Fishing Events

Come learn how to tie fishing knots with MDC at the North East Regional Office in Kirksville

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 (November 6). 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.

Come learn about the different types of fishing lures and what fish they catch at the North East Regional Office in Kirksville

Learn how to clean a trout and a few easy and delicious ways to prepare them.

Participants will clean a trout, then we'll prepare those trout using a few different recipes.

Bring your appetite because you'll also have an opportunity to sample all those delicious trout.

This program is appropriate for adults and families with children over the age of 8.

Fish are an incredibly diverse and fascinating group of animals, join the Missouri Department of Conservation for this virtual program on fish. Learn why bass are terrible parents, how fish outlived the dinosaurs, which fish breathe air, and much more to become a fish-wiz.

Participants will receive the virtual program link at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive this link.

Come learn how to tie fishing knots with MDC at the North East Regional Office in Kirksville

Southeast Fishing Fin-atics is an opportunity to meet other anglers, explore different areas of fishing, and expand your skills. We are looking for anglers who have some fishing experience but are not sure how to go after that prize bass or spot bluegill from shore.

For this month we will be meeting virtually to learn about Missouri’s trout stocking program. Learn what goes into bringing one of America’s most beloved species of fish to locales throughout the state from our guest speaker, Carly Robbs: a Naturalist at Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery. Then we'll explore trout fishing specifically in southeast Missouri.

Participants will receive the virtual program link at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive this link.

Learn all about catching feisty winter trout and catch a few for dinner.

We'll start the morning off with a trout fishing lesson in the class room at the Kansas City Regional Conservation Office where we'll learn how to catch and clean trout. Then we'll head down to Honker Pond to try our luck catching some hungry trout.

Dress for the weather but if you get cold while you are fishing you can take a break to warm up by the fire and enjoy some hot chocolate.

Only children can fish at Honker Pond but parents and family are welcome to attend and learn along with the kids.

Missouri Department of Conservation will provide all of the equipment, bait, fishing coaches, hot chocolate and a warm fire.

Children do not need a trout permit to fish at this event as long as they plan to release their fish, if they would like to keep the trout that they catch they will need a trout permit. Permits will not be available at this event but they can be purchased online here https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/permits

or at any permit vendor.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

If bad weather is forecast the day of this event it may be postponed. You will be contacted if any changes are necessary.

Dress appropriately for the weather.

Each child that attends the program must be registered separately. Contact instructor for assistance with registration.

Artificial lures are a fun way to catch fish and a great chance to be creative. Join us at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center for a chance to make your own popper or crankbait and learn about these great lures. With the holidays upon us this is a great chance to make a hand painted lure for the angler in your life, or just to use as a unique decoration.

Unlike birds fish do not fly south for the winter but they do have their own unique adaptations to survive our coldest season. Join the Missouri Department of Conservation for this virtual program on fish in winter including how they survive, where they hide, and most importantly how to get bites in the winter.

Participants will receive the virtual program link at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive this link.