Kids Fishing Day at Lost Valley Hatchery draws new anglers

Warsaw, Mo. – Young anglers paid little heed to damp weather at the Missouri Department of Conservation's (MDC) Kids Fishing Day on April 27 because hybrid bluegill and channel catfish were biting. The event at Lost Valley Fish Hatchery drew more than 350 youths and a total crowd of almost 700 people.

“We had a really nice turnout and everyone had a great time,” said MDC Aquaculture Biologist Lesly Conaway. “They caught fish, and there were some nice channel catfish in the pond for them.”

Many youths kept a limit of two fish. Volunteers, such as MDC staff and members of the Benton County bass club, helped participants dress fish and prepare them for cooking. Missourians love to fish and the event help young people learn the basics.

The 12th Annual Kids Fishing Day at Lost Valley was a community event with volunteers helping youths bait hooks and learn how to cast with a rod and reel. Volunteers and sponsors included Walmart employees, Future Farmers of America members, Equity Bank employees and staff from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Drawings were held throughout the event and 37 fishing rods and tackle boxes were given away.

MDC’s Lost Valley Hatchery offers fishing opportunities for youth and education opportunities for all visitors year round. The youth fishing pond is stocked throughout the year and open to anglers age 15 and under. A gift shop offers nature related books and information, and the aquarium in the visitor center offers a gorgeous view of live freshwater fish.

Lost Valley Hatchery is the largest state owned, warm-water hatchery in Missouri and one of the largest in the nation. It is located east of Highway 65 on Lost Valley Road, northeast of Warsaw. Information is available at http://on.mo.gov/ZjnnHY. For general information on fishing in Missouri, go to mdc.mo.gov.