The St. Louis Urban Fishing Program turns 50 in less than two years.
To celebrate the anniversary, a fishing tournament is being held for high schoolers. The Fish STL Cup is being organized by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).
The St. Louis Urban Fishing Program got its start in 1969in the St. Louis area.
MDC, through the program, stocks 17 lakes in the city and county with catfish and trout. In addition, nine Urban Fishing Program lakes are managed to provide largemouth bass and sunfish opportunities.
MDC has also renovated some program lakes to improve access and fish habitat.
Seven high school fishing club teams have already signed up for the tournament.
The catch-and-release series competition will feature four species events: trout, catfish, bass and panfish. Four team members will fish during each of the events.
Points will be awarded based on the length of each fish. There will be champions for each species, and the team with the most points overall will be the cup champion.
MDC has already hosted one practice event. Two more practice events are scheduled: Oct. 22 and Nov. 19.
Qualifying events are set to begin in spring 2018 to create a 10-team field.
The tournament will take place on Urban Fishing Program lakes from February through May 2019.
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