The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces several opportunities to enjoy fishing in June, which provides opportunity to celebrate Father’s Day outdoors. Missouri’s annual free fishing weekend is June 6 and 7, which allows Missourians a chance to try fishing without purchasing a permit first.

The annual Free Fishing Days give everyone the chance to fish in state waters without a permit, trout permit or prescribed area daily tag during those days.

The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center has additional fishing opportunities in June. Ages 16 and up are invited to attend a fly fishing program Saturday, June 13.

The program is offered once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Participants will learn the basics of fly fishing and pick up new technical skills such as equipment selection and use, reading the water, matching the hatch, fly casting, fishing techniques and essential knots. A fishing permit is required for this course and registration begins June 2. Equipment will be available for loan during the program.

Fishing programs in June wrap up with the Father’s Day Fish Fry at the Nature Center, Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Guests will learn the basics of fishing such as casting, tying a knot, baiting hooks and cleaning fish before sampling fish recipes. Adult supervision is required for ages 5 to 17. Attendees 16 and up must have a valid fishing permit.