Fishing Events

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

Lesson 1: Learn the parts and function of a spin cast fishing rod and reel. How to cast safely and successfully. How to fasten basic tackle to a fishing line. Learn techniques to catch fish and handle it properly.

Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks.

Participants will be able to take what they learned and go fishing.

Trout are a nutritious and delicious fish that you can catch right here in Missouri. Whether you are casting with the crowds at one of or trout parks or creeping along one of our beautiful streams, catching trout is only half of the fun. Join the Missouri Department of Conservation at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center for this program and learn how to make a meal out of your next catch.

College Night at Belladonna Pond: Fishing, Fire, and Forest Trails

College life can get hectic, so step away from the noise and spend an evening unwinding in the great outdoors. Join us for a relaxed, community focused event featuring peaceful pond fishing at sunset, a bonfire hangout, and a guided night hike under the stars.

We will start the evening by casting a line at the Belladonna Pond at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery in Branson. As dusk settles in, we’ll gather around a crackling bonfire for s’mores, conversation, and a chance to connect with new friends. Once the fire dies down, MDC staff will take the group on a relaxed night hike, exploring the trails and learning about local wildlife and nighttime ecology.

This program blends adventure with calm, offering a perfect reset from academic stress and a chance to build community in a memorable, low-pressure setting. Bring a lawn chair, flashlight, and your sense of adventure.

Fishing equipment and bait will be provided, but you are welcome to bring their own fishing equipment. If you have never fished before, don't worry, we will teach you the basics! A Missouri fishing permit is required to fish. Fishing permits may be purchased online at https://mdc-web.s3licensing.com/ or in-person at permit vendors.

For refreshments, we will provide ingredients for DIY s’mores and some hot drinks (hot cocoa and coffee)! No alcohol, please.

This program is open to college students and young adults. Grab a friend and meet us at the pond!

Five Common Missouri Fish - Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle. Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations. You must take Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 1 and 2 before you can take this class.

Additional Information:

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combine instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and their family's basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs. Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations.

Participants are limited to anglers ages 7 and up. We encourage the entire family to participate. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Adults who do not wish to fish must accompany their child(ren) at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lessons 3 & 4. Participants do NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program. For additional information or questions contact LuAnn Conway at (573) 325-1381

Southeast Fishing Fin-atics is an opportunity to meet other anglers, explore different areas of fishing, and expand your skills. We are looking for budding and experience anglers that want to learn more and participate in a growing angling community.

This month we will explore General Watkins Conservation Area and try fishing at multiple bodies of water located within the area. Bass and other sunfish will be targeted with bait and artificial lures. Equipment is provided and participants are welcome to bring their own. A fishing permit will not be required for this program. Details on exact meeting location, recommended supplies, and carpooling instructions from the Cape Girardeau Nature Center will be provided before the program via email.

Fishing is a great way to spend time outdoors! Following a short lesson on the basics of fishing, Girl Scouts will have the opportunity to test out their new skills and to see who can catch the most fish. All fishing gear will be provided. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. This is a catch and release event.

This class is for Girl Scouts of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All attendees must be registered (children and adults). Adults who plan to fish must have a current Missouri fishing license.

Please register all attendees individually. To register your Girl Scout, you may need to make a group account, or add them to an existing group account. You can also make your child their own, separate account.

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

Veterans are invited to fish for free Saturday (April 18) at Bennett Springs State Park’s Veterans’ Fishing Day event. This special day is a chance for any veteran or active duty serviceperson to get out and fish! Missouri offers tremendous trout park fishing opportunities and Bennett Spring proudly sponsors this event and an opportunity to fish for FREE.

At Veterans’ Fishing Day, fishing is free and there is no license or daily tag fee. All veterans can pick up free trout tags at the park store on the Friday evening before or anytime on Saturday during the event. Fishing hours for the event will be 7 a.m.to 7:30 p.m.

During the event a part of the park’s Zone 2 fishing area will be specially stocked and reserved for anglers who are veterans. Adjacent to the fishing area, volunteers will be hosting a hospitality tent featuring fly tying demos, lessons, casting instruction, and the latest adaptive fishing equipment.

If you are interested in trout fishing, come out and fish with one of our heroes on the water – many volunteers will be on hand to show you the ropes! Not quite sure, practice with some of the casting games on the lawn or tie up a fly.

For more information, please contact Ben Havens at Ben.Havens@mdc.mo.gov or call the hatchery at 417-532-4418.

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