Free Fishing Weekend

If you’re looking to do a little fishing this year, but haven’t gotten around to buying your fishing license yet, then take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend on June 6 and 7. For these two days, the Missouri Department of Conservation offers the opportunity to take to our state’s waters without a fishing license.

Fishing is a relaxing and enjoying way to spend time outdoors with friends and family. If you have never been fishing before or haven’t been in a long time, then use free fishing weekend to test the waters. You might find fishing is something you really enjoy.

Don’t be overwhelmed by all the technical equipment out there today. All you need is a simple rod and reel, hook, bobber, sinker and bait. Outdoor retailers, bait shops and even some gas stations have what you need to start fishing.

Free Fishing Weekend is a great time to introduce children to fishing. Any child who has the opportunity to pull in a few fish, no matter how big or small, will likely enjoy the experience. As a parent or guardian, you will be opening this child’s eyes to a whole new world of entertainment that does not require electricity. Use Free Fishing Weekend to give the children in your life the opportunity to decide for themselves whether or not they enjoy fishing.

Missouri offers incredible fishing for many species of fish, but our trout fishing is something special compared to most Midwestern states. Missouri State Parks, the Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation are teaming up to offer a unique trout fishing experience during Free Fishing Weekend.

The inaugural Trout Fest is being held at Bennett Spring State Park. The purpose of the event is to celebrate trout fishing opportunities at Missouri State Parks, while highlighting the importance of conservation.

The Department of Conservation is going to tag 100 trout per day (200 total) and release them into the spring creek. Anglers who catch a tagged trout may bring it to the CFM booth to collect the prize attributed to that tag. There is no charge at all to participate.

There will be many activities other than fishing. A fly tying tent will host tiers working throughout the event for attendees to watch. A series of seminars will be conducted throughout the weekend on fishing and related activities. Outdoor cooking demonstrations will showcase outdoor cooking techniques. There’s a sponsored competitive fly rod casting competition on Saturday, with significant prizes being awarded to the best casters. After dark, the movie “A River Runs Through It” will be shown on a blow up screen. Famed fly fisherman, Mark Van Patten, is offering a free, limited space fly fishing class Saturday evening. A live bluegrass string band will be playing music throughout the weekend.

Children 15 years of age or younger are not required to posses a fishing license at any time. If the child you take fishing decides they want to spend more time on the water, then there will be no cost for them to do so until they reach 16. Through fishing, you may find a great way to connect with a young person in your life.

During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag. Normal regulations remain in effect, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. Special permits may still be required at some county, city, or private fishing areas.

See you down the trail…

Brandon Butler