Surprise dad this Father’s Day with a fun, fishing expedition. Find free loaner gear and free fishing events, including a two-day catfish clinic and a fishing excursion on the Missouri River.
If you already know the basics of fishing, but don’t have all the gear, you can borrow it for free from the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Rod and Reel Loaner Program. You’ll get a rod with a standard spin cast reel, a small tackle box with hooks, sinkers, bobbers and a stringer to hold your catch. The program is available at more than 170 locations across the state, including many libraries, MDC offices and nature centers, some state parks and several marinas. You need to provide your own live bait or lures. For a list of loaner locations, visit MDC Rod and Reel Loaner Program.
Are you ready to learn how to fish? The MDC Discover Nature Fishing Program offers a series of free lessons by experienced anglers that covers equipment, casting, proper fish handling, tying hooks, stocking a tackle box, fish identification, how to release a fish and regulations.
Here are a few of the upcoming events throughout the state. For similar events in other states, check with local conservation, fisheries and wildlife departments. For a list of Free Fishing Day events by location across the country, go to TakeMeFishing.Org.
All MDC events below are free, but advance registration is required, and class size is limited. Each listing is linked to registration information.
Fishing Skills: Introduction to Fly Fishing
Date: Thursday, June 16
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center, 330 Commerce Drive, Jefferson City, MO
Discover Nature – Fishing Lessons 1 & 2: Lake Thunderhead Community Fishing Day
Date: Sunday, June 19
Time: 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Lake Thunderhead, 10223 Wildflower Drive, Unionville, MO
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot & Bait a Hook
Date: Tuesday, June 21
Time: 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: St. Louis Regional/Busch Memorial Conservation Area, 2360 Hwy. D, St. Charles, MO
Fishing Skills: Conservation Teens: Basic Fishing
Date: Wednesday, June 22
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Walter Woods Conservation Area, 7100 Dutch Elm Drive, Joplin, MO
Discover Nature – Fishing Lessons 1 & 2: Chesapeake Hatchery
Date: Friday, June 24
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Location: Chesapeake Fish Hatchery, 21186 State Hwy. 174, Mt. Vernon, MO
Fishing Skills: Introduction to Fly Rod Casting
Date: Saturday, June 25
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center, 483 Hatchery Road, Branson, MO
Fishing Skills: Big Muddy Alternative Methods Catfish Clinic
Date: Saturday, June 25 – Sunday, June 26 (two-day event)
Time: Saturday, 12 – 8:30 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Road Blue Springs, MO
Discover Nature – Fishing Lessons 1 & 2
Date: Monday, June 27
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Lawson City Lake, 19799 N. Raum Road, Lawson, MO
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 3 & 4
Date: Tuesday, June 28
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Location: Lawson City Lake, 19799 N. Raum Road, Lawson, MO
Fishing Skills: Stillwater Fly Fishing Basics
Date: Wednesday, June 29 – Thursday, June 30 (two-day event)
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs, MO
Discover Nature – Fishing Lessons 1 & 2
Date: Thursday, July 7
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: Lake Jacomo Marina, 7401 W. Park Road, Blue Springs, MO
Discover Nature – Fishing Lessons 1 & 2
Date: Tuesday, July 12
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Location: Shaw Nature Reserve, 307 Pinetum Loop Road, Gray Summit, MO
Discover Nature – Fishing Lesson 3 & 4
Date: Wednesday, July 20
Time 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: Lake Jacomo Marina, 7401 W. Park Road, Blue Springs, MO
See a complete list of fishing classes and purchase fishing licenses at MDC Discover Nature.
Photo: Missouri Department of Conservation