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
Pomme de Terre Lake Management Lands are cooperatively managed by the US Army Corps of Engin
Events
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.
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.
Enjoy a morning of fishing with equipment and bait provided!
Bring your own drinks and snacks.
This is a make up for the cancelled bowfishing class and will take place at George Winter Park. NEW PARTICIPANTS ARE WELCOME! In this class we will cover all the basics of Bowfishing so you can have a proper understanding of the sport and techniques involved. You will even get to head out on boats to try for yourselves!
We will give a quick demonstration of what we are looking for species-wise, a shooting tutorial-refresh, safety briefing, and then we will be heading out on the water!
All gear will be provided!
Please bring closed toed shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, water, and any snacks you may need while out on the water. Glasses will be a necessity as well. Polarized are the very best option, but regular glasses or sunglasses will be fine.
Life jackets will be required to be worn within 50 feet of the bank of the river AT ALL TIMES! Life jackets will be provided but you may bring your own if you would like.
We will be disembarking around 5:30 pm from the George Winter boat ramp and will be return promptly at 8pm to process fish. We will wrap up at 9pm.
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.
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.