Fishing Events

Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 3 & 4 Description:

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

In the Lesson 3 portion, participants will learn about aquatic habitats, food webs, and the basic biology of common Missouri fish species.

In the Lesson 4 portion, participants will learn about various fishing lures and techniques, as well as identify and understand Missouri 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.

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 your 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.

Virtual Vise: Fly tying at Home. Come tie some flies with Ginger Miller, who is usually behind the camera, tying flies with materials she found at Dollar Tree, or Dollar store. We will have this material list ASAP. Stay tuned for some really neat flies on a budget.

Enjoy a morning of fishing with equipment and bait provided!

Bring your own drinks and snacks.

Join MDC at the Jaycee Park Block Party hosted by the City of Kirksville! We will have our Backyard Bass casting activity and track molds available for all ages!

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.

Join MDC for casting instruction and practice while playing Backyard Bass! We will be in the open field area behind the business office.

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.

It’s summer and the fish are biting! Learn about the bait, tackle, and technique needed to catch a fish before seeing how many you can reel in. All fishing equipment will be provided. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather during this outdoor program. This program will take place at the Missouri Department of Conservation – Commission Headquarters at 2901 West Truman Boulevard, Jefferson City.

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.