MDC: 2019 Free fishing days are this weekend

THIS CONTENT IS ARCHIVED
News from the region
Ozark
Published Date
06/04/2019
Body

WINONA, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation announces Free Fishing Days are coming up this weekend. Free Fishing Days in Missouri are the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June. This year those dates are June 8 and 9. On these two days, any person may fish state waters without a permit, trout permit and prescribed area daily tag. This is a chance to try fishing before buying a permit.

Skyler Bockman manager of the Twin Pines Conservation Education Center, says if you’re not familiar with fishing, make it easier, by bringing an experienced angler with you to show you the ropes. Next time, you might be able to pay it forward and pass on the skills you learn this year.

“If you are an experienced angler, we hope you’ll be taking your less experienced friends, children or grandchildren out to fish on these days and help them become successful anglers,” Bockman said.

Fishing is an outdoor activity nearly anyone can enjoy and have some success in, he said.

“It’s also a great way to spend family time together, and put food on the table,” Bockman added.

Bockman said there are plenty of places to fish in southeast Missouri, which can be easily found using MDC’s mobile app, MO Fishing. The app includes a fish identification guide, as well as MDC-identified fishing locations and navigation to those areas. The app also includes fish attracters’ locations within the fishing areas.

“The app is one method we’re using to help people find fishing locations close to home,” Bockman said. “You can download the app and it’ll show you the fishing options closest to you.”

Bockman said MDC is also partnered with local libraries on a Rod and Reel Loaner program, which enables people to borrow fishing equipment at no cost.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to learn and take up fishing,” he said. “We have a lot of fishing opportunities available and we hope folks take advantage of them.”

Find Rod and Reel Loaner locations, fishing events, and more information about fishing in Missouri at www.mdc.mo.gov/fishing.