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
New to fishing? This beginner-friendly introduction covers everything you need to get started with confidence. Learn about gear, knots, baiting a hook, and casting. No experience required - just willingness to get your line wet. By the end you'll be ready to cast on your own and catch your first fish!
*This lesson is required for anyone wanting to take Lessons 2-4*
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 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.
Please meet at Forest Park Hatchery.
To register additional family members, you may need to make a group account or add them to an existing group account. You can also create an additional account for them using your same email, with a different username. Please contact the instructor with any issues related to registration. Non-registered participants may not be able to participate in the program.
Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1
*This lesson is required for anyone wanting to take Lessons 2-4*
*A current, valid fishing permit is required for all participants ages 16–64.*
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.
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 this Lesson 1 before any others.
This class is for everyone 7 years old and up. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Every person planning to attend must be registered separately.
To register additional family members, you may need to make a group account or add them to an existing group account. You can also create an additional account for them which can share your email and phone # but using individual usernames and passwords. Please contact the instructor with any issues related to registration. Non-registered participants may not be able to participate in the program.
Please meet at the Suson Park “Rearing Pond” at the north end of the park.
If the class must be canceled for any reason, including weather, registrants will receive an email notification 24 hours in advance.
MDC welcomes north St. Louis County residents to Bellefontaine Conservation Area for BCA Community Day August 8
Area residents can enjoy fun and educational nature activities during this free family event.
NORTH St. LOUIS Co., Mo.—There’s nature in every neighborhood; it brings benefits to every resident and the whole community.
To highlight nature’s connections in North St. Louis County, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is hosting the BCA Community Day event at Bellefontaine Conservation Area in Bellefontaine Neighbors on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 9 a.m. – noon, located at 10699 Bellefontaine Rd, St. Louis, MO 63137. This is a free nature-themed event and is open to all ages with no registration necessary to attend the event.
Visitors are welcome to explore the conservation area through multiple hands-on activities, including guided hikes, bird watching, fishing, pond dip netting, nature journaling, and more. MDC will provide all equipment needed and normal fishing permit requirements will be waived for participants at this event. Sign up for programs can be done the day of the event at the respective program table.
Bonus activities will include outdoor yoga at 10 a.m. (participants should bring their own mats) and a Step and Slide Dance Class at 11 a.m. Visitors will also enjoy family-friendly DJ music and free ice cream.
A free raffle will give participants chances to win a bird watching kit, a bicycle and helmet, a fishing rod and tacklebox, and free admission tickets that can be used at the Missouri Botanical Garden, Butterfly House, or Shaw Nature Reserve.
Most importantly, residents will get a chance to discover this 133-acre gem in St. Louis' north county, a nature in the neighborhood retreat within easy reach of many nearby residential areas. Bellefontaine Conservation Area offers black bass, white bass, and sunfish fishing from a half hour before sunrise to sunset every day. There’s also a picnic pavilion and two short, paved and level walking trails are suitable for people of all mobility levels.
Bellefontaine Conservation Area is located at 10699 Bellefontaine Road in North St. Louis County. From I-270, take Highway 367 south about one half mile to the Missouri Veterans Home entrance, then Veterans Home driveway east to the area entrance.
Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.
MDC is committed to accessibility at all its nature centers, regional facilities, and conservation areas. To request an ADA accommodation for participation in MDC programs, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/accessibility.
Family fishing is all about turning a simple day by water into an adventure. Learn how to bait, cast, and safely release fish as you step away from the daily rush, breathe in fresh air, and share the fun of reeling in that first big catch together. No experience? No problem. Our naturalist team will guide you every step of the way. There will be two sessions available. Please select the session you prefer to attend and register each member of your family individually.
Fishing is a great way to spend a summer day! Join us for a storybook reading, craft, and hands-on activities that will develop motor skills and grow a love of fish and fishing in your little one.
(This class will be indoors and will not include actual fishing. It is designed to prep young kids to be able to fish when they are older. MDC offers fishing lessons starting at age 7 at various locations throughout the year.)
This program is designed for children ages 2-5, but siblings and family members of all ages are welcome. Please register EACH person who will be present.
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 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.
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 using your same email, just a different username.
Please meet at Lake 2