Fishing in Iowa
Iowa's Mississippi River pools hold walleye, sauger, smallmouth, and some of the biggest blue catfish in the Midwest. The Iowa Great Lakes, Spirit, West Okoboji, and East Okoboji, are the state's premier walleye and yellow perch destination. The Driftless Area in northeast Iowa hides hundreds of miles of cold-water trout streams. Coralville, Saylorville, and Red Rock reservoirs add white bass, hybrid stripers, and crappie.
License Types & Fees
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual Fishing | $22.00 |
| Resident 1-Day Fishing | $10.50 |
| Resident 7-Day Fishing | $15.50 |
| Resident Angler's Special (3-Year) | $62.00 |
| Resident Lifetime Fishing (65+) | $61.50 |
| Resident Lifetime Trout Fee (65+) | $65.00 |
| Resident Outdoor Combo (Hunt/Fish/Habitat) | $55.00 |
| Resident Trout Fee | $14.50 |
| Resident Boundary Water Trotline | $26.00 |
| Bonus Line (3rd Line Stamp) | $14.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual Fishing | $48.00 |
| Non-Resident 1-Day Fishing | $12.00 |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Fishing | $20.50 |
| Non-Resident 7-Day Fishing | $37.50 |
| Non-Resident Trout Fee | $17.50 |
| Non-Resident Boundary Water Trotline | $49.50 |
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current pricing on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website before purchasing.
Residents under 16 fish without a license but may need a trout fee. Iowa-resident military on authorized leave fish free. 100% of license revenue is reinvested in Iowa conservation.
Log Your Iowa Catches
CatchVault is available on iOS. Identify species with AI, measure with LiDAR, and keep a private journal of every fish you land in Iowa.
Iowa Fishing License FAQ
How much does a Iowa fishing license cost?
A resident annual fishing fishing license in Iowa costs $22.00. Fees vary by residency, age, and license type, see the full breakdown above for short-term, non-resident, and senior options.
Where can I buy a Iowa fishing license?
Iowa fishing licenses are sold online by Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and are also available from authorized retailers, bait shops, and sporting goods stores across the state.
Who issues fishing licenses in Iowa?
Fishing licenses in Iowa are issued by Iowa Department of Natural Resources.