image linking to 100 Top Bass Fishing Sites image linking to 100 Top Saltwater Fishing Sites image linking to 100 Top Fly Fishing Sites image linking to 100 Top Walleye Sites image linking to 100 Top Small Game Sites image linking to 100 Top Birds and Waterfowl Sites
* * * IMPORTANT NOTICE * * *
You are currently viewing the old OUTDOOR CENTRAL.COM website ARCHIVES.  For the latest in hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation related news, and an ALL NEW experience, including user friendly navigation, search capabilities, an Outdoor Central Video Network, and more, be sure to visit our NEW WEBSITE, located at http://www.outdoorcentral.com.    Visit the new, improved website, you'll be glad you did!  CLICK HERE
 

Annual event offers free fishing fun

What could be better than fishing? FREE fishing.

JEFFERSON CITY - Gear is all you need to enjoy fishing June 11 and 12. On those two days anyone can fish at Missouri Department of Conservation areas and most other places in the Show-me State without having to buy a fishing permit.

Each year the Conservation Department designates the weekend after the first Monday in June as Free Fishing Days. Requirements for special permits still apply at some county, city or private fishing areas.

You can fish for stocked rainbow trout in state parks or catch bluegills and catfish at community lakes statewide. Those looking for a special challenge or for solitude can pursue wild trout in specially managed stretches of Ozark streams. The Missouri, Mississippi and Osage rivers harbor monster blue and flathead catfish, and largemouth bass are avaiable at big lakes in every corner of the state. Thousands of ponds harbor bluegill and crappie. You can even stalk hefty, torpedo-like muskellunge in a handful of lakes scattered around the state.

"This is just one way we say thank you to Missourians for their support throughout the year," said Fisheries Division Administrator Steve Eder. "If you haven't fished in awhile, you can do it on us this weekend."

Eder said there is no better way than fishing to spend time with friends and family. "You might even bring home supper."

Although Missouri residents and nonresidents alike can fish without state permits on Free Fishing Days, normal regulations, such as limits on the size and number of fish you can keep, remain in effect. Regulations are outlined in the 2005 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations. The free booklets are available at bait shops and other places where fishing equipment is sold. Some private fishing areas still require permits on free fishing days. The event does not give anglers permission to trespass on private property.

Public fishing areas are available in every county in Missouri. To learn about fishing spots near you, visit www.missouriconservation/fish/prospects/ or consult the online Conservation Atlas, http://www.mdc.mo.gov/atlas/. You also can call the nearest Conservation Department office.

Many state-owned fishing areas have special facilities for anglers with handicaps. For information about handicap-accessible fishing spots, visit www.missouriconservation/accessibility/.

-Jim Low -

 

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page

<%server.execute "/bottom.asp"%>