Missouri Trout Hunter

Blog for sharing thoughts, beliefs and opinions on issues affecting the world of trout fishing in the Ozarks.

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Kid's Trout Fishing Days Coming Soon!!

JEFFERSON CITY-Missourians looking for a chance to introduce youngsters to fishing can mark their calendars for May, when the Missouri Department of Conservation and the state's four trout parks will host Kids Fishing Days.

Events will be held May 20 at Montauk State Park near Licking, Roaring River State Park near Cassville and Maramec Spring Park near St. James. Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon will hold its event May 13. Each event will feature fishing instruction, games, contests and other activities to ensure an enjoyable fishing experience. Sections of each park will be set aside for exclusive use by anglers 15 and younger.

Bennett Spring State Park's Kids' Fishing Day event will last from 6:30 a.m. until 8:15 p.m. The area from the Hatchery Outlet through the Suzy Hole will be set aside for young anglers. Volunteers will be on hand to help youth anglers follow fishing zone regulations. Activities will include instruction in fly tying, fish cleaning and cooking, a virtual fishing simulator, shooting trailer, stream table and a display by the World Bird Sanctuary. Awards will be given for the first fish and other contests, plus random drawings for door prizes. For more information, call 417/532-4418.

Montauk State Park's celebration will run from 6:30 a.m. until 8:15 p.m. Free trout fishing tags will be available at the hatchery office starting at 2 p.m. May 19. The section of the spring branch from the CCC Spillway to the Social Hole is reserved for young anglers. Volunteers will help new anglers and their parents get the hang of trout fishing. Anglers need to bring their own fishing equipment. A free lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs and soft drinks will be provided from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for participating children. Fishing seminars, exhibits, demonstrations and prize drawings will be held throughout the day. Organizers are seeking volunteers to help run the event. No fishing experience is needed. For details or to volunteer, call 573/548-2585 or e-mail Tom.Whelan@mdc.mo.gov .

Roaring River State Park's celebration will include dozens of fishing and other outdoor-related classes from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Youngsters who attend at least two classes will receive prizes. A section of the stream will be stocked heavily with trout throughout the day for youths. Drawings for other prizes will take place at 5 p.m. Those who attend a fly-casting class will be entered in a drawing for a fly rod and reel valued at $300. Prizes also will be awarded for the biggest fish and biggest stringers in boys and girls divisions.

The girl and boy who catch the biggest fish at Roaring River will get free taxidermy mounts. Free hot dogs, chips and soft drinks will be served from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Some equipment will be available for loan, and volunteers will be on hand to help kids fish. Free youth fishing permits will be available all day May 19. Roaring River State Park also will hold a Back to School Kids Day Aug. 19. For more information about these events, call 417/847-2430 or e-mail Jerry.Dean@mdc.mo.gov .

The entire upper half of the spring branch at Maramec Spring Park will be set aside for youths. The James Foundation, which operates the park, will waive the customary parking fee for cars with young anglers. The Conservation Department will stock the youth section of the stream with rainbow trout throughout the day. Kids need to bring their own fishing gear, and volunteers will be on hand to help those who need it. Fishing contests will run from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. A casting contest will take place at 11 a.m., and the winners will receive trophies. Free hot dogs and soft drinks will be provided, and prizes-including bicycles, rods and reels, fishing equipment and savings bonds-will be given out all day long.

Maramec Spring Park will have exhibits and activities, such as making fish-print T-shirts, critter stamping, taxidermy, flyfishing demonstrations, classes and games, will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors also can view up to 25 species of native fish and educational seminars at the 3,200-gallon Show-Me Missouri Mobile Fish Aquarium. Free youth permits will be available May 19 at the reception center and May 20 at the Millfield Shelter next to the fishing area. Kids will receive free fishing goody bags with their permits. For more information call 573/265-7801 or e-mail Paul.Spurgeon@mdc.mo.gov .

FYI: I will be at the Maramec Springs kids fishing day on 5/20/06. If you see a guy getting into or out of a blue truck with "Ozark Taxidermy" signs all over it, stop by and say "hi".

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