Family Fishing

Topics:

Fishing
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Who Needs a Fishing License?

All anglers 16 years and older must have a fishing license to fish Iowa waters. Anglers under the age of 16 may fish Iowa waters without a fishing license and may fish for and keep their own limit of fish, except when fishing for trout they must share their limit with a licensed adult or buy their own trout fee to keep their own limit of trout.

Yearly, seven-day, or 24-hour fishing licenses are available. Licenses are sold at several locations or online.

There are limits on the size and/or number of fish you can catch at one time for some species. Find out more about Iowa Fishing Regulations.

A fisherman with his line cast and a hazy morning mist.
Go Outdoors Iowa

It’s so easy to buy your fishing license online, or visit local retailers and bait shops to buy your fishing licenses today.

Get your fishing license
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Safety Tips for Family Fishing

  • Bring a basic first aid kit with sterile bandages, tape, antiseptic, band aids, aspirin, scissors, wire cutters, tweezers, analgesic cream, sunscreen, and insect repellant.
  • A wide brim hat and sunglasses will keep the sun out of your child’s eyes and off his forehead. Avoid fishing in the middle of the day.
  • Life jackets are strongly recommended for children fishing around deep or fast-moving water. Make sure the life jacket fits your child snugly and won’t ride up around their face.
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Family Fishing Checklist

A fun, and successful, fishing trip starts with:

  • bobbers
  • camera
  • cooler/ice
  • drinks
  • fishing license
  • fishing rods, youth
  • first aid kit
  • insect repellent
  • life jackets
  • snacks
  • sunglasses
  • sunscreen
  • wet wipes
  • worms
Fish Fish program logo
First Fish!

Catch a memory when your favorite young angler hooks their first fish! Get a certificate of accomplishment from the Iowa DNR.

Explore the Master Angler & First Fish programs
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Give Your Kids BIG Moments

A child’s first fishing trip is exciting for both parent and child. A fun experience can lead to future years of fishing enjoyment. Here are some simple tips for taking kids fishing:

  • pack plenty of snacks and cold drinks
  • pick a fishing pole that fits your child’s hands
  • choose a spot close to home
  • morning trips are best – the fish bite better and kids have more energy
  • make sure there are restrooms near
  • pick a sunny day with moderate temperatures
  • keep the trip short – a couple hours at most
  • leave your fishing rod at home
  • remember you are taking the kids — they aren’t taking you
  • take plenty of breaks from fishing
  • take pictures
  • plan alternate activities to do if the weather turns bad or your child gets bored
  • have fun!
  • emphasize that fishing is fun, catching is a bonus

Get Ready to Go Fishing

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