Get inspired by fishing with MDC Free Fishing Days June 8 & 9 – Daily Journal Online

JEFFERSON CITY, MO. — Want some free fun that takes your family and friends out into nature? Get inspired by fishing with the Missouri Department of Environmental Conservation’s (MDC) Free Fishing Days on June 8 and 9. During Free Fishing Days, anyone can fish in the Show-Me State without having to purchase a fishing permit, trout permit or daily trout park tag.

Free Fishing Days is an annual MDC event held statewide on the Saturday and Sunday after the first Monday in June.

In addition to not requiring permits, other fishing regulations still apply, such as limits on the size and number of fish an angler can keep. Special permits may still be required in some counties, cities or private fishing areas. Laws regarding trespassing on private property still apply.

Wildlife conservation makes Missouri a great place for fishing, and Free Fishing Days encourages people to sample Missouri’s abundant fishing opportunities. Missouri has over a million acres of surface water, and most of it provides excellent fishing. Missouri has over 200 different species of fish, over 20 of which are game fish, enjoyed by over 1.1 million anglers in the state.

For information on Missouri fishing regulations, fish identification and more, download a copy of MDC’s 2024 Missouri Fishing Regulations Summary, available at permit sales locations or online at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/ about-regulations/summary-missouri-fishing-regulations.

Fishing without having to purchase a fishing permit, trout permit or daily trout park tag.

Do you want to learn to fish? The MDC Discover Nature – Fishing program provides a series of free lessons throughout the state. All fishing equipment is provided. For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov/fishing/discover-nature-fishing.

Do you need fishing equipment? MDC partners with many libraries and other locations across the state to provide free fishing equipment rentals. Rental equipment includes fishing rods and a simple tackle box with hooks, weights and bobbers. We do not provide worms, minnows or other bait. Find MDC Rod and Reel Loaner Program locations at mdc.mo.gov/fishing/get-started-fishing/rod-reel-loaner-locations.

MDC’s free MO Fishing app can help anglers find the best fishing spots in Missouri, access legal information, identify fish by species and more. Anglers can also purchase, store and present fishing permits directly on their mobile devices. MO Fishing can be downloaded from Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/mobile-apps/mo-fishing.