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
Enjoy a morning of fishing with equipment and bait provided!
Bring your own drinks and snacks.
Introduction to Stream Kayaking: July 25 on the Meramec River between MDC Woodson K. Woods River Access (28.2 river mileage marker) to Scotts Ford Access (35.1 river mileage marker). Participants will meet at MDC Scotts Ford Access and be shuttled to starting point on MDC Woodson K. Woods access point. Must arrive at Scotts Ford by 8:50 am to get shuttled to starting point.
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. The stretch we are floating is a Red Ribbon Trout Area, only flies and artificial lures may be used (hard plastics like rooster tails and crank baits); NO soft plastic baits, and natural and scented baits are prohibited when fishing for any species.
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 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 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 four Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing on your own. 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 2.
Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families 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. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lesson 3 or 4.
Are you ready to share your love of fishing? Volunteer as a Discover Nature Fishing Educator and help beginning anglers gain the skills and confidence to go fishing on their own. Volunteers teach people of all ages how to conserve aquatic resources, assist with events such as kids free fishing days, fly fishing events, and other advanced angling workshops.
This workshop will go over the basics of the Discover Nature Fishing program, as well as policies and procedures for volunteering with MDC. Volunteers must fill out the required application form before attending this workshop.
The classroom portion of this training will be held at the Howard Wood Urban Outreach Office, and a hands-on fishing portion will be held at Forest Park.
In this final lesson you will learn 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. 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.
The Discover Nature Fishing Program is designed for children ages 7-15 years old, although parents/guardians are encouraged to learn and fish with their children. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
*Prerequisite: Lesson 1
Come join us at Walther Park in De Soto, MO Pavilion #8 (SW corner of Veterans Blvd and E) 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. Be sure to bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. Personal items such as a chair, sunglasses, hat, bug spray and sunscreen are strongly encouraged.
A valid Missouri Fishing permit is REQUIRED for anyone between the ages of 16 and 65.