The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to get hooked on fishing through its Free Fishing Days June 6 and 7. 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. Free Fishing Days is an annual MDC event that takes place statewide during the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June.
Aside from not needing permits, other fishing regulations remain in effect during Free Fishing Days, 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.
MDC reminds anglers in Missouri that fishing permits are required before and after June 6 and 7, unless an angler is exempt by age or other factors. All other fishing regulations are also in effect. MDC temporarily suspended requirements for fishing permits from March 27 through April 15.
Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish. 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. Learn more about fishing in Missouri at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing.
For information on Missouri fishing regulations, fish identification, and more, get a copy of MDC’s 2020 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations where permits are sold, or online at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/regulations/summary-missouri-fishing-regulations
MDC’s free MO Fishing mobile app can help anglers find the best places to fish in Missouri, access regulation information, identify fish by species, and more. Anglers can also buy, store, and show fishing permits right on their mobile devices. MO Fishing is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/mobile-apps/mo-fishing.
MDC reminds the public that it is still critical to continue to heed all recommendations for physical distancing, avoiding overcrowding, handwashing, and other public health measures during outdoor activities.
