Fishing 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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 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 2

*You must attend Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 (Equipment, Casting, & Proper Fish Handling) before attending this class.

*A current, valid fishing permit is required for all participants ages 16–64.*

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.

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.

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 sharing your same email and phone # but using unique 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.

Join the Missouri Department of Conservation in an adults-only fishing lesson at the Forest Park Hatchery. Perhaps you grew up fishing, or perhaps you've always wanted to try. It's never too late to reconnect with childhood hobbies or find a new pastime! Following a brief lesson on fishing basics, participants will be able to test their skills to catch-and-release a variety of Missouri native fish. All fishing gear and bait will be provided, though participants are encouraged to bring a camping chair and refreshments. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities.