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

Events

Find events near you.
Date: Friday, March 1, 2024 8:00 am - Sunday, March 31, 2024 5:00 pm
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center

From artist Terry Martin: "I was fortunate to grow up in Missouri, where there were lakes, streams, and rivers to explore. Mine is a state with a premier conservation effort! I had a bicycle and a fishing rod (a fortunate son!). As a boy, I was up at daylight each day and home when it got dark. I developed more and more of an interest in the wildlife and geography of my surroundings. I discovered artists like John James Audubon, Roger Tory Peterson, Maynard Reece, and fellow Missourian Charles W. Schwartz. Also of great influence were naturalists John Muir, Marlin Perkins, and Robert Bateman."

Terry Martin's art will be on exhibit in the Runge lobby until April 30. No registration required. All ages
Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 6:00 pm - Wednesday, March 20, 2024 8:30 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Ponds can beautify your landscape, supply hours of family fishing fun, and provide habitat for countless Missouri species, from ducks to amphibians. Join MDC Fisheries Biologist Salvador Mondragon for a in-depth plan for managing your pond. Learn about stocking, aquatic plants, and dealing with invasive species so you can pamper your pond and maximize your investment.
Registration period: December 15 - March 21
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024 12:00 pm - Thursday, March 21, 2024 1:00 pm
Location: Online only

Bighead, black, common, grass, and silver carp are all invasive species of fish found in nearly every state in this country and commonly considered a nuisance. What if I told you that was all true and they happen to be beloved sport fish known for impressive fights in most other countries? This fish can be a thrilling new target for your angling pleasure and once you start you won’t want to stop. Join us for this virtual program covering carp angling, equipment, and all the species found in Missouri.

Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. Registration ends 2 hours before program begins.

Registration period: January 13 - March 20
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024 2:30 pm - Thursday, March 21, 2024 3:00 pm
Location: Online only
Any time can be a great time to fish. Now that the weather is turning warm and Spring fishing season is in full force. Now is the time to brush up on those fish-cleaning skills. This session will focus on cleaning skinned fish with an emphasis on catfish. We will look at some of the common equipment needed and common methods of cleaning these fish.
Registration period: February 23 - March 21
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024 2:30 pm - Thursday, March 21, 2024 4:00 pm
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

Come to Powder Valley to learn how to cook with a dutch oven over a fire. In this hands-on program we will be sharing simple yet delicious recipes.

This program will be held outside and be using hot charcoals.
Registration period: March 4 - March 23
Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024 10:30 am - Saturday, March 23, 2024 12:30 pm
Location: Spur Pond

Go fishing with MDC at Spur Pond!

People planning who are age 15 or older until 63 will need a valid fishing permit.
Registration period: March 8 - March 24
Date: Monday, March 25, 2024 10:00 am - Monday, March 25, 2024 1:00 pm
Location: Bois D' Arc Aquatic Education Pond

Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish.

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.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities.

Each participant will need to register for this program individually. To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make your child their own, separate account.

For questions or help registering, please contact Jeanell Stockton @ jeanell.stockton@mdc.mo.gov or 417-737-0698

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family!

Participants DO NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 1:00 pm - Wednesday, March 27, 2024 3:00 pm
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center
Ever wanted to learn how to fish? Or maybe just want to practice? Drop by and try out fishing at the Conservation Commission Headquarters (2901 W. Truman Blvd. Jefferson City). All materials and gear will be provided. No registration required. All ages
Registration period: March 1 - March 28
Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024 8:00 am - Thursday, March 28, 2024 4:00 pm
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center
Join us for an introduction to trout fishing at Bennett Spring State Park. We will learn methods, gear, and how to prepare our trout for cooking. A Missouri fishing permit and a daily trout tag are waived for this program and will not be needed. Runge will provide round trip transportation for participant. Make sure to pack a lunch and water bottle and dress for the weather. Equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. All participants will need a permission form signed by a parent or guardian. Permission forms will be emailed to participants before the program, available the morning of the program, or can be picked up at Runge in advance. Registration required. Ages 13 - 17
Registration period: January 13 - March 27
Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024 6:30 pm - Thursday, March 28, 2024 7:30 pm
Location: Online only
Any time is a great time to fish. And now that the weather has turned warm and Spring fishing season is in full force, it is time to brush up on those fish-cleaning skills. This program will focus on the equipment needed and common methods for cleaning both scale and skin fish. This is a single program that will cover the three-part Fish Cleaning series.