The Walleye and Bass bite hard and fight even harder in Iowa, with plenty of freshwater fishing action to be had in the Hawkeye State. However, before you cast a lure or drop a line, there’s one more essential step. Purchasing an Iowa fishing license!
With the mighty Mississippi River running through the eastern edge of the state and large lakes such as Spirit Lake in the northwest, the freshwater action in Iowa comes fast and frenzied. Pike, Catfish, Walleye, Bass, and many more local favorites are all just waiting for you, but before you cast a line, you’ll need a valid Iowa angling license.
In the following guide to Iowa fishing licenses, we’ll cover:
If you want to take your Bass fishing to the next level and you’re new to the Bass fishing scene, be sure to check out Smallmouth vs. Largemouth Bass: A Simple Guide, where we cover everything you need to know about Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass.
The premium Fishing Forecasting App, Fishbox, allows you to track weather, tide, and atmospheric conditions to accurately predict the best times to hit the water in Iowa, significantly increasing your chances of catching fish. It even has helpful information about local hotspots and secret fishing locations in Iowa that are contributed by enthusiastic anglers.
Types of IA Fishing Licenses
Iowa offers several different types of fishing licenses, suitable for both resident and non-resident anglers who plan on fishing in the state.
Below, we’ll break down the different license types.
Resident Fishing Licenses:
- 1-Day License;
- 7-Day License;
- Annual License;
- Let’s Go Fishing Package;
- 3-Year Angling Special;
- Bonus 3rd Line;
- Lifetime Fishing (65+).
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses:
- 1-Day License;
- 3-Day License;
- 7-Day License;
- Annual License;
- Let’s Go Fishing;
- Bonus 3rd Line.
Cost of Iowa Fishing Licenses
Iowa offers several types of fishing licenses for both resident and non-resident anglers, which are priced to make fishing as accessible and affordable as possible. It also allows non-residents of Iowa to purchase a fishing license that best suits their intended fishing timeline.
Below, we’ll break down the different license types and their associated costs. For an updated list of costs, please visit the Iowa DNR website.
Resident Fishing Licenses:
- 1-Day License – $10.50;
- 7-Day License – $15.50;
- Annual License – $22.00;
- Let’s Go Fishing Package – $56.50;
- 3-Year Angling Special – $62.00;
- Bonus 3rd Line – $14.00;
- Lifetime Fishing (65+) – $61.50;
- Trout Fee – $14.50;
- Lifetime Trout Fee – $65.00.
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses:
- 1-Day License – $12.00;
- 3-Day License – $20.50;
- 7-Day License – $37.50;
- Annual License – $48.00;
- Let’s Go Fishing – $85.50;
- Bonus 3rd Line – $14.00;
- Trout Fee – $17.50.
Age Requirements for IA Fishing License
If you’re 16 years or older and want to go fishing in Iowa, you’ll need a fishing license. However, there’s also a Trout Fee, which is an additional charge if you want to go Trout fishing in Iowa, regardless of your age.
There are also some exemptions for those who do and don’t need a fishing license in Iowa. Any pupils of the State School for the Blind and the State School for the Deaf, minors under state or county care, and any military personnel on leave can fish in Iowa without a fishing license.
You can learn more about Iowa’s fishing exemptions by visiting the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.
Where to Obtain a IA Fishing License
To make fishing in Iowa as easy and accessible as possible, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has two ways to purchase an Iowa fishing permit.
The easiest way to purchase your license is by going online and, visiting the Iowa DNR website and completing the online application. Be sure to have a credit card or method of purchase ready.
If you don’t want to purchase your fishing license online, you can also do it in person. For a complete list of authorized agents, visit the licensed retailer list here.
Complete Guide to Iowa Fishing Licenses | Conclusion
There you go! Everything you ever wanted to know about Iowa fishing licenses, including the different types of licenses available, how much they cost, where to buy them, and any age exemptions for youth anglers.
When you purchase your Iowa fishing permit, be sure to take a few minutes to brush up on local season, size, and bag limits, along with any closures. If you want to be a responsible angler, it’s essential to not only follow regulations but also take only the fish you need, returning any unwanted fish to the water for another day and leaving your fishing area cleaner than you found it. If we all do our part, we can ensure that future generations of anglers get to enjoy the same, if not better, fishing opportunities as we all enjoy today.
The Fishbox App allows anglers to accurately track weather conditions and predict the best time to go fishing. Fishbox App utilizes in-depth analysis of weather patterns, fish behavior, and tidal and lunar conditions to predict the best times to go angling and when you’re better off relaxing at home.
If you have any questions about Iowa fishing licenses or would like to learn more about Iowa angling permits, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below, and if you found it helpful, give it a share. We love to read feedback from our valued users and supporters.