http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/freefishin_1263.mp3
You can fish without a permit in Missouri this weekend. Michele Skalicky has more.
If you want to go fishing this weekend but haven't got a permit yet, it won't matter. Saturday and Sunday are Free Fishing Days. The Missouri Conservation Department holds the event each year the weekend after the first Monday in June to thank Missourians for supporting the Dept. and also to encourage people to get out and try fishing. Jennifer Guyot (gee-OH) is a fisheries management biologist with the Conservation Department.
She says areas open to free fishing this weekend include the state's 4 trout parks, Conservation Department-managed lakes, Lake of the Ozarks, Thomas Hill Reservoir, reservoirs operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and more.
While both Missouri residents and non-residents can fish for free in the state this weekend, normal regulations will remain in effect.
You should look over the state's fishing regulations before you head out. Guyot says free regulation booklets are available at several locations.
Regulation booklets are also available at bait shops and other places fishing equipment is sold.
There are special facilities at Springfield-area lakes for disabled anglers. To find out about those, go to missouriconservation.org/accessibility.
To find out more about Free Fishing Days, visit mdc.mo.gov.
