DNR News Releases

Ice fishing shelters must be removed by Feb. 20

2/6/2018 1:09:00 PM
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DES MOINES – Permanent ice shelters must be removed from all state-owned lands and waters by Feb. 20. Ice shelter owners are encouraged not to wait until the last minute to get their shelter off the ice. If a shelter falls through the ice, the owner is responsible for getting it out of the lake.

Family trout fishing event Saturday at Bondurant

2/6/2018 1:08:00 PM
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BONDURANT – A family trout fishing event will be held at Lake Petocka, in Bondurant, at noon on Feb. 10. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will stock 1,400 rainbow trout in the lake. Previously scheduled for Jan. 27, the stocking was postponed due to unsafe ice conditions.

2017 hunting, fishing license sales

1/16/2018 2:13:00 PM
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In 2017, Iowa residents purchased…

Spend a winter day ice fishing

1/9/2018 11:41:00 AM
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Ice fishing has a passionate following across Iowa. Get a group of friends and/or family together, bundle up and go ice fishing this winter.

Cool things you should know about skunks (yes, skunks)

1/8/2018 11:09:00 AM
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When you think of skunks, you probably think of their stinky spray or how they dig up your lawn. But did you know that they play an important role in insect control and sometimes even the production of fragrances?

Licenses Expire January 10

1/2/2018 12:52:00 PM
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Hunters and anglers are encouraged to purchase their 2018 license before their 2017 license expires. Annual Iowa hunting and fishing licenses expire on Jan. 10. License holders who purchased the three year option should check the date range printed on their license for expiration.

Ice safety reminder as Iowa lakes freeze over

12/27/2017 11:12:00 AM
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The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds over much of Iowa. Anglers are starting to get out for the popular early ice fishing of the season.

2018 hunting, fishing licenses on sale Dec. 15

12/5/2017 12:26:00 PM
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Iowans can start buying 2018 resident hunting, fishing and other licenses on December 15. Licenses purchased for 2017 expire on Jan. 10.

Arizona man charged with deer poaching in Iowa

11/7/2017 2:48:00 PM
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Iowa DNR Conservation Officers have charged Nicholas W. Slater, 31, of Glendale, AZ with deer poaching in Lake Manawa State Park on November 19, 2016.

Grants available for fishing and boating education programs in Hispanic communities

11/7/2017 11:33:00 AM
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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Fish Iowa! angler education program has partnered with the Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation’s (RBFF) Vamos A Pescar program to provide $1,000 grants to local 501(c)(3) organizations to support local efforts to educate and engage families in high-density Hispanic communities through programs, classes and fishing activities.

10 fantastic fall fishing spots

10/17/2017 3:05:00 PM
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Fall offers fantastic fishing – get out and enjoy it. The air is cool, lakes are less crowded and fish are easy to catch.

Fall is hawk watch time

10/10/2017 2:36:00 PM
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Fall is when birds of prey migrate. Attend a Hawk Watch event to see and learn about fascinating raptors!

Fall urban trout stocking begins October 14

10/10/2017 12:57:00 PM
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Seventeen lakes across Iowa are gearing up to receive trout this fall. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will release between 1,000 to 2,000 rainbow trout at each location as part of its cool weather trout program that brings trout to areas that cannot support them during the summer months.

Top fall trout fishing destinations

10/5/2017 3:07:00 PM
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Get out and explore northeast Iowa this fall. Enjoy fewer visitors, cool weather and spectacular displays of autumn colors, including Iowa’s prize trout.

Trout fishing under a canopy of fall colors

10/3/2017 1:37:00 PM
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Enjoy the spectacular colors and cool weather this fall fishing for Iowa’s prize trout in northeast Iowa’s hundreds of miles of trout streams. From easily accessible streams in state or county parks, to those found in Iowa’s most wild and remote natural spaces, there are plenty of places to catch rainbow, brown and brook trout.

Fall fishing in Iowa rivers

9/19/2017 11:38:00 AM
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Enjoy Iowa’s natural landscapes fishing Iowa’s rivers and streams this fall. A unique angling challenge is hidden around every bend.

Iowa Fall Fishing Forecast for 2017

9/18/2017 3:06:00 PM
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Fall offers fantastic fishing – get out and enjoy it. The air is cool, lakes are less crowded and fish are easy to catch. Add one of these destinations to your fall fishing itinerary.

Fall is a great time to catch fish

9/12/2017 3:17:00 PM
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Fall is a great time to be outdoors with family and friends. The air is cool, the views are picturesque, lakes are less crowded and the fish are easy to catch.

Summer tips to land Iowa’s big fish

8/29/2017 1:10:00 PM
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Iowa anglers have lots of opportunities to earn a Master Angler award this Labor Day weekend. Finding places that have big fish is key to catching big fish.

Water level to drop at Diamond Lake ahead of renovation this fall

8/8/2017 1:41:00 PM
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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is planning a repeat of a successful restoration effort on Diamond Lake in Dickinson County. The DNR will lower the water level in the lake through this fall and winter to eliminate problem fish.

Late summer underwater aquatic plant control for ponds

8/8/2017 1:33:00 PM
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Pond plants are necessary for a healthy pond, but too many can upset a fishing pond’s balance and become a nuisance. Many pond owners struggle with how to control a number of aquatic plants, without completely removing all plants, so they can enjoy their pond.

9 animals you probably won’t see in Iowa

8/4/2017 2:15:00 PM
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Whether they are on the endangered species list, only come out during certain times of the year, or are simply hard to see, these animals are rarely seen in Iowa.

North Raccoon Wildlife Area is building a recreation reputation

8/1/2017 11:44:00 AM
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The North Raccoon Wildlife Area just might be the biggest playground in Greene County. But rather than teeter-totters and swings, this playground offers excellent deer hunting, turkey, dove and rabbit hunting, river access and sandbar camping, bird watching, hiking and more.

Hooking summer catfish

8/1/2017 11:43:00 AM
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Start a new family tradition this summer – go fishing for catfish. Bring along two coolers with ice, one to keep your bait firm and fresh and another to keep your catch cold and preserve that great taste.

Oct. 6-8 Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop now accepting registrations

7/25/2017 1:17:00 PM
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Registration is now open for the Oct. 6-8 Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop at Dolliver Memorial State Park, near Otho.

Two men charged for illegal netting

7/19/2017 1:19:00 PM
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MUSCATINE COUNTY, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources law enforcement conservation officers have charged two men after an investigation of illegal netting in an Iowa river.

Public meeting to discuss Kent Park Lake improvement plan

7/18/2017 3:04:00 PM
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OXFORD- The Johnson County Conservation Board (JCCB) will host a public meeting at 6:30 p.m., July 25, at the Conservation Education Center at F.W. Kent Park, to discuss plans for improving water quality and recreational opportunities at Kent Park Lake, in Johnson County.

Take someone hunting, fishing or target shooting and enter a chance to win NASCAR or Ultimate Outdoor Experience

7/12/2017 1:28:00 PM
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Join Richard Childress, honorary chair for National Hunting and Fishing Day, in creating the next generation of conservationists

Gone fishing for summer

7/11/2017 1:33:00 PM
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Making plans for summer getaways with family and friends? Add fishing to your list. Plan a day trip or bring along fishing gear on your next weekend or camping trip.

Flathead catfish: Iowa's Dracula of the Deep

6/22/2017 3:24:00 PM
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They are the aquatic version of Count Dracula, quietly resting in the same dark, hidden location by day, and prowling for living prey by night. And like a vampire, they are legendary for both their great physical strength and ability to achieve a ripe old age.

New fish structure maps added to DNR website

6/20/2017 12:57:00 PM
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Sixty new maps with fish structure locations for lakes across the state have been added to the DNR website.

Take dad fishing this Father’s Day

6/13/2017 12:45:00 PM
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Give dad something he will always treasure this Father’s Day – quality time together. Take dad fishing and create memories that you can relive every time you’re together.

2017 Iowa Fishing Forecast: #MissionFishin

6/6/2017 4:03:00 PM
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We released a record 156 million fish last year, renovated a gob of lakes, increased fish habitat, added angler access and improved water quality. Now it’s your turn to help.

Fishing regulations to be relaxed at Geode State Park

6/6/2017 11:36:00 AM
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DANVILLE - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will relax fishing regulations at Geode State Park in Henry County starting June 6, to allow anglers to more freely harvest game fish before the lake is renovated this summer.

DNR encourages Iowans to join #MissionFishin

5/30/2017 2:11:00 PM
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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is recruiting Iowans to accept the mission to take someone fishing. Share your love of fishing with a kid, your best friend, a spouse or your parents.

Iowa residents enjoy free fishing days June 2-4

5/23/2017 11:46:00 AM
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Iowa residents may fish without a license on June 2, 3 and 4 as part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) free fishing weekend.

Memorial Day weekend is nearly here

5/18/2017 8:36:00 AM
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Iowa campers, picnickers and outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up for the Memorial Day weekend and the official start of summer. If weather continues as it has been, Iowa’s state parks will be busting at the seams.

Spring fishing in full swing across Iowa

5/16/2017 12:19:00 PM
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Crappies and bluegills are biting in small ponds and lakes across Iowa. Spring panfish fishing is a great opportunity to introduce beginners of all ages to fishing. Catching panfish is easy and fun.

Help stop aquatic hitchhikers

5/16/2017 12:18:00 PM
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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages all boaters and anglers to “Clean, Drain, and Dry” their boats and equipment this Memorial Day weekend to protect Iowa lakes and rivers from aquatic hitchhikers.

Local fishing club pays it forward

5/16/2017 12:15:00 PM
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A central Iowa fishing club is the 2017 recipient of the Brass Bluegill award from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fish Iowa! program.

Spring panfish bite is heating up

5/16/2017 11:28:00 AM
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Crappies and bluegills are biting in small ponds and lakes across Iowa. Here's a few hotspots to try this spring.

Pine Springs Creek water quality and angler access easement dedication April 28

4/11/2017 12:24:00 PM
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Decorah – The public is invited to celebrate the dedication of the new water quality and angler access easement on Pine Springs Creek, North Canoe Creek and West Canoe Creek, April 28 at 11 a.m. at Seed Savers Exchange, north of Decorah.

Tama man pleads guilty of deer poaching in Marshall County

4/4/2017 11:34:00 AM
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Ralph Ray Rozevink, 61, of rural Tama County, pleaded guilty on Feb. 22 to poaching a doe in southern Marshall County on Dec. 18, 2016.

Our picks for Iowa's top nine trout streams in 2017

3/29/2017 11:54:00 AM
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More than 300,000 catchable-sized rainbow and brook trout, and 110,000 fingerling brown trout will be stocked in hundreds of miles of northeast Iowa streams between April 3 and October 2017.