Fishing is a great way to spend time with family and friends creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it's a full-blown vacation or a quiet Saturday morning, fishing can get you away from it all. All you need is a pole, a line, a hook, some bait, and a permit.
No matter where you live in Missouri, a great fishing trip is close to home. Check Places to Go for conservation areas with fishing opportunities near you.
Guidelines for Fishing on MDC Areas
Have the Right Equipment
Essential equipment includes a rod, reel, hook, line, and lure. Check the fishing gear page to see if you have the correct equipment.
Apply Bug Spray and Sunscreen
In addition to sunscreen, wearing a hat and/or sunglasses can protect you from too much sun and the glare reflecting off the water.
Bring a First Aid Kit
Put your kit in a waterproof case, especially if you are fishing from a boat. Be sure to include the basics in your kit: bandages, sterile pads, pain relievers, disinfectant, and an antibiotic cream.
Get your fishing permit.
You can purchase permits online or in most Missouri sporting goods stores.
Follow Fishing Etiquette
- Some fishing locations are more popular than others, so when you find yourself sharing the space with fellow anglers, make sure you are respecting them and the outdoor area to ensure everyone has the best fishing experience.
- Be aware of fishing seasons, area-specific regulations, and creel limits (the maximum amount of fish you can catch). Creel limits vary by conservation area and are posted on signs near conservation area parking lots.
- Leave no trace. Properly dispose of your fishing line, lures, trash, and food waste in a trash receptacle. Littering can harm both land and aquatic wildlife and habitats.
- Be a good steward and dispose of bait properly. Dumping bait can result in the introduction of an invasive animal. Invasive species can harm native wildlife and habitats and impact the ability humans have to do their favorite outdoor activities, such as fishing.
Great Places for
Events
Catfishing is a time-honored tradition in Southeast Missouri. Cleaning, filleting, and cooking are the parts of many people leave to their grandparents, parents, or other experienced angler but here is your chance to learn for yourself is a safe environment. In this program at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, we will be doing just that; cleaning, filleting, and finally frying up some catfish.
Come by between 11:00am and 1:00pm on Friday July 3 for a live demonstration of cleaning and cooking catfish.
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 everyone 7 years old and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Every person planning to attend must be registered separately.
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 additional family members, 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.
Flatwater Kayaking: July 9th at the boat ramp located within Rinquelin Trail Lake Conservation Area
Join us for an evening on the water for a basic flatwater kayaking program. Participants will learn information and safety about kayaking during a ground school portion of the class, then take to the water for paddling instruction and practice. Participants aged 13 and older are welcome to register; those aged younger than 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Fishing poles will be provided if you wish to experience fishing from a kayak the later portion of the program; participants 16 and older must possess a valid fishing permit if you choose to fish.
Kayaks, paddles, and life-jackets will be provided. Close-toed shoes are required.
For questions please contact Dwight Warnke at Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov
Introduction to Stream Kayaking: July 11 on the Big Piney River between Six Crossings (50.0 river mileage marker) to Big Piney River bridge (54.5 river mileage marker). Participants will meet at Big Piney River Bridge and be shuttled to starting point at Six Crossings access point. Must arrive at Big Piney Bridge by 8:50 am to get shuttled to starting point. Directions to Big Piney Bridge: From Duke, take Route K west to Western Road then across Big Piney Bridge and turn right to gravel bar.
Participants will learn information and safety about kayaking during a ground school portion of the class, then take to kayaking the river. Participants aged 13 and older are welcome to register; those aged younger than 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Participants should bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellant, extra water, and lunch. Food and water is not available for purchase nor will be provided. A dry bag is recommended for personal gear. Fishing poles will be provided if you wish to experience fishing from a kayak the later portion of the program; participants 16 and older must possess a valid fishing permit if you choose to fish.
Kayaks, paddles, and life-jackets will be provided. Close-toed shoes are required.
For questions please contact Dwight Warnke at Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov
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 everyone 7 years old and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Every person planning to attend must be registered separately.
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 additional family members, 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.
Did you know one of Missouri’s best fishing baits grows in trees instead of coming from a tackle shop?
Join us to discover the legendary catalpa worm—a favorite bait among generations of anglers. You’ll learn how to identify catalpa trees, recognize the caterpillars, harvest them responsibly, and prepare or preserve them for future fishing trips. Then we’ll head to the water and put them to the test as we fish with one of nature’s most effective live baits.
Along the way, you’ll hear the fascinating story behind the catalpa worm, learn why fish find them so irresistible, and pick up practical fishing tips you can use long after the class ends.
Whether you’re new to fishing, looking to expand your outdoor skills, or simply curious about Missouri’s hidden natural treasures, you’ll leave with new knowledge, a few fish stories, and a bait secret that many anglers have been passing down for generations.