Sponsored by the Iowa DNR, the Iowa Master Angler Award recognizes memorable-sized catches for more than 40 fish species. Anglers who apply and qualify receive an official certificate and car/boat decal.
Submit Your Master Angler Catch or View/Search Master Angler Entries
You can also download a Master Angler Award Form with award criteria and details on how to apply.
Master Angler Award Rules
- Fish must meet the minimum species length.
- Length is measured from tip of the snout to the tip of the tail, except paddlefish, which are measured from the front of the eye to the fork in the tail and sturgeon which are measured from the snout to the fork in the tail. If there is some doubt about species identification, contact the nearest DNR personnel for verification.
- A witness must verify fish size; any fish believed to be a new state record must be verified by a DNR Fisheries official.
- The fish can be released and still qualify for an award.
- You must have a valid Iowa fishing license and fish must be caught by legal methods according to Iowa law (check the Iowa Fishing Regulations).
Master Angler award levels:
- Species Specialist - catch five of the same species meeting the minimum length criteria listed below.
You will receive a certificate detailing the species for which you have received the award.
- Master Angler - catch one fish meeting the minimum length criteria of any species listed below.
You will be sent a certificate with picture and a car/boat decal.
- Silver Master Angler – catch five different species meeting the minimum length criteria listed below.
You will receive a certificate, Silver Medallion, and a car/boat decal.
- Gold Master Angler - catch ten different species meeting the minimum length criteria listed below.
You will receive a certificate, Gold Medallion, and a car/boat decal.