Iowa DNR Fishing Report (May 18)

Cedar River (above Nashua) Water clarity is muddy with high flows. Water levels are falling, but up about 3 feet. Water temperatures are on the rise with warmer weather.  Channel Catfish – Good: Try a dead chub or stink baits fished in slack water areas. Smallmouth Bass – Slow: Try fishing eddies and current breaks. Walleye – Slow: Use a jig tipped with a minnow or worm below dams. Try using a 3-way with enough weight to keep the weight on the bottom. Decorah District Streams Area streams are in good condition. All stocked streams are announced at least once a month. Stocking continues at traditional rates, weekly or bimonthly. … Continue reading Iowa DNR Fishing Report (May 18)

Catch-photo-release tournament encourages Iowa walleye anglers to report their catches

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is partnering for a second year with MyCatch by Angler’s Atlas to conduct a statewide walleye fishing challenge starting May 1 through June 30. The Iowa Chapter of the American Fisheries Society has joined as a research partner for the 2023 challenge. Anglers will have the chance to win weekly prizes while also contributing to fisheries research, helping improve walleye fishing in the state. The Iowa Walleye Challenge uses the MyCatch mobile app to record the length of a fish. Participating anglers take a picture of the fish on a measuring device using the app. … Continue reading Catch-photo-release tournament encourages Iowa walleye anglers to report their catches

Winter community trout stockings start Jan. 14

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

It’s almost New Years! Join the First Day Hike Challenge at Iowa state parks

DES MOINES – It’s almost time to start 2023 the right way – in an Iowa state park! Join the 2023 First Day Hike Challenge through the digital State Park Passport. You can also join one of several guided hikes with park or forest staff across the state. With the First Day Hike Challenge, park visitors can check into any of more than 50 participating state parks on the passport from Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 through the end of Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Every check-in will qualify for a prize drawing of a 2-night stay at a cabin at Pine Lake State Park. Restrictions will apply … Continue reading It’s almost New Years! Join the First Day Hike Challenge at Iowa state parks

2023 hunting, fishing licenses on sale beginning Dec. 15

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

DNR to host virtual meeting on chronic wasting disease Nov. 29

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

Iowa’s pheasant opener was busy, with lots of hunter success

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

Northeast Iowa fishing report (Oct. 13)

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)

Your comments sought about the state withdrawing a nitrate restriction for the Cedar River Watershed

By the Iowa DNR The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on the DNR’s intent to withdraw the Cedar River watershed nitrate total maximum daily load (TMDL). TMDLs include analyses and methods for improving water quality for water bodies on the state’s Clean Water Act 303d impaired waters list. In 2006, the DNR finalized a TMDL for nitrate in the Cedar River. The DNR created the Cedar River TMDL due to the nitrate impairment in the segment of the Cedar River which Cedar Rapids uses as a source for municipal drinking water. The DNR has concluded … Continue reading Your comments sought about the state withdrawing a nitrate restriction for the Cedar River Watershed

Duck season begins Oct. 1 in Iowa’s north zone

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

Iowa DNR to host public meetings on Chronic Wasting Disease

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

Iowa DNR Fishing Report (Sept. 15)

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)

Lend a hand in a state park at Statewide Volunteer Day on Sept. 24

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

Iowa DNR Fishing Report: Sept. 8

NORTHEAST Cedar River (above Nashua) Water levels are stabilizing and low. Water clarity is improving. Visit the USGS Water Dashboard for current water levels. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Try a hook loaded with a crawler, chub, chicken livers or stink bait. 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 under a slip bobber with enough weight to get your bait near the bottom. Yellow Perch – Good: Use a minnow or worm fished along the lake edges. Decorah District Streams With … Continue reading Iowa DNR Fishing Report: Sept. 8

Turkey hunters reminded – new law allowing .410 becomes effective on July 1

IOWA DNR The Iowa Legislature recently passed a law allowing .410s as a legal method of take to hunt wild turkeys. This new law will be effective beginning July 1, 2022, and DNR will develop rules to implement the new law. “This is just a reminder to our hunters that our seasons and regulations are set up to a year ahead of time and, like other regulations changes, we incorporate the new laws into our upcoming seasons,” said Todd Bishop, chief of wildlife for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Laws passed by the Iowa Legislature become effective on July 1, … Continue reading Turkey hunters reminded – new law allowing .410 becomes effective on July 1

Northeast Iowa fishing report: April 1

By the Iowa DNR Cedar River (above Nashua)Water levels are falling and low with clear water. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Shore anglers using dead chubs or worms on the bottom have been successful. Walleye – Fair: Walleyes are starting to move. Fish the shallow pools for best luck. Decorah District StreamsTrout streams are in good to excellent condition. Catchable trout stream stocking started this week. All catchable trout stockings will be unannounced due to COVID-19 precautions. A stocking calendar will not be available this year. Please observe social distancing and mask rules when visiting hatchery grounds. Rainbow Trout – Excellent: Get tackle … Continue reading Northeast Iowa fishing report: April 1

Owl Prowl Night Hike II is on Friday, Jan. 29

Join Floyd County Conservation Naturalist, Heidi Reams, as you discover what makes owls unique and then go on a night hike at Tosanak Recreation Area, 2543 Glass Road, Marble Rock, from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29. This is a free outdoor program – please dress appropriately. Due to COVID-19, Floyd County Conservation encourages participants to pre register in order to control group size and be able to socially distance along the hike. Call 641-756-3490 or email fpcenter@myomnitel.com for more information. Register at https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Floyd/Park/Tosanak-Recreation-Area/Events/17565/Owl-Prowl-Night-Hike-II.aspx Continue reading Owl Prowl Night Hike II is on Friday, Jan. 29

FISHING REPORT: Walleye have moved out of over-wintering areas of the Cedar

By the Iowa DNR These are the area fishing reports for April 16, 2020 Clear Lake The water temperature is in the low forties. Channel Catfish – Good: Use chicken liver or cut bait fished on the bottom where water is following into the lake. Walleye – Good: Pitch a jig and minnow in 3 to 6 feet of water along the east shore and around the island. Fish are biting throughout the day, but the best bite is late afternoon. Yellow Bass – Fair: Yellow bass are being caught from the jetties. Boat anglers should try fishing the edge of the vegetation on the north … Continue reading FISHING REPORT: Walleye have moved out of over-wintering areas of the Cedar

DNR investigates Tama County fish kill

IOWA DNR VINING—DNR staff are investigating a manure spill that resulted in a fish kill on Wolf Creek about 2 miles northwest of Vining in Tama County. A manure applicator for Mayo Farm Inc. reported Thursday morning that a drag hose leaked about 2,600 gallons of manure during land application. The applicator built a berm to dam up the spilled manure, but estimates that up to 500 gallons reached the creek. DNR staff saw live fish at the site Thursday, but found some dead fish in the same area — about 1 to 1.5 miles downstream — this morning. DNR fisheries staff … Continue reading DNR investigates Tama County fish kill