Free Fishing Days June 8, 9

By My Courier-Tribune

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s Free Fishing Days are Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a state conversation department 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, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. Other permits may still be required at county, city or private fishing areas. Trespass laws remain in effect on private property.

According to the conservation department, Missouri has more than a million acres of surface water. 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.

MDC’s Discover Nature – Fishing Program provides a series of free lessons throughout the state. All fishing gear is provided. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov.

MDC works with numerous libraries and other locations around the state to loan fishing gear for free. Loaner gear includes fishing poles and simple tackle box with hooks, sinkers and bobbers. Worms, minnows, or other bait are not provided. Three area Mid-Continent Public Library branches offer fishing poles and tackle boxes for free check out to library patrons during the spring and summer. Fishing equipment varies by location and must be returned within seven days.

Branches that loan fishing gear are located at 120 Richardson St., Smithville; 6060 N. Chestnut Ave. in Gladstone; and 1665 S. Withers Road in Liberty.