Try Fishing Without Having To Buy A Permit
During the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June, any person may fish state waters without an MDC fishing permit, trout permit, and prescribed area daily tag. However, user fees and permits may still be required at county, city, or private fishing areas. Normal regulations, such as size and daily limits, still apply, too.
Find An Area, Use Our Gear
Many conservation areas that offer Free Fishing Days programs also have gear you can use at no charge. Area Free Fishing Days programs appear on this page from April until the opportunity ends in June. For more information about Free Fishing Days, call your regional office.
Check the events calendar below for Free Fishing Days events scheduled around the state.
Free Fishing Day Events
Fishing is a great way to spend time outdoors! Following a short lesson on the basics of fishing, participants will have the opportunity to test out their new skills and to see who can catch the most fish. All fishing gear and bait will be provided. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. This is a catch and release event. No fishing permits are required to participate.
This event is for anglers of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please register all attendees individually. 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.
Fishing is a great way to spend time outdoors! Following a short lesson on the basics of fishing, participants will have the opportunity to test out their new skills and to see who can catch the most fish. All fishing gear and bait will be provided. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. This is a catch and release event. No fishing permits are required to participate.
This event is for anglers of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please register all attendees individually. 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.
Fishing is a great way to spend time outdoors! Following a short lesson on the basics of fishing, participants will have the opportunity to test out their new skills and to see who can catch the most fish. All fishing gear and bait will be provided. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. This is a catch and release event. No fishing permits are required to participate.
This event is for anglers of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please register all attendees individually. 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.
Fishing is a great way to spend time outdoors! Following a short lesson on the basics of fishing, participants will have the opportunity to test out their new skills and to see who can catch the most fish. All fishing gear and bait will be provided. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. This is a catch and release event.
This event is for anglers of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please register all attendees individually.
Come join us to learn fishing basics!
Participants will learn how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, parts of a fishing rod, basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish. Fishing equipment and bait will be provided.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites women to fish for free Saturday Sept. 27 at Bennett Spring State Park’s Women’s Free Fishing Day event.
At Women’s Free’ Fishing Day, which will run from 7:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., There is no license or daily tag fee. Female anglers can pick up their free daily trout tag at the park store on the evening before or any time during the day of the event on Sept. 27th. During the event, a part of the park’s Zone 2 fishing area will be reserved for female anglers. Volunteers will be available to help anglers throughout the day, along with members of the Bennett Spring Fly Tying Group who will be hosting live fly-tying demonstrations. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment.
This event is sponsored by Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Bennett Spring State Park Store, and the Bennett Spring Fly Tying group. For more information about the event, call the Bennett Spring Hatchery at 417-532-4418 or e-mail Hatchery Manager Ben Havens at Ben.Havens@mdc.mo.gov .