Kids Free Fishing Day scheduled at Roaring River State Park

(From Missouri State Parks)

Roaring River State Park invites the public to its annual Kids Free Fishing Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21. Youth will have the opportunity to fish for free all day, along with the opportunity to connect with nature and participate in many different activities.

Children 15 and younger can get their free tags from the hatchery the night before the event – Friday, Aug. 20 – and Saturday, Aug. 21. One section of the river will be designated for youth under the age of 15 to fish in all day. Adults may only fish in this area if accompanied by a child who is participating in the free fishing day.

Children are encouraged to bring their own fishing pole and equipment. Volunteers will be present to help in any way possible. Parents/guardians are welcome to help the children as needed, but only one pole between the helper and the child may be used at any time.

Free hot dogs, chips and soda will be available between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

There are programs and activities scheduled throughout the day available to both children and adults. Programs will include fish cooking, fish casting, fly fishing, knot tying, fly tying, watersheds, furs and skulls, live snakes, a hatchery tour and more.

Programs are subject to change depending on staffing and weather. There will be live bluegrass bands playing periodically throughout the day. Children who attend three of these programs will be entered in a drawing held at 5 p.m. that day and must be present to win. Programs are open to all, but only children are allowed to enter the drawing.

The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others.

Roaring River State Park is located seven miles south of Cassville on Highway 112 in Barry County. For more information about the event, contact the park office at 417-847-2539.

For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.