Iowa residents may fish without a license on June 3, 4 and 5 as part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) free fishing weekend. Free fishing weekend is the first weekend in June each year. It gives you a chance to try fishing without purchasing a license, though all other regulations remain in place.

If you catch your first fish, take a photo and send it in to receive the DNR’s first fish award. Qualifying fish caught during free fishing weekend are also eligible for master angler recognition. Find more information on the first fish and master angler programs at www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/MasterAnglerFirstFish.aspx.

Free fishing weekend coincides with fishing clinics, derbies, and other events. A list is available through the DNR special events calendar at http://programs.iowadnr.gov/specialevents/Search.aspx. Some of the fishing events scheduled throughout the state include: