What Age Do You Need a Fishing License in Iowa?

Fishing is a popular pastime in Iowa, offering anglers the opportunity to enjoy the state’s abundant waterways and diverse fish species. However, before casting a line, it’s essential to understand the fishing license requirements in Iowa. In 2024, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has specific regulations regarding who needs a fishing license and at what age.

Fishing License Requirements in Iowa

In Iowa, both residents and nonresidents who are 16 years of age or older are required to have a valid fishing license while fishing in Iowa waters. This license allows anglers to legally take, use, possess, or transport fish from inland waters and boundary rivers of Iowa, as outlined in the annual Iowa Fishing Seasons and Limits pamphlet.

Fishing licenses in Iowa can be purchased for one year, seven days, or 24 hours. Licenses are available at various locations throughout the state, including retailers, county recorders’ offices, and online through the Iowa DNR website.

Exceptions to the Fishing License Requirement

While most anglers 16 and older must have a fishing license, there are a few exceptions to this rule:

Residents and nonresidents under 16 years old: Children under the age of 16 can fish without a license in Iowa waters.
Residents or nonresidents fishing on their own land: Landowners and tenants fishing on their own property, as well as their children under 18, are exempt from needing a fishing license.
Certain individuals in state institutions: Minor pupils of the state school for the deaf and minor inmates of other state institutions under the Department of Human Services (excluding state penal institutions) are not required to have a fishing license.
Patients of substance abuse facilities: Patients of substance abuse facilities who are supervised by an employee of the facility while fishing, and the facility has been issued a permit from the DNR, are exempt from needing a fishing license.
Active duty military personnel: Members of the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty, on authorized leave from a duty station outside of Iowa, and who qualify as Iowa residents are not required to have a fishing license.

Trout Fishing Privileges

In addition to a fishing license, anglers who wish to fish for or possess trout in Iowa must also purchase a trout fee. This fee applies to both residents and nonresidents who are required to have a fishing license.

However, there are exceptions to the trout fee requirement for children under 16:

Fishing with a licensed adult: Iowa residents and nonresidents under 16 years old may fish for or possess trout without paying the trout fee if they are accompanied by a licensed adult who has paid the trout fee. Together, they must limit their catch to the one-person daily limit of five trout.
Purchasing their own trout privilege: Children under 16 can buy their own trout privilege, which allows them to fish for trout without a licensed adult and keep their own daily limit of five trout.

Special Licenses for Iowa Residents

The Iowa DNR offers special fishing licenses for certain Iowa residents:

Free annual fishing or combination hunting and fishing licenses: These licenses are available to low-income Iowa residents who are 65 years or older, or low-income permanently disabled residents.
Disabled Veteran’s License: This license is available to Iowa residents who served a minimum of 90 days of active federal service and have a service-connected disability, or were prisoners of war during their military service.

To obtain these special licenses, anglers can contact the DNR central office or visit DNR offices that sell hunting and fishing licenses.

Fishing is a cherished pastime in Iowa, and understanding the fishing license requirements is crucial for anglers of all ages. By following the regulations set forth by the Iowa DNR, anglers can enjoy the state’s abundant waterways while ensuring the conservation and sustainability of its fish populations.