If you’re an avid angler looking to cast your line in the waters of the Mississippi River, you might be wondering if your Iowa fishing license is valid in Wisconsin. The good news is that reciprocity agreements between these two states, along with Minnesota, allow anglers to fish the boundary waters of the Mississippi River with a valid license from any of the adjacent states.
Understanding Reciprocity Agreements
Reciprocity agreements are legal arrangements between states that allow residents of one state to enjoy certain privileges in another state, without having to purchase additional licenses or permits. In the case of fishing, these agreements enable anglers to fish in the boundary waters between states using their home state’s fishing license.
According to the Iowa Code, “Any person licensed by the authority of Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, or South Dakota to take fish, game, mussels, or fur-bearing animals from or in the waters forming the boundary between such state and Iowa, may take such fish, game, mussels, or fur-bearing animals from that portion of said waters lying within the territorial jurisdiction of this state, without having procured a license from the director of this state, in the same manner that persons holding Iowa licenses may do, if the laws of Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, or South Dakota, respectively, extend a similar privilege to persons so licensed under the laws of Iowa.”
Similarly, Wisconsin’s administrative code states, “Any person holding a hook and line fishing license issued by either Iowa or Wisconsin may fish in the boundary waters of the Mississippi River between the states of Iowa and Wisconsin.”
Fishing the Mississippi River with an Iowa License
If you have a valid Iowa fishing license, you can use it to fish the Mississippi River in Wisconsin, provided that you are fishing within the boundary waters. The boundary waters are defined as the area between the railroad tracks that parallel both sides of the river.
However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- You must have a valid Iowa fishing license on your person while fishing.
- You can fish from shoreline to shoreline of the river with your Iowa license.
- If you are fishing from a boat, you can fish from railroad track to railroad track with your Iowa license.
- If you are fishing from land, you must have the proper license for whichever state claims the land you are standing on.
It’s important to note that while your Iowa license is valid for fishing in Wisconsin’s boundary waters, you must still follow Wisconsin’s fishing regulations, such as size limits, bag limits, and season dates. Anglers are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the regulations of both states before fishing the Mississippi River.
Other Considerations
In addition to having a valid fishing license, there are a few other things to keep in mind when fishing the Mississippi River:
- Many Corps of Engineers boat launches charge a $5.00 fee to non-registered campers through a self-registration vault located at the ramp.
- A $40.00 annual pass good at all Corps ramps nationwide may also be purchased.
- Anyone camping at any Corps park can simply place their campsite receipt on the dash of their towing vehicle for the day and forego paying the launch fee.
If you’re unsure about the license requirements or have any other questions, it’s best to consult with a ranger or attendant, or contact the Department of Natural Resources in the state where you plan to fish.
Fishing Opportunities on the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is a popular destination for anglers due to its diverse fish populations and scenic beauty. The river is home to over 119 species of fish, including many popular sport fish such as walleye, sauger, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, northern pike, bluegill, and crappies.
Anglers can enjoy fishing from shore, wading, or from a boat. The river offers a variety of habitats, including backwater lakes, running sloughs, tailwaters, and main channel habitats, each with its own unique fishing opportunities.
To ensure the sustainability of the fishery, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, which encompasses much of the river’s land and water. The refuge is open to public hunting and fishing during each state’s respective seasons.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the reciprocity agreements between Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota allow anglers to fish the boundary waters of the Mississippi River with a valid license from any of the adjacent states. By understanding the regulations and following proper procedures, anglers can enjoy the diverse fishing opportunities that the Mississippi River has to offer.