Fishing Regulations in Iowa
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Iowa fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Iowa requires a fishing license for anyone 16 years and older. Residents and non-residents can purchase licenses online through the Iowa DNR. A trout fee is required in addition to the fishing license for trout fishing in designated waters. Boundary water licenses are available for fishing the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum | Year-round | Some waters have special 15-inch or 18-inch minimum limits. |
| smallmouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum | Year-round | Combined with largemouth bass daily limit. |
| walleye | 5 per day | 15 inches minimum | Year-round (check specific waters) | Spirit Lake and West Okoboji have special regulations. 3 per day on some waters. |
| channel-catfish | 8 per day | No minimum | Year-round | Liberal limits across the state. |
| crappie | 25 per day | No minimum | Year-round | Some waters have reduced limits. |
| northern-pike | 5 per day | 24 inches minimum | Year-round | Only 1 over 30 inches on some lakes. |
| bluegill | 25 per day | No minimum | Year-round | Excellent panfish opportunities statewide. |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Some waters have special 15-inch or 18-inch minimum limits.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Combined with largemouth bass daily limit.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 15 inches minimum
Season: Year-round (check specific waters)
Notes: Spirit Lake and West Okoboji have special regulations. 3 per day on some waters.
Bag Limit: 8 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Liberal limits across the state.
Bag Limit: 25 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Some waters have reduced limits.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 24 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Only 1 over 30 inches on some lakes.
Bag Limit: 25 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Excellent panfish opportunities statewide.
Top Fishing Waters
Spirit Lake
lakeSpecies: walleye, yellow-perch, smallmouth-bass, northern-pike
West Okoboji
lakeSpecies: walleye, smallmouth-bass, yellow-perch, musky
Mississippi River
riverSpecies: walleye, smallmouth-bass, channel-catfish, northern-pike, carp
Rathbun Lake
reservoirSpecies: crappie, walleye, channel-catfish, largemouth-bass
Clear Lake
lakeSpecies: walleye, yellow-perch, largemouth-bass, bluegill
Saylorville Lake
reservoirSpecies: walleye, crappie, channel-catfish, largemouth-bass
Red Rock Reservoir
reservoirSpecies: crappie, walleye, channel-catfish, white-bass
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 10 lbs 12 oz | 1984 | Farm Pond |
| Smallmouth Bass | 7 lbs 12 oz | 1990 | West Okoboji Lake |
| Channel Catfish | 38 lbs | 1966 | Lake Manawa |
| Walleye | 14 lbs 2 oz | 1986 | Des Moines River |
| Crappie | 4 lbs 9 oz | 1981 | Green Castle Lake |
| Northern Pike | 25 lbs 4 oz | 1999 | West Okoboji Lake |
| Bluegill | 3 lbs 2 oz | 1986 | Farm Pond |
| Yellow Perch | 2 lbs 2 oz | 1973 | East Okoboji Lake |