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Warsaw, Mo. – A free event to teach young people how to fish will be offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). The Department's Lost Valley Fish Hatchery will host the 15th annual Kids Fishing Day on May 7. Youngsters age 15 and under can try fishing for the first time with help from volunteers and MDC staff. Kids who are experienced anglers can learn some new skills.
Registration for participants starts at 9 a.m. at the hatchery, 28232 Hatchery Way in Warsaw. Fishing will begin at 10 a.m. in the youth fishing pond in front of the hatchery. The event concludes at 2 p.m.
Channel catfish and hybrid sunfish are stocked in the pond. Participants may keep two fish. They will need to bring a bucket or bag to take them home, as no fish cleaning station will be available at the pond.
MDC provides fishing poles and tackle for participants to try angling. Youngsters may also bring their own fishing rods, but only one per participant. Only bait not carried in water is allowed. The pond is accessible for those with mobility challenges.
Fish cleaning and cooking demonstrations will be presented at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. A free lunch with hot dogs, chips and cookies will be available at 11 a.m. Drawings will be held every half hour for fishing poles and tackle boxes.
Other outdoor family activities will be available, too. Skill stations will be set up at the pond where youths can shoot target archery, shoot pellet guns, and learn angling casting techniques. Face painting and other activities will also be offered.
MDC's Lost Valley Hatchery produces sport fish such as walleye for stocking in Missouri's lakes. But the hatchery also provides a year-round angling opportunity for youngsters. The kid's pond is open to youth fishing year round. Channel catfish and hybrid sunfish are caught in warmer months. Rainbow trout are stocked in winter. The hatchery also offers a visitor showroom. Visitors can buy books or fishing permits in the Nature Shop, watch native fish in a large aquarium, and view exhibits about Missouri's outdoor heritage.
For more information on Kids Fishing Day, call 660-438-4465. Information and maps for Lost Valley Fish Hatchery are available at http://on.mo.gov/1r2uiEh. Missouri is a great place to fish and more information is available at mdc.mo.gov/fishing.
