Fishing Events

We’re out for trout! Come and join us for a winter urban fishing program perfect for all experience levels. Whether you’re a novice fisher or an experienced angler, this program aims to connect participants with the winter fishing areas of Saint Louis city and provide a lively time as the holidays approach.

This will be a rainbow trout catch-and-release program. Poles and bait will be provided. Experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own poles and bait, regulations apply.

Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants 16 and over who plan to fish will need a valid fishing license which can be purchased here: https://mdc-web.s3licensing.com/

MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.

Participants will be carving a Balsa crankbait. Materials will be provided for you to carve a blank during class. Some additional supplies will be needed for finishing your lure following class. A list of materials and instructions will be provided.

Learn all about catching feisty winter trout and catch a few for dinner.

We'll start the morning off with a trout fishing lesson in the class room at the Kansas City Regional Conservation Office where we'll learn how to catch and clean trout. Then we'll head down to Honker Pond to try our luck catching some hungry trout.

Dress for the weather but if you get cold while you are fishing you can take a break to warm up by the fire and enjoy some hot chocolate.

Only children can fish at Honker Pond but parents and family are welcome to attend and learn along with the kids.

Missouri Department of Conservation will provide all of the equipment, bait, fishing coaches, hot chocolate and a warm fire.

Children do not need a trout permit to fish at this event as long as they plan to release their fish, if they would like to keep the trout that they catch they will need a trout permit. Permits will not be available at this event but they can be purchased online here https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/permits

or at any permit vendor.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

If bad weather is forecast the day of this event it may be postponed. You will be contacted if any changes are necessary.

Dress appropriately for the weather.

Each child that attended the program must be registered separately. Contact instructor for assistance with registration.

Fly-tying is a great way to customize a fishing lure to a specific type of fish or a particular stretch of stream. It’s also way to get an added sense of accomplishment knowing that you caught a fish with a lure you made. MDC Conservation Educator, Sam Stewart, will guide participants through the tying process as well as discuss how flies are effective lures for a variety of sportfish species.

All materials will be provided. Please register early as space is limited.

Fly tying is an enjoyable way to stay connected with the sport of fishing during the winter months. Discover what equipment is needed to tie flies before creating your own to take home. All equipment and materials will be provided. Registration required. Ages 10 and up.

Always wanted to explore fly fishing but didn’t know who to ask for help? This workshop is designed for individuals who want to learn about fly fishing equipment, how to properly cast under various environmental conditions, &/or simply improve their skills. Instruction and equipment are provided at no cost by Missouri Department of Conservation during the workshop. Space is limited to 10 participants and all participants must be 16 years or older. This workshop will be held at Bray Conservation Area located just south of Rolla, MO, on January 22nd from 12 – 4 PM. Participants should be prepared to be outside from 2-4 PM. We will follow any COVID-19 safety guidelines, so please bring a mask when within 6 feet of staff / participants.

Ever been on the river and no one is catching except for that one lone fisherman? Participants will do macroinvertebrate sampling / comparison to standard flies during the morning and learn how to tie flies during the afternoon. This workshop helps you figure out what is going on in the water so you can match the lure to macroinvertebrates present in the environment. Participants will then be provided the tools and expert coaching to create up to three different flies to take home. Individuals wishing to try their new flies within a trout stream the final hour of the workshop must possess the required daily trout tag. Instruction and equipment are provided at no cost by Missouri Department of Conservation during the workshop; but individuals may bring their own fly fishing equipment if they wish. Space is limited to 10 participants and all participants must be 16 years or older. This workshop will be held at Maramec Spring Park located just six miles south of St. James, MO, on Hwy. 8, on January 29th from 9 AM – 5 PM.; participants will meet at the museum within the park. Participants should bring their own lunch, snacks, knee/hip boots, and be prepared to be outside from 10-11:30 am & 4-5 pm. We will follow any COVID-19 safety guidelines, so please bring a mask when within 6 feet of staff / participants.

Annual Kid's Free Fishing Day at Bennett Spring State Park. For More information contact Ben Havens at Ben.Havens@mdc.mo.gov

Women's Free Fishing Day at Bennett Spring State Park. Girls of all ages fish for free! For more information contact Ben Havens at Ben.Havens@mdc.mo.gov or call the hatchery at 417-532-4418