Question 1

How much is a fishing license in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

License/PermitResidentNon-Resident
Annual 16 years old and older$22.00$48.00
3-Year$62.00
7-Day$15.50$37.50
3-DayNot Available$20.50
1-Day$10.50$12.00
Annual Third Line Fishing Permit$14.00$14.00
Trout Fee$14.50$17.50
Lifetime (65 years old and older)$61.50Not Available
Boundary Water Sport Trotline$26.00$49.50
Fishing Tournament Permit$25.00$25.00
Fishing, Hunting, Habitat Fee Combo$55.00Not Available
Paddlefish Fishing License & Tag$25.50$49.00

Question 2

Where can I get a fishing license in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

You can purchase online or find a retailer.

Question 3

Do kids need a fishing license in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Iowa residents and nonresidents 16 years and older must have a valid fishing license on their person while fishing, and have paid all applicable fees. License Exceptions: You do not need a fishing license if... You are a resident or nonresident under 16 years old. You are a minor pupil of the state school for the deaf, or minor inmate of other state institutions under the Department of Human Services (not including inmates in state penal institutions). You are a patient of a substance abuse facility and supervised by an employee of the facility while fishing, and the facility has been issued a permit from the DNR. A person supervising a group may fish with the group and is not required to have a fishing license. You are on active duty with the Armed Forces of the U.S., on authorized leave from a duty station outside of Iowa and qualify as an Iowa resident. You must carry your leave papers and a copy of your current earnings statement showing a tax deduction for Iowa income taxes while fishing. In lieu of the earnings statement, you may claim residency by be- ing registered to vote in Iowa.  You are a resident or nonresident landowner or tenant fishing on your land. Your children under age 18 can also fish without a license on your land.  (Source: Iowa DNR)

Question 4

When is free fishing in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Iowa residents can try fishing without buying a license on June 7, 8 and 9 as part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) free fishing weekend. All other regulations remain in place. (Source: Iowa DNR)

Question 5

How many fishing rods per person in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

You can use only hook and line attached to a “pole.” Poles = purchased poles, sticks, handles, cans, etc. Only 2 “poles” per person (3 “poles” if you purchase the annual permit for a third line) Only 2 hooks per pole and line (4 total per person) (Source: Iowa DNR)

Question 6

When does fishing season start in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Black Bass Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted bass combined All waters - Continuous Bluegill, Crappie & Pumpkinseed All waters - Continuous Catfish Channel, Blue, Flathead Catfish combined & bullhead All waters - Continuous Muskellunge / Musky / Muskie All waters - Continuous except there is an open season on West Okoboji, East Okoboji and Spirit Lakes (Dickinson County) and on Iowa-Minnesota boundary lakes from May 21 through Nov. 30, each year. Northern Pike All waters - Continuous Paddlefish Continuous open season on all interior waters, except you cannot snag in areas closed to snagging. The open season on the Mississippi River is March 1 through April 15. Snagging for Paddlefish on the Mississippi River is restricted to the area within 500 yards below the navigation dams and their spillways. The open season on the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers is Feb. 4 through April 30. The open area is limited to Iowa waters only on the Missouri River and the portion of the Big Sioux River along the Iowa and South Dakota border, starting at the Big Sioux River below the I-29 bridge to the Big Sioux River’s confluence with the Missouri River and in the Missouri River, including all backwater and sloughs and any Missouri River tributary starting at its confluence and extending below its I-29 bridge, starting at the Big Sioux River confluence and extending to the Hamburg Landing boat ramp. Snagging hours on the Big Sioux and Missouri Rivers is sunrise to sunset. You cannot use hooks larger than 5/0 treble or measuring more than 1-1/4 inch long when two of the hook points are placed on a ruler. Shovelnose Sturgeon All waters - Continuous except no harvest allowed in Big Sioux River. Trout Brook, Brown and Rainbow All waters - Continuous Walleye Continuous except on West Okoboji Lake, East Okoboji Lake and Spirit Lake (Dickinson). The open season on West Okoboji Lake, East Okoboji Lake and Spirit Lake is from May 2, 2020 through Feb. 14, 2021. Yellow Bass, White Bass, Rock Bass & Hybrid (Wiper) All waters - Continuous Yellow Perch All waters - Continuous  (Source: Iowa DNR)

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