The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is trying to lure more people to go fishing. Next weekend (June 1-3), the DNR will allow Iowans without a fishing license to go fishing for free.
DNR fish biologist Martin Konrad says it’s a great time of year to cast a line in an Iowa lake. “This is the time of year when the fish are still close to shore, so shore anglers have just as good of an opportunity to catch fish as boat anglers,” Konrad says.
The conditions this spring and past winter have also contributed to a healthy crop of fish that’re biting. “We’ve had tremendous fishing this spring,” Konrad says. “The weather warmed up early in March and people got out. Fishing has been above average and it’s been particularly good in the Great Lakes area.”
Konrad suggests fishing may be a way for some adults to re-live childhood memories. “Maybe they’ve been away from fishing for a while and have kind of forgotten about it. Here’s a wake up call,” Konrad says. “The DNR wants people to come back, start fishing again and enjoy it as an outdoor sport and a family activity.”
For more information about the Iowa DNR “free fishing days,” click here.
by Dennis Morrice, KLEM and Pat Curtis, Radio Iowa