MDC invites the public to a free fishing day June 6 in Columbia

MDC invites the public to a free fishing
day June 6 in Columbia.

Participants of all ages are welcome.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites participants of all ages to a free fishing day in Columbia. This event will be on June 6 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at Stephens Lake Park in Columbia.

Fishing poles, tackle, bait, and instruction will be available for participants free of charge, and registration for this event is not required. Participants will not need a fishing permit to enjoy this event, but MDC asks that all children under the age of 15 are always accompanied by an adult.

Questions about this event can be sent to Huston Spellman at Huston.spellman@mdc.mo.gov. Stephens Lake Park is located at 2001 E. Broadway in Columbia.

Wet a line with MDC at kid’s fishing clinic in Jefferson City on June 27

The clinic is FREE and open to kids up to age 15 and their parent or adult mentor, but registration is required by June 26.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Fishing helps kids discover nature and conserve it, too. Help the kids in your life get hooked on the thrill of fishing. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites kids to a day of fishing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at MDC headquarters located at 2901 West Truman Blvd. in Jefferson City. The clinic is FREE and open to kids up to age 15 and their parent or adult mentor, but registration is required byJune 26.

MDC staff and volunteers will be available to teach participants about fish, fish habitat, fishing techniques and will include plenty of catch and release fishing at the MDC fishing ponds. Fishing gear and bait will be available, or bring your own fishing equipment. A free hot dog lunch will be provided for all participants. All you have to do is bring your kids and plenty of energy!

According to MDC Fisheries Program Specialist Andrew Branson, fishing is a great pastime that all ages can participate in.

“Fishing is a terrific way for kids and families to have fun, discover nature, and make happy memories together,” said Branson. “Don't let inexperience keep you and your kids from enjoying Missouri's great outdoors. The MDC kids fishing days are designed to help introduce fishing to kids and families.”

For more information or to register contact Branson at Andrew.Branson@mdc.mo.gov or573-522-4115, ext. 3501.

Join the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for a day of fishing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at MDC headquarters located at 2901 West Truman Blvd. in Jefferson City. The clinic is FREE and open to kids up to age 15 and their parent or adult mentor

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MDC Lost Valley Hatchery to host Kids Fishing Day April 25

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host the 14th annual Kids Fishing DaySaturday, April 25, at the Lost Valley Fish Hatchery, 28232 Hatchery Way in Warsaw, Mo. This free event welcomes youngsters age 15 and under to try fishing for the first time or for experienced anglers to learn new skills

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    Registration for participants starts at 9 a.m. The whistle will blow at 10 a.m. for fishing to begin in the kid’s pond in front of the hatchery, and the event will conclude at 2 p.m. Channel catfish and hybrid sunfish will be stocked in the pond. Participants will be allowed to take two fish home to eat. MDC staff and volunteers will show new anglers how to bait hooks, cast with rod and reel, and land a fish.  

   “We can provide fishing poles and tackle on a first-come, first-serve basis, or they can bring their own poles and equipment,” said Lesly Conaway, MDC aquaculture biologist.

   Besides fishing, the event will offer target archery shooting, crafts and outdoor exhibits. Drawings will be held for giveaway items such as fishing rods and tackle boxes. Hotdogs and chips will be served as a free lunch while supplies last.

   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 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. Missouri is a great place to fish and more information is available at http://mdc.mo.gov/fishing.

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Get hooked with MDC Free Fishing Days June 7-8

During Free Fishing Days, anyone can fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout stamp, or trout park daily tag.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Get hooked on fishing with the Missouri Department of

Conservation’s (MDC) Free Fishing Days June 7 and 8. During Free Fishing Days, anyone can fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout stamp, or trout park daily tag. Normal regulations remain in effect, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler can keep. Some private fishing areas may still require permits, and trespass laws remain in effect on private property.

Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish, and Free Fishing Days encourages people to sample the state's abundant fishing opportunities. Missouri is blessed with more than a million acres of surface water, and most of it provides great fishing. According to MDC, more than 200 different fish species are found in Missouri, with 40 of them being game fish for the state’s more than 1.1 million anglers.

Conservation also enriches Missouri’s economy and Missourians’ quality of life. Fishing in the state generates more than a billion dollars for local communities and the state’s economy, and supports thousands of jobs.

Public fishing areas are available in every county in Missouri. Many state-owned fishing areas also have special facilities for anglers with disabilities. Contact your local MDC office for Free Fishing Days near you, or go online to mdc.mo.gov/node/3675.

For information on Missouri fishing regulations, permit requirements, fish identification and more, get a copy of MDC’s “2014 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations” where permits are sold, at MDC offices, and online atmdc.mo.gov/node/6108.

MDC also offers a weekly fishing report and annual fishing prospects report for general fishing conditions at selected lakes, rivers, and trout parks across Missouri. Get the report online at fishing.mdc.mo.gov/newsletterand sign up to receive a weekly email update.

Anglers can also get weekly fishing reports and annual prospects, plus more, through MDC’s “Find MO Fish” free app for mobile phones and other mobile devices. Find MO Fish has a geo-location feature to guide boats right up to fish-attractor locations. Find MO Fish also includes a “Best Bets” location feature for certain fish species. Anglers can also view regulations for specific fish species and locations, and get detailed information on various species through the included Fish Guide. The free app will even show you how to obtain fishing permits. Learn more and download Find MO Fish at mdc.mo.gov/node/15421.

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