Discover nature with MDC at Catfish Camp Aug. 6-7

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Join the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for an exciting catfishing experience on the Mississippi River. MDC invites families to discover nature at a free, two-day catfish camp. The event begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6 at Ted Shanks Conservation Area with presentations on catfish biology, regulations, and fishing. Participants will spend Saturday evening on the river setting lines and will check the lines Sunday morning. Camping and pole-and-line fishing will be available Saturday evening for those interested.

“This is a great opportunity for families to enjoy the outdoors together,” said MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist Rob Garver. “Parents will learn right alongside their kids the ins and outs of river fishing for big cats. Biologists will be there to help the participants understand the life of the catfish, and MDC conservation agents will be there to help them understand the rules and regulations of catfishing. With expert advice and a little luck, the families should go home with plenty of fish that’s ready to cook.”

Discover Nature programs are designed to help adults and children explore nature and master outdoor skills together. The Discover Nature: Catfish Camp is free and open to all ages.

All participants younger than 65 years old must possess a valid fishing permit, and participants ages 16 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.  To register, or for more information, contact Garver at Rob.Garver@mdc.mo.gov or 660-785-2420.

Ted Shanks Conservation Area is located 17 miles south of Hannibal on Highway 79, then east on Route TT. It borders 8.75 miles of Mississippi River frontage, 4.75 miles of the Salt River and 2.25 miles of river bluffs.

For more information about fishing opportunities on this or other conservation areas, visit www.mdc.mo.gov.