Aaron PostConservation Agent
The annual Free Fishing Weekend in Missouri is coming up June 7 and 8. This weekend allows anyone to fish in Missouri without a permit, trout stamp, or daily use tag. It is a great opportunity to get out and try fishing for the first time or get back into it if you haven’t fished for a while. Any other time of the year, Missouri residents between 16 and 65 years old and all non-residents 16 years and older would be required to have a valid fishing permit. On June 7, Platte County Parks and Recreation and the Missouri Department of Conservation will host a free fishing clinic from 10 a.m. to noon. The clinic will be held at the fishing pond at Platte Ridge Park. The park is located at 17130 371 Hwy, Platte City, MO 64079, if you would like to punch it into your GPS. The pond is on the backside of the park behind the ball fields. There will be fishing poles, hooks, and bobbers available for use if you don’t have your own. Worms will also be provided for bait. You are more than welcome to bring your own equipment and “lucky lure” if you would prefer. There is no need to RSVP. Just show up and stay as long as you like! If you have any questions about this event or conservation in general, please call me at 244-0702. If you observe a wildlife violation, you can call me directly or call Operation Game Thief at (800) 392-1111. You can remain anonymous and rewards are possible.