Reel in fishing information before you head to the water

This time of year can lead to a lot of questions for those ready to pit up their rod and reel and head for the water.

Where can I go fishing? When is the best time to go? What kinds of fish are stocked in that lake? How can I catch them? What are the fishing regulations? Is there a place to launch my boat?

Maybe you recently moved here and are unfamiliar with the region, or perhaps you're a novice angler who wants to learn more. Maybe you've realized that a grandchild is ready for his first fishing trip. Or you're looking for a fishing hole closer to home.

Whatever the reason, there are a few of the questions you might have.

Here in Southeast Missouri, we are blessed with a great abundance and variety of fishing opportunities. Much of it is right at our doorstep. Likewise, there is a wealth of fishing information available -- most of it free and right at our fingertips.

How do you start your search for information? Visit or call your local Department of Conservation office and obtain the "Discover Outdoor Missouri" map. This is a road map of the state that shows all the conservation areas, lakes, and river access points managed by the Conservation Department.

The map will tell you how to get there and what recreational opportunities await you at a particular area. It also includes addresses and phone numbers of Conservation regional offices and the Jefferson City headquarters. In addition, there's information on how to contact Missouri State Parks and Mark Twain National Forest -- two other entities that offer much public fishing.

Broken down in brochures

If you want to explore a certain conservation area, request an area brochure by name. It will have details on the lakes and streams you can fish, boat ramps and fishing docks available and the fishing regulations unique to that area.

Be sure to request the "2003 Fishing Prospects." This publication lists many of Missouri's lakes and rivers with details on the types of fish found there and how to catch them. Lake Wappapello, Perry County Lake, St. Francis River and Lake Girardeau are just a few of the waters in our region described in "Prospects."

If you want to learn the very basics about fishing, ask for "An Introduction to Fishing." Beyond the basics, there are other publications about specific types of fishing, such as big rivers, small-mouth bass, trout and muskellunge.

Another must-have booklet is the "Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations," available at Conservation offices or anywhere fishing permits are sold. It is not just a rule book. It has color drawings of fish, tells you how to report a poacher, lists state-record fish, explains how to obtain a My First Fish or Master Angler certificate, contains ordering information for popular fishing publications and much more.

There are two books that many anglers purchase to help them plan their fishing trips. "Missouri's Conservation Atlas" contains a road map of every county and shows all the public lands. "Missouri Ozark Waterways" describes most of our major float streams and gives the mileage between access points.

Every angler should subscribe to Missouri Conservationist magazine. This free monthly magazine features many articles about fishing. Send your name and address to Circulation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo., 65102 to begin receiving the magazine in the mail.

Magazines offer detail

Several regional, state and national outdoor magazines are good at providing up-to-date information on places to go and fishing techniques. Purchase a subscription or buy one at your local sporting goods store.

Don't overlook videos and books; plenty has been filmed and written about fishing.

If you visit the Conservation Department's site (www. conservation.state.mo.us), you can access even more fishing information. At Rivers and Their Watersheds, select a particular stream and read the angler's guide. The Fishing section contains the fishing report, a weekly update on water conditions and the best baits to use at rivers and lakes around the state; 10 of these are in Southeast Missouri. Through Conservation Atlas, you can gather many details about a conservation area, such as number of ponds, miles of stream and location of boat ramps and fishing docks.

It seems there is no piece of information that can't be found somewhere on the Internet, but be sure to narrow your search. There are literally millions of Web sites that touch on fishing; more than 700,000 mention bass fishing, for example.

There's no reason for your fishing questions to go unanswered. The information is out there, and it's easy to get. If your focus is on Missouri, stop by the Conservation Department's Southeast Regional Office in Cape Girardeau. The phone number is 290-5730.

Mark Haas is the fisheries regional supervisor for the Missouri Department of Conservation.