Want some free fun that gets family and friends outside in nature? Get hooked on fishing with the Missouri Department of Conservation's (MDC) Free Fishing Days June 10 and 11.
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.
Aside from not needing permits, other fishing 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. Trespass laws remain in effect on private property.
Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish, and Free Fishing Days encourages people to sample the state's abundant fishing opportunities. Missouri has more than a million acres of surface water, and most of it provides 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.
For information on Missouri fishing regulations, fish identification and more, get a copy of MDC's "2017 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations" where permits are sold, or online at short.mdc.mo.gov/Z3C.
Here in Butler County, we are lucky to have a diverse array of streams and lakes within driving distance. With the recent rain and flooding events, fishing has been touch and go. With Wappapello Lake, the St. Francis River and Black River slowly returning to more stable and normal water levels, fishing should pick up.
Remember that flood events can drastically change the course and characteristics of a stream. If fishing in the Black and St. Francis rivers from a boat, be cautious until you are familiar with these changes, and always make sure you have a sufficient amount of life vests in the boat.
For any further questions or concerns, you can contact me, Butler County Conservation Agent Caleb Pryor, direct by phone at 573-300-3693 or by email at caleb.pryor@mdc.mo.gov.