This time of year is considered prime fishing season in Iowa. That’s because many species of fish are spawning, so they’re more aggressive and close to shore. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has created an interactive, online map to help people find the top fishing spots in the state.
Mick KIemesrud with the DNR says the map is modeled after a project in Portland, Oregon. “They created a site that showed the top 50 places to fish within 50 miles of downtown Portland. They tried to make it as interactive and user-friendly as possible,” Klemesrud said. “Like any other good idea, we just stole it.”
The Iowa Fishing Report is updated every Thursday by DNR fisheries experts. Web visitors can find details on where to fish, types of fish to be caught and tips to be successful. Klemesrud says the site also includes information on regulations and links to lake maps.
Iowa has more than 250 lakes and approximately 80,000 farm ponds that are stocked by the DNR. Around 385,000 fishing licenses were sold in Iowa last year.