Fishing Events

Take advantage of the early out day for Saint Joseph School District to Discover Nature with fishing. The public will have the opportunity to catch and release fish from 2:00-6:00 pm on October 24th at Corby Pond. This is a come and go style event. Staff will be present to provide assistance to beginner anglers. Basic rods, tackle, and bait will be provided for free, but participants may bring their own gear if preferred. Participants should bring water, snacks, and all other needed personal items. We will be near shelter and restroom facilities. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants will not need a fishing permit for this event. Questions can be directed to Sara Parks at [email protected].

Join us for a morning of fishing, fun, some fishing themed games and lots of prizes. Registration required for all attending. This program is appropriate for adults and families with children of all ages.

Everyone is welcome and all family members may fish along with the kids. However, all who fish must register for the event. Wear your Halloween costume if you like and spend a little family time fishing this Halloween season. Everyone gets to fish but we'll also have some fishing themed games and lots of prizes.

Contact the instructor with any questions or for assistance with registration.

Fishing permits are NOT required to fish during this event.

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.

Five Common Missouri Fish - Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle. Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations. You must take Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 1 and 2 before you can take this class.

Additional Information:

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and their families basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs. Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations.

Participants are limited to anglers ages 7 and up. We encourage the entire family to participate. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Adults who do not wish to fish must accompany their child(ren) at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lessons 3 & 4. Participants do NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program. For additional information or questions contact LuAnn Conway at (573) 325-1381

Learn how to tie basic fishing knots with MDC at the Kirksville Regional Office

No fishing permit is required

(We will not be going fishing during this program)

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.

Five Common Missouri Fish - Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle. Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations. You must take Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 1 and 2 before you can take this class.

Additional Information:

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and their families basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs. Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations.

Participants are limited to anglers ages 7 and up. We encourage the entire family to participate. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Adults who do not wish to fish must accompany their child(ren) at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lessons 3 & 4. Participants do NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program. For additional information or questions contact LuAnn Conway at (573) 325-1381

Fishing is a great way for kids and families to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories. Our Discover Nature-Fishing program is a hands-on, four-part fishing instruction series that helps families gain the skills and confidence they need to go fishing on their own. This program will be hosted at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

This program will cover the Discover Nature-Fishing Lessons 1 and 2, which are best to complete before Lessons 3 and 4 (hosted November 22). Participants will learn about fishing equipment, casting, rigging a fishing rod, baiting a hook, and proper fish handling. The Discover Nature-Fishing program is available for ages 7 and up. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license for this program.

Missouri is home to four species of gar longnose, shortnose, spotted, and the massive alligator gar. Join us for this virtual program and learn about the biology, habitats, and angling methods for these prehistoric fish.

Participants will receive the virtual program link at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive this link.

Southeast Fishing Fin-atics is an opportunity to meet other anglers, explore different areas of fishing, and expand your skills. We are looking for anglers who have some fishing experience but are not sure how to go after that prize bass or spot bluegill from shore. This meeting will be held at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center where we will be learning about and trying Gyotaku or traditional Japanese printing. This method was historically used to keep records of fish caught and is a great way to “mount” your trophy fish for very little money. You will have the opportunity to try different fish for printing and take your art home. So come get hooked on fishing and learn a cool new to you art form.