Fishing

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Trout angler fishing in a stream
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Fishing is a great way to spend time with family and friends creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s a full-blown vacation or a quiet Saturday morning, fishing can get you away from it all. All you need is a pole, a line, a hook, some bait, and a permit.

No matter where you live in Missouri, a great fishing trip is close to home. Check Places to Go for conservation areas with fishing opportunities near you.

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Guidelines for Fishing on MDC Areas

Have the Right Equipment

Essential equipment includes a rod, reel, hook, line, and lure. Check the fishing gear page to see if you have the correct equipment.

Apply Bug Spray and Sunscreen

In addition to sunscreen, wearing a hat and/or sunglasses can protect you from too much sun and the glare reflecting off the water.

Bring a First Aid Kit

Put your kit in a waterproof case, especially if you are fishing from a boat. Be sure to include the basics in your kit: bandages, sterile pads, pain relievers, disinfectant, and an antibiotic cream.

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Before You Go

Get your fishing permit.

You can purchase permits online or in most Missouri sporting goods stores.

More information on fishing permits.

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Follow Fishing Etiquette

  • Some fishing locations are more popular than others, so when you find yourself sharing the space with fellow anglers, make sure you are respecting them and the outdoor area to ensure everyone has the best fishing experience.
  • Be aware of fishing seasons, area-specific regulations, and creel limits (the maximum amount of fish you can catch). Creel limits vary by conservation area and are posted on signs near conservation area parking lots.
  • Leave no trace. Properly dispose of your fishing line, lures, trash, and food waste in a trash receptacle. Littering can harm both land and aquatic wildlife and habitats.
  • Be a good steward and dispose of bait properly. Dumping bait can result in the introduction of an invasive animal. Invasive species can harm native wildlife and habitats and impact the ability humans have to do their favorite outdoor activities, such as fishing.

Great Places For Fishing

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River at Moores Mill Access
Callaway
This 101 acre area provides bank access to the Auxvasse Creek and is comprised of riparian fore

Events

Find events near you.
Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 3:00 pm - Tuesday, June 25, 2024 7:00 pm
Location: August A Busch Shooting Range
Come out and enjoy the day at our August A. Busch Shooting range open house. There will be loads of activities, some to include .22 call rifle shooting, shotgun shooting, atlatl, archery, 18 static displays, disc golf, fishing game, demonstrations by Agent Nick Bommarito with MDC's newest dog and much more! If it is hot dont worry we have free snow cones for everyone! This event is completely free and tons of family fun!
Registration period: April 30 - June 23
Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 6:00 pm - Tuesday, June 25, 2024 8:00 pm
Location: St. Louis Regional Office/Busch Memorial CA

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1

This first class includes instruction as well as hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing pole, how to fasten 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 Children and Families of all ages! 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.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Registration period: June 1 - June 28
Date: Friday, June 28, 2024 6:00 pm - Friday, June 28, 2024 8:00 pm
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center
Whether you’re an avid backpacker or a backyard bonfire enthusiast, come join other women to learn more about the best part of any outdoor adventure – the food! Participants will learn the tips and tricks for making easy and delicious meals with just a campfire and have the chance to try some tasty treats! Registration required. Ages 16+
Registration period: April 30 - June 27
Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024 9:00 am - Saturday, June 29, 2024 11:00 am
Location: Suson Park - Rearing Pond

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

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 2

Participants will learn intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will be taught 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 Children and Families of all ages! 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.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Registration period: April 30 - July 1
Date: Tuesday, July 2, 2024 6:00 pm - Tuesday, July 2, 2024 8:00 pm
Location: St. Louis Regional Office/Busch Memorial CA

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

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 2

Participants will learn intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will be taught 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 Children and Families of all ages! 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.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2024 9:00 am - Wednesday, July 3, 2024 12:00 pm
Location: Engler Park
Fishing is a great opportunity to engage with our natural resources, grow close to family, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Join the Missouri Department of Conservation at Giessing Lake in Engler Park on July 3 from 9am-12pm for a free fishing opportunity. Participants will be provided fishing equipment and bait free of charge with no registration or permit necessary. So come get hooked on fishing with MDC.
Registration period: June 1 - July 3
Date: Saturday, July 6, 2024 8:00 am - Saturday, July 6, 2024 10:00 am
Location: Lake City Shooting Range

If you were in the woods by yourself with nothing but a string and a knife, would you be able to survive? Have you made a fire without matches or a lighter? Could you fashion a snare or trap to catch an animal for food or make a fishing pole? Would you like to learn how to use an Atlatl? These are some of the primitive hunting skills we will discuss and learn to use. Bring your sense of adventure and join us for this fun, informative session.

Registration period: April 30 - July 4
Date: Saturday, July 6, 2024 9:00 am - Saturday, July 6, 2024 11:00 am
Location: Suson Park - Rearing Pond

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

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 2

Participants will learn intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will be taught 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 Children and Families of all ages! 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.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Registration period: March 15 - July 6
Date: Saturday, July 6, 2024 5:00 pm - Saturday, July 6, 2024 7:00 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Fishing is a great way for kids and families to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories. Our Discover Nature-Fishing program is a hands-on, four-part fishing instruction series that helps families gain the skills and confidence they need to go fishing on their own.

This program will cover the Discover Nature-Fishing Lessons 1 and 2, which are best to complete before Lessons 3 and 4 (hosted later). Participants will learn about fishing equipment, casting, rigging a fishing rod, baiting a hook, and proper fish handling. The Discover Nature-Fishing program is available for ages 7 and up. This program will take place at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license for this program.

Registration period: March 6 - July 8
Date: Monday, July 8, 2024 3:30 pm - Monday, July 8, 2024 6:00 pm
Location: Little Prairie CA

Flatwater Kayaking: July 8th at the Towell Lake Boat Ramp located within Little Prairie CA near Rolla.

Join us for an evening on the water for a basic flatwater kayaking program. Participants will learn information and safety about kayaking during a ground school portion of the class, then take to the water for paddling instruction and practice. Participants aged 13 and older are welcome to register; those aged younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing poles will be provided if you wish to experience fishing from a kayak the later portion of the program; participants 16 and older must possess a valid fishing permit if you choose to fish.

Kayaks, paddles, and life-jackets will be provided. Close-toed shoes are required.

For questions please contact Dwight Warnke at Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov