IOWA DNR The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will release trout in five locations across Iowa this winter in areas that would not support them during warmer months. Winter trout stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish. A small split shot and a hook with almost any kind of bait will catch trout.   The popular program is supported by the sales of the trout fee. Anglers need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a … Continue reading Winter community trout stockings start Jan. 14

By the Iowa DNR Iowans can begin buying 2023 resident hunting, fishing and other licenses on Dec. 15. Licenses purchased for 2022 expire on Jan. 10, 2023. The menu of license options includes the popular Outdoor Combo annual resident hunting/fishing/habitat combo license for $55; the Angler’s Special three-year fishing license for $62; and the Hunter’s Special three-year hunting license with habitat included for $101. Also available is the Bonus Line option for $14 letting resident and nonresident anglers to fish with one more line in addition to the two lines allowed with the regular fishing license. Upgrade your paper license … Continue reading 2023 hunting, fishing licenses on sale beginning Dec. 15

Iowa DNR News Release The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hosting a virtual public meeting on chronic wasting disease on Nov. 29, from 7-8 p.m. Staff will provide an update on the science of the disease, its status in Iowa, and current management efforts. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and staff will answer as many as time allows. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required in order to receive information prior to the meeting. Interested individuals can register to attend through the link https://bit.ly/3FIgc4G.   Continue reading DNR to host virtual meeting on chronic wasting disease Nov. 29

NEWS RELEASE FROM THE IOWA DNR Hunters are home, the dogs are resting and Iowa’s opening weekend of pheasant season is in the rearview mirror. Reports from across the state varied from excellent up north to good in central and southwest Iowa, with the consensus that hunting will continue to improve once all the corn is harvested. According to reports, hunters turned out in good numbers, filling parking lots and field access lanes. “It’s the best bird numbers we’ve had since I’ve been in east-central Iowa. I’m still seeing hunters out today,” said Curt Kemmerer, wildlife biologist for the Iowa … Continue reading Iowa’s pheasant opener was busy, with lots of hunter success

By the Iowa DNR Cedar River (above Nashua) Water levels are very, low limiting some boat accesses.  Channel Catfish – Slow: Dead chubs fished on the river bottom work well for a hungry catfish.  Northern Pike – Fair: Find pike in pools. Use a steel leader with a shiny lure.  Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallie bite is variable. Try artificial lures or a lure tipped with a minnow around rocky outcroppings or ledges.   Walleye – Good: Use jig tipped with a minnow or worm near the bottom of deeper holes at dawn and dusk. Decorah District Streams All trout stream stockings are unannounced; streams are … Continue reading Northeast Iowa fishing report (Oct. 13)

BY THE IOWA DNR Waterfowlers have waited all year for this: for the next three weekends in Iowa, there will be an opening day for duck and goose hunting. The north zone opens on Oct. 1, the central zone opens on Oct. 8 and the south zone opens on Oct. 15. Each zone is open seven days, then close for seven days, before re-opening. Hunter success, of course, depends on migration and Mother Nature’s cooperation. “We’re on track with our 10-year average for migration,” said Orrin Jones, state waterfowl biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “The low temperatures we had mid-week likely spurred … Continue reading Duck season begins Oct. 1 in Iowa’s north zone

By the IOWA DNR The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plans to host three meetings in October to provide an update to the public on chronic wasting disease surveillance and management efforts. Meetings are scheduled for: Tissue samples collected during the 2021-2022 surveillance season resulted in deer testing positive in both Fremont and Greene counties – the first time deer tested positive for the always fatal disease in these counties. In addition to Fremont and Greene counties, deer have tested positive in 10 other Iowa counties since 2013. “Hunters and landowners play vital roles in the successful management of … Continue reading Iowa DNR to host public meetings on Chronic Wasting Disease

NORTHEAST Cedar River (above Nashua)Water levels are stabilizing and low. Water clarity is good. Visit the USGS Water Dashboard for current water levels. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Try a hook loaded with a crawler, chub or chicken livers. Northern Pike – No Report: Find pike in shallow vegetated areas out of current. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Find smallies below the dams; use a hook tipped with a ringworm, twister tail or nightcrawler.  Walleye – Good: Try worms or minnows on a blade with enough weight to get your bait near the bottom. Yellow Perch – Good: Use a minnow or worm along the lake … Continue reading Iowa DNR Fishing Report (Sept. 15)

NEWS RELEASE FROM THE IOWA DNR Iowans are invited to lend a hand at the Department of Natural Resources’ sixth annual Statewide Volunteer Day on Sept. 24. Several parks across the state will be hosting volunteer events to help spruce up trails, buildings and other park amenities. “Iowa state parks are beloved places for many Iowans, and we greatly appreciate the help volunteers provide,” said Sherry Arntzen, chief of Iowa Parks, Forests and Preserves. Clean-up efforts at Statewide Volunteer Day will be unique for each park and may include litter pick-up, staining or painting buildings, planting trees, clearing trails and … Continue reading Lend a hand in a state park at Statewide Volunteer Day on Sept. 24