Events

Kids Fish Free in Montauk State Park Saturday, May 4th. Fishing is from 6:30 am to 8:15 pm. The spring branch will be reserved for kids only, but kids will be allowed to fish the entire park with their free tag. Tags can be obtained from 2pm to 5 pm Friday, 5/3 at the registration tent by the fish cleaning station, or all day Saturday May 4. There will be attendance prizes, free tree seedlings, fishing simulator, mobile aquarium, invertebrate tables, and more. Free hotdog and chip lunch will be from 11-1.

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.

Kayaking is a great way to get outdoors and connect with nature. Join us as we learn about the equipment and techniques needed to kayak safely in Missouri before experiencing being on the water yourself. All kayaking equipment will be provided. Bring closed-toe shoes, a water bottle, and dress for the weather. Registration required for each paddler. Ages 12+

MDC will provide a staffed atlatl range and equipment for youth and families to experience the joy of atlatl during the Montauk Mill Days at Montauk State Park. No registration required.

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.

Brown-headed nuthatches require a healthy, stable pine-woodland habitat — something Missouri had mostly lost but has been gradually regaining. Now that our state has restored some of its pine woodlands, approximately 100 birds were reintroduced in the Mark Twain National Forest between 2020 and 2021, and survival monitoring of the brown-headed nuthatches continues to present day. If this species is deemed a successful reintroduction, it will be considered a permanent resident of Missouri as it is nonmigratory. Join us as we discuss these intriguing birds while you paint your own water-color picture of the brown-headed nuthatch.

Spring is a great time to get outdoors and pursue Missouri’s largest gamebird, the Wild Turkey. If you harvested a turkey this spring; mounting the fan is a great way to create a decorative keepsake that will last for years to come. This virtual program will show you the supplies you will need and take you step by step through the process.

MDC will provide a staffed archery range and equipment for youth and families to experience the joy of archery during the Kids Fishing Day at Maramec Spring Hatchery & Park. No registration required.

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 ext. 6036