OUTDOORS: Iowa anglers fished 10.5 million days during 2018; Celebrate a child’s first fish of summer

Iowa anglers fished 10.50 million days in 2018 according to a recent survey conducted by Responsive Management, compared to 8.30 million days in 2007.

A randomly selected group of more than 1,600 licensed anglers were asked how often they go fishing and where, what species they fish for and their opinions on DNR fisheries management efforts.

The Mississippi River was the most popular place to fish, followed by private ponds, the Cedar River, Clear Lake and the Des Moines River. Nearly two-thirds of Iowa anglers fish at lakes, and 59 percent fish on Iowa's abundant rivers and streams.

More than half of Iowa anglers fish for bass, and nearly three-fourths fish for panfish (bluegill, crappie and perch). Bluegill, walleye, largemouth bass and channel catfish are the single species anglers most often fished for.

Sixty-eight percent of anglers rate fishing in Iowa as excellent or good. Sixty-six percent of anglers rate public access to Iowa's inland rivers and streams for fishing as excellent or good, compared to 63 percent in 2007. More than half of Iowa anglers rate the fishing opportunities within a few miles of their home as excellent or good.

Seventy-eight percent of Iowa anglers agree that they are getting their money's worth for fishing license fees.

The complete 2018 Iowa Angler Survey results is available on the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/DNR-Staff-Offices/Fisheries-Research. Scroll down to Technology and Data Management; it's the first link under Completed Projects.

Celebrate a child's first fish of summer

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources can help preserve the memory of your kid or grandkid hooking their first fish this summer with a special certificate.

Print the certificate yourself from an electronic file posted online or request a printed certificate.

Apply for a first fish certificate online at www.iowadnr.gov/firstfish or complete the form in the Iowa Fishing Regulations and mail it in.

It's easy and free to participate. There are no size, species or age requirements – only that it is the fish the angler has successfully landed.

Family and friends can join in on the celebration by viewing the first catch photos of their children and other budding anglers on the First Fish webpage once the entry is approved.

Fishing is a great way to enjoy being outdoors with families and friends. Follow the simple tips for taking kids fishing on the Iowa DNR website at fishing.iowadnr.gov to help keep the experience fun and positive for the whole family.