Cassville, Missouri — For the past three years, the Roaring River was the most-visited of Missouri’s 92 state parks and historic sites. And for good reason.
Given all that is planned for 2023, we expect this trend to continue.
Here are some of the events taking place at Roaring River this year.
start date
when: Wednesday, March 1st.
detail: It’s the opening day for the nearly 100-year-old tradition of catch-and-keep trout fishing. Roaring River is bred in rainbow and brown hatcheries. It’s held mid-week, so it’s not as crowded as it is on weekends, but 1,000 to 2,000 anglers return to the park that day, and thousands more attend the show. Fishing on this day is from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.
birdwatching boot camp
when: Saturday and Sunday, March 18-19, 9am-4pm.
detail: It offers a wide variety of weekend activities for beginners to experienced birders. Topics include bird identification, calls, migration, and how scientists around the world can help protect them.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
For more information or to register, call the Ozark Chinkapin Nature Center at 417-847-3742.
kids fishing day
when: Saturday, May 20, 6:30-8:15 am.
detail: Young people 15 and under can fish for free all day. Tags will be available for free at the Park Store on the day of the event. A section of the river, usually from the first low-water crossing to the hatchery, is specially designated for juveniles. Adults are not allowed to fish alone in this area.
Some lunker trout are released for young to attempt to catch. Volunteers are present to help where possible. Parents can help their children if needed, but he can only use one pole between the helper and the child at any given time.
Various other events will be held on the day.
This is a joint event with the Missouri Department of Conservation. For more information, call the parks office at 417-847-2539, the hatchery at 417-847-2430, or the parks store at 417-847-4971.
free weekend
when: Saturday and Sunday, June 10-11, 6:30am-8:30pm.
detail: The Missouri Department of Conservation has designated the weekends beginning the first Monday in June as Free Fishing Days. Both Missouri residents and non-residents may fish without a state permit. Anglers fishing at Trout Park during free fishing weekends do not need to purchase daily tags. However, all other fishing regulations such as size and his daily limit remain in effect.
kids fishing day
when: Saturday, August 19, 7am-8am.
detail: Young people 15 and under can fish for free all day. Tags will be available for free at the Park Store on the day of the event. A section of the river, usually from the first low-water crossing to the hatchery, is specially designated for juveniles. Adults are not allowed to fish alone in this area.
Some lunker trout are released for young to attempt to catch. Volunteers are present to help where possible. Parents can help their children if needed, but he can only use one pole between the helper and the child at any given time.
Various other events will be held on the day.
This is a joint event with the Missouri Department of Conservation. For more information, call the park office at 417-847-2539, the hatchery at 417-847-2430, or the park store at 417-847-4971.
Operation Roaring River
when: October 1-4.
detail: Rolling River State Park hosts Charlie 22 Outdoors, an outdoor activity for veterans. Activities include fly fishing, bluegrass music, arts and crafts, and nature hiking. Registration is open until August 31st. charlie22outdoors.comWe also need volunteer fishing guides. If you have any questions, please call Charlie 22 at 417-437-7247.
WOW school
when: Friday to Sunday, October 6th to 8th.
detail: This is the weekend of the annual Wonders of Wildlife National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School at Roaring River. The school offers hands-on learning experiences with instructors leading courses in rappelling, canoeing, kayaking, shooting sports, fly fishing, fly tying, archery, primitive skills, outdoor survival, dutch oven cooking, nature crafts, and outdoor photography. offers. , rock climbing, astronomical observation, tree identification and more. Last year, about 80 classes were offered from Friday noon to Sunday evening.
Details such as course and time for the Fall Games have not yet been announced.
For more information, see The Joplin Globe Outdoor Page in print and online.