The Kids’ Trout Fishing Derby coming to Fort Wood

In a couple of weeks, youngsters at Fort Leonard Wood will get a chance to do what other residents of the state can’t do this time of the year. Children, ages 15 and under, will get a chance to fish and keep trout a few days ahead of the opening day of trout season at Missouri State Trout Park. Children must be accompanied by an adult. They will be allowed to keep four trout that they catch. Some of the trout will be tagged to win special prizes for those who catch them. The Kids’ Trout Fishing Derby will be held Saturday, February 25th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stone Mill Spring, off FLW 26. It will be sponsored by the Fort Leonard Wood Family and Morale Welfare and Recreation in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Pulaski County State Conservation Agent Nathan Ingles says the weather wasn’t conducive to a big turnout for the Kids’ Trout Derby last year, but youngsters and their parents did show up.

The event will be free and open to the public. Parking will be available on the paved road leading up to the dirt road entrance for the spring. Transportation will be provided from the parking area. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided. Registration will begin at 9 o’clock on-site. The Conservation Department will stock the area of Stone Mill Springs with trout a few days before the fishing derby.