Fishing in Missouri is only permitted for holders of valid MO fishing permits issued by the Department of Conservation. The department offers two general types of licenses to fish: regular fishing permits and commercial fishing permits. The state also presents MO residents with lifetime fishing licenses and reduced rate licenses for active military members. To get a fishing license in Missouri, choose one of several purchasing methods. The state also offers various fishing education classes and workshops to interested anglers. Learn more about the topics of fishing licenses, education and organization:
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Both residents and nonresidents must purchase MO fishing permits from the Department of Conservation to fish in Missouri. A valid fishing license allows interested anglers to fish in a number of state-approved bodies of water, as long as he or she has the proper documentation in hand. The state offers the following types of permits to fish:
Missouri fishermen and women interested in enjoying the sport are required to obtain a valid state permit to fish before organizing a fishing trip. Applicants can obtain these types of sport fishing licenses:
The following individuals are exempt from buying a MO permit to fish:
Fishing businessmen (both residents and nonresidents), interested in selling their catch, must obtain a Missouri commercial fishing permit by mailing a commercial fishing permit application to the MO DC. The application form requires you to provide your:
Missouri anglers can request the appropriate fishing license in the state through various methods, depending on which one is applicable to you. Decide which license to fish permit you would like to obtain and consider one of the steps below to purchase your fishing credential.
Buy a fishing license in Missouri via:
The Department of Conservation offers a myriad of fishing education programs, workshops and educational material and resources to Missouri residents. Any interested angler, from those seeking fishing equipment and training to professionals searching for cooking recipes, can visit the department's website and find the required information. Look at some of these education programs below:
The Discover Nature – Fishing classes are available for free to any interested MO resident. Anglers of any age, seeking to improve their craft, can contact a DC regional office and find out how to register for the program. The following lessons are offered:
The Department of Conservation youth program is designed to educate Missouri kids about nature and the sport of fishing. Young applicants can apply to participate in several workshops and reap the following benefits:
The MO Department of Conservation offers a large quantity of educational material and resources for eager anglers seeking to improve their fishing technique. Through the department, you can learn more about the topics here:
Missouri novice and expert anglers alike are encouraged to join fishing clubs or organizations to further their fishing education or share goals and experiences with fellow fishermen. Read below about some the organizations available to MO residents:
Formed several decades ago, the Missouri Trout Fishermen's Association accommodates both amateurs and professionals. The organization is open to anyone interested in fly-fishing and/or Missouri's outdoors. The following are some of the activities organized by the MTFA:
Located in central Missouri, the Capital City Fly Fishers' mission is to cultivate the philosophy, history and ethics of fly-fishing by preserving the state fisheries. Another important goal of the CCFF is to introduce the sport of fly-fishing to the state’s youth to help them in their formative years.
The Hawg Hawlers Bass Club started as an organization for avid anglers seeking fishing companions and who were interested in participating in tournaments as a group. The club's direction, nowadays, incorporates a fishing educational program and an emphasis toward the promotion of bass fishing – especially among Missouri's youth.
