Free Hands-On Instruction
Fishing is a great way for everyone to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories together. Our Discover Nature — Fishing Program helps Missourians gain the skills and confidence to go fishing on their own.
- Classes are free.
- No special equipment needed — we’ll provide all the gear.
More advanced classes can be found on the list below and on the Fishing Events page.
PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE AT https://secure.rec1.com/MO/perryville-mo/catalog OR CALLING (573) 547-7275.
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 with the Perry Park Center.
This program will cover the Discover Nature-Fishing Lessons 1 and 2, which are best to complete before Lessons 3 and 4 (hosted March 26). 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.
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.
PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE AT https://secure.rec1.com/MO/perryville-mo/catalog OR CALLING (573) 547-7275.
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 with the Perry Park Center.
This program will cover Lessons 3 and 4 which are best completed after Lessons 1 and 2 (March 19). 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.
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.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.
*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 ___________.
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 2). 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.
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 Hatchery
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.


























