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St. Joseph, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer free Discover Nature — Fishing lessons at several locations in northwest Missouri during August. These lessons provide introductions to fishing tackle, fish ecology, where to go fishing. Participants will also go fishing with expert help. MDC will provide all fishing gear and bait, or participants can bring their own.
All ages and families are welcome for a fishing event from 5 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 16, at the Ronald and Maude Hartell Conservation Area east of Plattsburg. Instructor Kelsey Gillenwater, MDC community education assistant, will offer tips on tackle, bait, and fishing techniques. Then participants will go fishing in one of the stocked ponds at the Hartell area. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z9q.
Fishing instruction will move into St. Joseph for a fishing event from 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 17, at the city’s Krug Park Lagoon. This program is also open to all ages and families are welcome. Participants can learn fishing basics at a close-to-home location that they can use in waters throughout northwest Missouri. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z9c.
Discover Nature — Fishing tips on tackle and techniques will be offered from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26, at Savannah City Reservoir. Participants will meet at the lake dam. All ages and families are welcome. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z9p.
A fishing event will be offered from 5 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 27, at Everyday Pond on the campus of Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. All ages and families are welcome. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z9p.
These programs are a great way for people to learn about fishing and Missouri’s varied places to catch fish. A fishing permit is not required to participate. The fishing portion of the lesson is on a catch-and-release basis. COVID-19 precautions will be followed at all sessions.
To learn more about fishing in Missouri, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z9N.
