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.
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.
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.
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.
Date:
Saturday, June 1, 2024 4:30 pm - Saturday, June 1, 2024 7:30 pm
Location:
McKay Park Lake
Join us for a family fishing day in the park! Fishing poles, tackle, bait, and instruction will be provided. This is a great opportunity for anyone you know who is interested in fishing but does not have the gear to do so. Anyone is welcome. Stop by to grab a fishing pole and start fishing!
Date:
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 8:30 am - Tuesday, June 4, 2024 4:00 pm
Location:
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
If you love to have fun outdoors, and would like to learn new skills, then this program is for you! Teamwork, safety, and leadership are stressed. Join us in June as we learn the basics of these outdoor skills: (archery, atlatl, canoeing, fishing, letter boxing, and air rifles).
Each child may only sign up to attend one day. Participants must dress to be outside the full length of program, wear sturdy shoes (no flip flops or flimsy sandals) and bring a water bottle that can be refilled. Bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended.
Date:
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 3:00 pm - Tuesday, June 4, 2024 6:30 pm
Location:
Clinton MDC Office
Registration required (ages 10+) A great way to enjoy the outdoors is by heading to the lake to fish! This fishing program will take place at Truman Lake near Clinton and will focus on learning how to bank fish for channel catfish, buffalo, and carp.
Dress for the outdoors, including shoes that can get muddy, sunscreen, bug spray, a camp chair, water, and snacks. You may wish to bring along a small cooler with ice for transporting your catch home. Participants are encouraged to bring their own pole(s) and can continue fishing after the conclusion of the program.
Additional information will be shared with participants prior to the program. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.
Date:
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 5:30 pm - Tuesday, June 4, 2024 7:30 pm
Location:
Hunnewell Hatchery
Meet at the fishing dock. Fishing is encouraged but optional.
A valid fishing permit is required for Missouri residents ages 16 to 64, and nonresidents ages 16 and up.
Permits are available for purchase online.
Lesson 1 Casting, and Proper Fish Handling
Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook
Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.
Ages 7 and above. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website. Email instructor for assistance with registering for this program.
Date:
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 8:30 am - Wednesday, June 5, 2024 4:00 pm
Location:
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
If you love to have fun outdoors, and would like to learn new skills, then this program is for you! Teamwork, safety, and leadership are stressed. Join us in June as we learn the basics of these outdoor skills: (archery, atlatl, canoeing, fishing, letter boxing, and air rifles).
Each child may only sign up to attend one day. Participants must dress to be outside the full length of program, wear sturdy shoes (no flip flops or flimsy sandals) and bring a water bottle that can be refilled. Bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended.
Date:
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 6:00 pm - Wednesday, June 5, 2024 8:00 pm
Location:
Forest Park Hatchery
Have you ever wanted to learn how to properly chase catfish in your local body of water? We have the class for you! This is a single class that is made to teach you everything you will need to know. The class will begin as any other, only catch is, you will already be fishing! Fishing rods will be set up in wait as we teach and talk about catfish. We will display the different types of catfish, the different types of rods, reels, and gear used to catch catfish, and also teach you what kind of baits to use and where!
Date:
Thursday, June 6, 2024 8:30 am - Thursday, June 6, 2024 4:00 pm
Location:
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
If you love to have fun outdoors, and would like to learn new skills, then this program is for you! Teamwork, safety, and leadership are stressed. Join us in June as we learn the basics of these outdoor skills: (archery, atlatl, canoeing, fishing, letter boxing, and air rifles).
Each child may only sign up to attend one day. Participants must dress to be outside the full length of program, wear sturdy shoes (no flip flops or flimsy sandals) and bring a water bottle that can be refilled. Bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended.
Date:
Thursday, June 6, 2024 3:00 pm - Thursday, June 6, 2024 5:00 pm
Location:
Twin Pines Conservation Education Center
Lesson 1: Learn the parts and function of a spin cast fishing rod and reel. How to cast safely and successfully. How to fasten basic tackle to a fishing line. Learn techniques to catch fish and handle it properly.
Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks.
Participants will be able to take what they learned and go fishing.
Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.
Each participant must register for this program individually.
Date:
Thursday, June 6, 2024 5:30 pm - Thursday, June 6, 2024 7:30 pm
Location:
Hunnewell Hatchery
Meet at the fishing dock. Fishing is encouraged but optional.
A valid fishing permit is required for Missouri residents ages 16 to 64, and nonresidents ages 16 and up.
Permits are available for purchase online.
Lesson 3: Five Common Fish - Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle.
Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations.
Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.
Ages 7 and above. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Each participant will need to register for this program individually on the Missouri Department of Conservation Discover Fishing website. Email instructor for assistance with registering for this program.
Date:
Friday, June 7, 2024 8:30 am - Friday, June 7, 2024 4:00 pm
Location:
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
If you love to have fun outdoors, and would like to learn new skills, then this program is for you! Teamwork, safety, and leadership are stressed. Join us in June as we learn the basics of these outdoor skills: (archery, atlatl, canoeing, fishing, letter boxing, and air rifles).
Each child may only sign up to attend one day. Participants must dress to be outside the full length of program, wear sturdy shoes (no flip flops or flimsy sandals) and bring a water bottle that can be refilled. Bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended.
