Introduction to Fishing
Background Information
Background Information
History of fishing
History of fishing
Fishing was one of the ways early peoples obtained food. Worldwide excavations indicate some of the earliest civilizations fished. Excavations in Iowa have uncovered fishing hooks made from the toe bone of a deer or a bison rib at sites where communities existed between 900 and 1400 AD. Some peoples around the world still fish in order to obtain food; they practice subsistence fishing.
As cultures advanced and tasks were subdivided, commercial fishing came into being. Although it is concentrated in coastal areas of the United States, the Mississippi River also supports commercial fishing.
Recreational fishing is the most recently evolved form of fishing, established during medieval times. Nearly 60 million Americans fish for recreation.
ancient fishing weir (Amana Heritage Society)
commercial fishing - Asian carp (IL NHS)
recreational fishing (Amana Heritage Society)
Iowa’s Fishery
Iowa’s Fishery
Iowa has a diverse fishery resource. The Mississippi River borders Iowa for more than 300 mile and the Missouri Rivers border Iowa for almost 500 miles. Interior rivers and streams extend more than 71,655 miles including 307 miles of spring-fed, cold water trout streams in northeast Iowa; warm water streams and rivers are found throughout the rest of the state. There are approximately 35,000 acres of natural lakes, mostly in north-central and northwest Iowa, as well as smaller constructed lakes and four large flood-control reservoirs located mostly in southern Iowa. The southern half of Iowa is dotted by over 100,000 farm ponds, many of which provide quality fishing.
Lakes
Habitat describes the place where an animal lives. It includes food, water, shelter, space, and oxygen. Lake habitats are divided into three distinct zones: littoral, open water, and benthic.
The littoral zone is the richest in the terms of the numbers of species (diversity) that live there. It extends from the water’s edge out to as far as rooted plants can grow. Cattails, grasses, and rushes grow along the shoreline. Floating-leaved plants such as water lilies grow farther out and submersed plants such as coontail are found at the outer edge of the littoral zone. These plants provide protection and food for smaller aquatic animals. Smaller fish feed on these animals and larger fish move into shallow areas to forage on the smaller fish.
The open water zone begins where water is too deep for rooted plants to grow. Free-swimming plankton and insect larvae make up the food base in this area. Larger fish often are found in these waters. Many move into the shallows to feed and to reproduce, but spend the remainder of their time in deeper, open waters.
The benthic (bottom) zone is the area of the lake bottom beyond the littoral zone that does not receive sunlight due to water depth and/or turbidity. Worms, crayfish, and other scavengers feed on dead plants and animals that drift to the lake bottom. Bacteria and other benthic organisms also help to decompose dead material. This area contains very little oxygen because no plants grow here, so the kinds of fish in the benthic zone are limited. Channel catfish and bullheads are among those few that can tolerate these conditions.
Ponds
Ponds, small shallow lakes, and marshes are similar in that they have only littoral zones. Ponds are very productive and may have many more pounds of fish per acre than lakes. Ponds have the potential to provide outstanding fishing.
lake zones
pond cross section
cross section of a river showing structures that provide fish habitat
Streams and Rivers
Unlike lakes and ponds, these waters are moving. Streams and smaller rivers may be intermittent, flowing only part of the year. Larger rivers contain water in all seasons. The major regions found in streams include runs, pools, and riffles. Many fish typically live in deep pools under overhanging banks or downstream from large objects that provide cover.
The characteristics of Iowa’s rivers are dependent on their watersheds. Rivers in northeastern Iowa may flow through forested areas and limestone outcroppings, so they often have a substrate of gravel, rubble, or sand. Watersheds of rivers in areas that were formerly tall grass prairie are now some of the nation’s most productive agricultural land. Many of the streams and rivers in these regions have channelized (straightened) stretches to facilitate drainage. Their bottom substrates are composed of sand or silt.
Silt from agricultural land and major construction covers riffles that produce food, fills in pools, and generally decreases habitat diversity. The headwaters of our streams are usually quite clear, but lower reaches tend to be turbid and receive more pollutants. Therefore, they tend to contain fish species more tolerant of environmental degradation.
Fishery Problems
Fishery Problems
Clean water is essential for good fish populations. Soil erosion is the biggest detriment to Iowa’s water quality. Fine soil particles (silt) fill in lakes, bury prime spawning areas, clog the gills of some other aquatic animals, and hinder fish that feed by sight. The rate of soil erosion is accelerated by land use practices that leave the soil exposed (e.g., conventional tillage practices, removal of crop residue on farm fields, large construction projects). Eroding soil often carries fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants with it.
Fertilizers indirectly affect fish populations by causing excess growth of aquatic plants and algae. Although they provide oxygen, cover, and feeding areas, excess plants and algae also can deplete oxygen from the water because they continue to use oxygen at night when they are not producing it. As they die and decompose, still more oxygen is used.
Manure spills and runoff from improper field application contribute ammonia, bacteria, and organic material that rob the water of oxygen. Large spills can kill fish and other aquatic animals; smaller ones may stress fish so they are more susceptible to other pollutants, parasites, and disease.
Straightening of rivers removes bends, decreasing river length. It also eliminates habitats such as pools and riffles. The result is more swiftly flowing water without shelter for fish and other aquatic organisms. Swifter water also increases the erosion of the channel bed and stream banks, adding silt to the water.
Some 3,000 miles of Iowa’s interior rivers have been lost as a result of channelization. Three quarters of the streams draining to the Missouri River have been channelized (straightened); their total length reduced by half. Channelization of the Missouri itself has removed nearly 35,000 acres of channel area in Iowa alone. Downward cutting of the channel bed has decreased water levels in oxbows along the river.
soil erosion (NRCS)
channelized stream (NRCS)
excessive plant growth (NRCS)
eroded stream bank (NRCS)
Fisheries Management
Fisheries Management
The Fisheries Bureau of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages Iowa’s fishery. They monitor fish populations (their numbers and sizes in various waters) and work to maintain balanced fish populations. Their work includes: protecting habitat, enhancing habitat, stocking fish, proposing regulations on harvest, and educating the public. Biologists also assist landowners, county conservation boards, and cities with fisheries management. Management principals are based on scientific research and record keeping.
Land use greatly affects water quality in lakes and streams. Building too close to the shoreline, removing vegetation, or altering the shoreline can destroy critical habitat and degrade water quality. Conserving soil in the watershed (land that drains to a pond, lake or river) protects aquatic habitats, which are critical to fish populations. Farming practices that reduce tillage and control erosion decrease silt loads. Trees, grasses, and other plants along shorelines and stream banks can provide a buffer between human activities and the water. All of these are types of habitat protection.
In waters where habitat does not exist or has been degraded, enhancement is necessary. Brush piles, stake beds, tire reefs, or other structures are placed on lake bottoms to provide habitat. Fishing jetties are constructed and armored with rock riprap. Shorelines adjacent to the jetties are deepened to provide fish habitat. Dredging (removal of accumulated sediment) often is needed to increase depth in lakes, but improvements to reduce pollution carried in runoff from the watershed are critical to maintaining depth and good water quality for fish and other aquatic life.
More than 130 million fish are stocked annually into Iowa waters. Fish raised and stocked from hatcheries include trout, channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, muskellunge, northern pike, saugeye, walleye and more.
Hatchery-reared fish are used to introduce, replace, or supplement fish populations. Examples include:
▪ new lakes and ponds
▪ lakes or ponds that have been renovated or depleted by winter kill
▪ waters without adequate natural reproduction (walleye, trout)
▪ waters where a trophy fishery is wanted (muskellunge)
Catch and Release fishing is another management strategy. “Catch and release” fishing means releasing what you catch. Anglers who fish for trophies often practice this type of fishing. Some waters are designated as strictly “catch and release” for certain species.
terraces (NRCS)
stream buffer strips (NRCS)
cedars placed for habitat
rock reef for habitat
Regulations
Regulations
Fishing regulations help fish populations by: controlling the number of fish you can keep; distributing the catch among anglers; and protecting fish that are more vulnerable to fishing pressure. The DNR Fisheries Bureau monitors fish populations and recommends regulations. For regulations to be successful, all anglers must follow them.
You need to have a fishing license to fish in Iowa waters. See the handout Quick Fishing Facts for information about types of licenses. Residents who are at least 65 years of age or older may purchase a lifetime license.
A fishing license is not required if you:
are fishing on land that you own or rent.
are younger than 18 and fishing on land owned or rented by your parents or legal guardian.
are younger than 16.
are a pupil of the state school of the blind, state school for the deaf, or another state institution under the Department of Human Services and are younger than 18 (does not apply to prison inmates).
are on active military duty, are a legal resident of Iowa, and are on authorized leave.
are a patient of a substance abuse facility that has a special DNR permit.
Everyone must pay a special fee to fish for trout. If you are younger than 16, you can fish with an adult who has a fishing license and has paid the fee, but your combined catch cannot exceed the daily limit. The trout fee helps to finance stocking and other management practices to maintain trout populations.
You must carry your license when fishing and show it to any law enforcement officer who asks to see it. The owner or person in charge of the land or water where you are fishing may also ask to see your license.
There are daily and total possession limits and/or length limits on several fish species taken from Iowa waters. There are also specific regulations for certain bodies of water. Statewide regulations are listed each year in the Iowa Fishing Regulations. Special regulations for specific sites (not listed in the Iowa Fishing Regulations) are posted at those sites. You must follow the most restrictive set of regulations in effect where you are fishing.
Funding Iowa Fisheries
Funding Iowa Fisheries
Funding for fishing opportunities in Iowa – new lakes, lake renovation, habitat improvements, boat and shore access, as well as fish stocking – are funded by anglers through the purchase of fishing licenses and fees and federal excise taxes on fishing tackle and related items. Iowa fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Gooutdoorsiowa app, or at several locations across the state.
The Sportfish Restoration Fund was created to restore and manage America's fishery resources. Excise taxes collected on fishing equipment, motorboat and small engine fuels and import duties are distributed back to states for fisheries management and boating access.
Length limits
Length limits
There are three types of length limits: minimum, maximum, and slot limits. A minimum length limit means a fish must be at least the designated length for you to keep it. This allows a fish to mature and spawn at least one or two times before it is harvested. A maximum length limit means you must release any fish longer than the designated length. Maximum length limits are used to protect trophy-sized fish or large females (which produce more eggs). Slot limits usually protect fish of prime spawning size. You must release fish between the two designated lengths.
Fishing Seasons
Fishing Seasons
A season is the time of year when you can go fishing. You can catch most Iowa fish throughout the year, but you cannot fish for the endangered lake or pallid sturgeon any time. Seasons also are closed part of the year for certain species in the natural lakes to protect them during spawning. See the Iowa Fishing Regulations for information about seasons for specific kinds of fish.
Daily Catch and Possession Limits
Daily Catch and Possession Limits
Daily catch and possession limits determine the number of fish you can keep. The daily catch limit is the number of fish you can keep each day. The possession limit is the total number of fish you may possess at any one time; it is usually twice the daily catch limit. In other words, if you were staying at a public lake for five days, you could catch up to three black bass each day (daily catch limit), but you could only have six bass (possession limit) at any one time.
Other Regulations
Other Regulations
Most other regulations are designed to promote the sporting nature of fishing. Regulations on the number of poles, hooks, etc. you can use may increase the challenge of catching a fish, but the sense of accomplishment when you are successful is greater.
Measure length limit from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail fin.
There are different catch limits for different species.
Ethics
Ethics
Never forget that fishing is a privilege. You must obey laws to keep this privilege. Ethical anglers respect our natural resources, private property, and other resource users. Following are some good rules to follow:
■ Be considerate of others using the resource.
■ Don’t litter. It’s not only ugly, but wildlife can become entangled in discarded line and waterfowl may be poisoned if they eat discarded lead shot or jig heads.
■ Don’t fish too close to designated swimming areas.
■ Clean fish and discard remains only in designated areas at parks and other public areas.
■ Respect private property.
■ Always get permission to fish on private land (farm ponds, river or stream accesses).
■ If the landowner has certain rules for his/her land, obey them.
■ Don’t waste the resource.
■ If you don’t plan to eat the fish you catch, either practice “catch and release” or share your catch with another person.
■ If you see an angler violating the law, report the violation to the local authorities or call the TIP Hotline (1-800-532-2020).
Basic First Aid
Basic First Aid
Always have a victim checked out by medical professionals if there is a mishap in the field, even if it is a minor one. The information included here outlines basic first aid procedures. Individuals in charge of youth on fishing field trips should take a basic first aid course.
Hook Removal
Hook Removal
Once a hook penetrates the skin past the barb, doctors advise that it should not be removed in the field. Secure the hook so it won’t go any deeper and seek medical attention.
Cuts
Clean small cuts with antiseptic and cover with adhesive bandages. Apply direct pressure to larger cuts to control bleeding. To do this, place sterile gauze pads or a clean cotton cloth over the cut and press. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Sunburn
Sunburn is best avoided by using sunscreen and wearing a hat. Individuals can get burned on cloudy days, as well as cooler days. Light-skinned individuals may burn worse, but sun can damage all skin tones. Cooling salves and lotions provide the best relief for sunburn. Individuals with severe sunburn should see a doctor.
Insect Bites
Use insect repellant to reduce the risk of insect bites. If you are bitten, analgesic/anesthetic cream or a paste of baking soda helps relieve pain or itching associated with stings and bites. If you have signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, swelling) seek professional medical attention immediately.
Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion typically occurs during very warm, humid weather when you sweat heavily. Symptoms include cool, pale, and moist skin; heavy sweating; dilated pupils; headache; nausea; dizziness; and vomiting. Get out of the heat into a cooler place. Drink water if you can tolerate it. Get checked out by a medical professional. Heat stroke is more severe than heat exhaustion. The victim can have a fever of as much as105 oF and the condition is life threatening. Cool the victim and contact emergency medical personnel immediately. Do not attempt to provide fluids.
Hypothermia is the chilling of the body beyond its ability to re-warm itself. The first symptom is shivering and, if not checked, it can cause death. Contrary to popular belief, hypothermia can occur at almost any temperature once the body is chilled by rain, wind, or wetting. The best treatment for hypothermia is to remove wet or cold clothes and replace them with warm clothing or blankets and call immediately for an ambulance or other medical help, even if it is in the early stages.
Safety
Safety
Fishing is considered to be one of the safest outdoor sports, but mishaps can happen. A practical first aid kit should be part of your fishing gear and the following items are a must for the prepared angler:
sterile bandages tape antiseptic
band aids aspirin scissors
wire cutters tweezers sunscreen
analgesic cream insect repellant
Knowledge of some common sense rules also will help you enjoy fishing and the outdoors safely:
Learn to identify poison ivy and wild parsnip. Both can cause nasty skin reactions.
Be careful walking near the water because beaver or muskrat may leave behind large holes. Banks may collapse when you walk too near the edge.
Always respect the unpredictability of a river. Moving water often scours deep holes. Currents below the surface may be much swifter than surface currents. Old river channels in constructed lakes and reservoirs also are unpredictable.
Always try to fish (or do any activity near water) with another person.
Let others know where you are going.
If you do get into trouble, call for help immediately!
Use care in handling fishing equipment, especially lures and hooks. Be careful not to land your hook in an angler instead of a fish.
If you are a poor swimmer, wear a personal floatation device (PFD) – also known as a life jacket, even if you are fishing from the shore.
If you plan to fish from a boat, take a boating safety course such as the Iowa online boating safety course available through the Iowa DNR.
Learn to swim.
Be courteous; consider the safety of others.
Find more fishing safety tips at Take Me Fishing | Fishing Safety.
Dressing for the Outdoors
Dressing for the Outdoors
Dressing for the situation can mean the difference between a fun-filled fishing trip and a completely miserable experience. Dress includes both clothing and accessories. The following chart should help you decide which items you will need for your outing.
Item Benefits
loose layers of clothing Keep in heat in cold weather; can be shed or added as the
temperature changes
wool/synthetic clothing Good insulation, even when wet; dry much more quickly
than cotton
light-colored In warm or hot weather they reflect sun’s rays and absorb cotton clothes perspiration
hat Keeps in heat in cold weather; protects head from sun’s rays in hot weather; shades eyes
sunglasses Blocks reflected sunlight, protecting the eyes and helping you see better (polarizing lenses)
sunscreen Partially blocks sun’s rays, especially ultra violet (u-v),
helps prevent sunburn
shoes Sturdy, comfortable shoes help maintain footing when
fishing from shore; with rubber soles that don’t slip are
best for boating; waders make walking and standing in
cooler waters possible
long pants Protect legs from poison ivy, scratches, sunburn
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