Iowa anglers have until January 31 to purchase their 2016 paddlefish license for the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers. The special paddlefish season runs from March 1 to April 15.
Anglers must purchase the paddlefish license on the DNR website at www.iowadnr.govor by calling 800-367-1188. A resident paddlefish license sells for $22. Anglers must have a valid Iowa fishing license to purchase the special license.
“Iowa anglers rarely get the opportunity to harvest fish this big,” said Van Sterner, fisheries management biologist. “The average length of fish harvested in 2015 was 32.4 inches.”
The license, harvest tag, and regulations will be mailed to purchasers in February. For more information about Iowa’s special paddlefish season, visit the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/fishing.
The paddlefish license is required for the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers, but not for the Mississippi and Des Moines rivers.