make a family account or add them to an existing family account. You can also make your child their own separate account using your same email, just a different username.
Please meet at Suson Rearing Pond
Registration period:
March 29 - April 25
Date:
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 6:00 pm - Wednesday, April 29, 2026 8:00 pm
Location:
Lake 15- August A Busch Memorial Conservation Area
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 3 & 4 Description:
*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*
In the Lesson 3 portion, participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.
In the Lesson 4 portion, participants will learn about various fishing lures and 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 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. You must complete Lesson 1 before any others.
To register your child, you may need to make a family account or add them to an existing family account. You can also make your child their own separate account using your same email, just a different username.
Please meet at Lake 15
Registration period:
April 15 - April 26
Date:
Thursday, April 30, 2026 6:00 pm - Thursday, April 30, 2026 8:00 pm
Location:
Forest Park Hatchery
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 3 & 4 Description:
*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*
In the Lesson 3 portion, participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.
In the Lesson 4 portion, participants will learn about various fishing lures and 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 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. You must complete Lesson 1 before any others.
To register your child, you may need to make a family account or add them to an existing family account. You can also make your child their own separate account using your same email, just a different username.
Please meet at Forest Park Hatchery
Registration period:
April 2 - April 28
Date:
Saturday, May 2, 2026 9:00 am - Saturday, May 2, 2026 11:00 am
Location:
Suson Park - Rearing Pond
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 3 & 4 Description:
*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*
In the Lesson 3 portion, participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.
In the Lesson 4 portion, participants will learn about various fishing lures and 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 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. You must complete Lesson 1 before any others.
To register your child, you may need to make a family account or add them to an existing family account. You can also make your child their own separate account using your same email, just a different username.
Please meet at Suson Rearing Pond
Registration period:
April 6 - May 2
Date:
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 6:00 pm - Wednesday, May 6, 2026 8:00 pm
Location:
Lake 15- August A Busch Memorial Conservation Area
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 1 Description:
*This lesson is required for anyone wanting to take Lessons 2-4*
Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1
This beginning class involves hands-on instruction to teach new anglers basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spin-cast rod and reel, how to recognize and rig 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 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. You must complete Lesson 1 before any others.
To register your child, you may need to make a family account or add them to an existing family account. You can also make your child their own separate account using your same email, just a different username.
Please meet at Lake 15
Registration period:
April 7 - May 3
Date:
Thursday, May 7, 2026 6:00 pm - Thursday, May 7, 2026 8:00 pm
Location:
Forest Park Hatchery
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 1 Description:
*This lesson is required for anyone wanting to take Lessons 2-4*
Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1
This beginning class involves hands-on instruction to teach new anglers basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spin-cast rod and reel, how to recognize and rig 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 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. You must complete Lesson 1 before any others.
To register your child, you may need to make a family account or add them to an existing family account. You can also make your child their own separate account using your same email, just a different username.
Please meet at Forest Park Hatchery
Registration period:
April 24 - May 8
Date:
Friday, May 8, 2026 5:30 pm - Friday, May 8, 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 May 20). 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:
April 9 - May 5
Date:
Saturday, May 9, 2026 9:00 am - Saturday, May 9, 2026 11:00 am
Location:
Suson Park - Rearing Pond
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 1 Description:
*This lesson is required for anyone wanting to take Lessons 2-4*
Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1
This beginning class involves hands-on instruction to teach new anglers basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spin-cast rod and reel, how to recognize and rig 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 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. You must complete Lesson 1 before any others.
To register your child, you may need to make a family account or add them to an existing family account. You can also make your child their own separate account using your same email, just a different username.
Please meet at Suson Rearing Pond
Registration period:
April 13 - May 9
Date:
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 6:00 pm - Wednesday, May 13, 2026 8:00 pm
Location:
Lake 15- August A Busch Memorial Conservation Area
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 1 Description:
*This lesson is required for anyone wanting to take Lessons 2-4*
Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1
This beginning class involves hands-on instruction to teach new anglers basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spin-cast rod and reel, how to recognize and rig 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 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. You must complete Lesson 1 before any others.
To register your child, you may need to make a family account or add them to an existing family account. You can also make your child their own separate account using your same email, just a different username.
Please meet at Lake 15
Registration period:
April 14 - May 10
Date:
Thursday, May 14, 2026 6:00 pm - Thursday, May 14, 2026 8:00 pm
Location:
Forest Park Hatchery
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 1 Description:
*This lesson is required for anyone wanting to take Lessons 2-4*
Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1
This beginning class involves hands-on instruction to teach new anglers basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spin-cast rod and reel, how to recognize and rig 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 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. You must complete Lesson 1 before any others.
To register your child, you may need to make a family account or add them to an existing family account. You can also make your child their own separate account using your same email, just a different username.
Please meet at Forest Park Hatchery