In 1969 the St. Louis Urban Fishing Program started as a tentative experiment. That first toe in the water has since evolved and grown into a vibrant program which has been bringing fishing close-to-home for St. Louis residents for 50 years.

To celebrate the golden anniversary of 2019, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and its urban fishing partners are holding a series of family fishing festivals throughout the months of April, May, and June. These events are free and open to the public, and anglers of any age, both expert and novice.

MDC’s urban fishing partners include the Cities of St. Louis, Ballwin and Ferguson, and St. Louis County. Each festival will be hosted at a program partners’ lake on a Saturday and will run from 8 a.m. to noon. The entire family is welcome, and no advanced registration is necessary. Activities will include free fishing instruction to help give newcomers to the sport a kickstart.

MDC will stock additional fish for these special events, so not only will the fishing be fun, but the catching should be good too. A valid Missouri Fishing Permit is required for anglers between the ages of 16 and 65.

For more about the Urban Fishing program, go to https://bit.ly/2Fru9p6.