The Missouri Department of Conservation, the Maramec Spring Trout Fishermen’s Association and The James Foundation proudly present Kids Fishing Day on May 16 at Maramec Spring Park. Kids fish free and there will be no parking fee on this day for cars with kids 15 and under inside.
The entire upper half of the spring branch will be reserved for kids 15 years of age and younger. Rainbow trout will be stocked throughout the day to help ensure fishing success.
Members of the Maramec Spring Trout Fishermen’s Association and Missouri Department of Conservation staff will be on hand all day to assist the kids with fishing. Kids will need to bring their own fishing poles.
The Maramec Spring Trout Fishermen’s Association will be sponsoring fishing contests from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.  A casting contest will be held at 11 a.m., with 11 trophies to be awarded.
Free hot dogs and soda will be provided throughout the day. Prizes galore will be given away all day long and include bicycles, 50 fishing rod and reels, fishing equipment, savings bonds and more.  Many attendance prizes will be given away.
There will be exhibits, contests and activities from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the area around the registration tent. These include fish print t-shirts, critter stamping, stream table, mobile “mini” aquarium, taxidermy, photographs, aquatic entomology and games. Fly fishing demonstrations and classes will be held on the stream.
Kids who want to fish must pick up a free fishing tag at the Millfield Shelter located right next the fishing area. Included with the free tag is a “Goody Bag” containing a variety of free items.  These will be available the day before Kid’s Day and all day Saturday.  The first 1,500 kids to arrive will receive a special “Kid’s Fishing Sports Bottle.”
Anyone wanting further information may visit the web, www.mdc.mo.go/2921, call 573-265-7801 or e-mail at paul.spurgeon@mdc.mo.gov.
The park will open at 5:30 a.m., with fishing starting at 6:30 a.m. and continuing until 8:15 p.m. Come out and enjoy beautiful Maramec Spring Park and let the youngsters catch a fish.  This event will be held rain or shine.
Maramec Spring Park, owned and operated by The James Foundation, is located on Highway 8, about six miles east of St. James, MO.