The Missouri Department of Conservation is offering two weeks of FREE fishing in the state’s rivers and streams beginning Friday, March 27 and continuing through Wednesday, April 15.
During this time the MDC is waiving permit requirements for sport fishing and daily trout tags for Missouri residents and nonresidents. All other season dates, methods, and limits will continue to apply and be enforced.
MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley said in a press release, “Missouri’s rivers and streams offer high quality fishing as a way for people to connect with nature while still complying with all health and safety recommendations. Fishing is also a great way to get some much needed physical and mental health benefits during this stressful time.”
It is still critical for everyone to continue to heed all recommendations for hand washing, social distancing, and other public-health measures while fishing and during other outdoor activities, including maintaining at least six feet of distance between all individuals who are not family members.
Missouri has more than a million acres of surface water with most of it providing great fishing. More than 200 different fish species are found in Missouri, with more than 20 of them being game fish for the state’s more than 1.1 million anglers.
The MDC reminds people to make outdoor activities as safe and enjoyable as possible by taking the following actions:
- If you have been sick in the last two weeks, please stay home for your health and the safety of others.
- Travel in a small group with a maximum of 10 people.
- Avoid popular areas where people may congregate, such as scenic overlooks, buildings, playgrounds, etc.
- Maintain at least a six-foot distance between you and others.
- Pack water, soap and/or hand sanitizer.
Fishing Near Kansas City
More information about fishing spots managed by the Missouri Conservation Department can be found here.
Urban lakes, including several in Kansas City, are stocked on a seasonal basis by the Missouri Department of Conservation. For the latest updates contact the Fish Stock Hotline at 816-525-0300.
