Hoping to try your hand at fishing before spending money on a license? The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is inviting the public to “get hooked on fishing” through its Free Fishing Days June 2-4, 2023. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish without having to buy a fishing license. Free Fishing Days is an annual event that takes place statewide during the first weekend in June.
To legally fish the rest of the year in public waters in Iowa, fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 or older (whether you plan to fish or just “help,” that means you, Mom or Dad!). This includes fishing at city, county and state parks. You can purchase a fishing license on-line or from a licensed vendor. For additional information about fishing in Iowa here is a link to Iowa DNR’s 2023 Iowa Fishing Regulations.
To find even more family friendly activities happening in the Des Moines area this summer be sure to check out dsm4kids’ Summer Fun Guide or sign up to receive our Weekend Fun Guide, which is full of fun things to do each weekend in Des Moines.
FREE Fishing Days Events in the Des Moines area:
Ankeny
Kids Fishing Derby
Kids ages two to 16 can learn how to cast and fillet a fish for FREE on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at Hawkeye Park Pond. The Fishing Derby consists of two training activities: Fillet School and Casting School. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing rod and tackle; rods and tackle will be available to those who don’t have their own. Bait provided. A parent or guardian must be present. Register for the event on Ankeny Parks and Recreation’s website.
Des Moines
Fishing Basics
Learn about the different kinds of fish in Iowa, fishing safety, casting, and how to tie a hook on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 10:00 am at Yellow Banks Park. Polk County Conservation will provide the bait and poles. Feel free to bring a chair to sit in.
Free Fishing Friday
Bring the kids to Gray’s Lake on Friday, June 2, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and give fishing a try. Des Moines Parks and Recreation will supply the bait and tackle and experienced instructors will be on hand to help you catch that “big one.” A fishing license is not required for participation. This event is free and open to the public.
Indianola
Kids Fish Day
Have some fishing fun with Warren County Conservation on Saturday, June 3, 2023, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Lester Pond. Bring the whole family out to learn the art of fishing. Participants can learn the proper way to tie knots, cast and fish safely. The fishing competition will take place at Lester Pond. Bring your own pole or borrow one of theirs. Bait will be provided. Please rsvp so they have enough bait!
Johnston
Family Fishing Night
Enjoy a fun night of fishing with the whole family at Terra Lake in Johnston on Friday, June 2, 2023 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Please bring your own equipment, if you have it. Limited fishing equipment will be available to borrow while supplies last. Staff and volunteers will be available to help new anglers.
Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill Annual Fishing Derby
The Pleasant Hill Annual Fishing Derby is on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 8:00 to 11:00 am at Copper Creek Lake Park. Come learn about the following topics: equipment care/maintenance, fish identification, fishing regulations and water safety. Kids ages 4 to 13 are encouraged to attend. Parents are required to attend this event with their child. Participants are encouraged to bring a fishing rod, extra bait and tackle. Limited bait will be provided.
Waukee
Fish Waukee!
The Rotary Club of Waukee is partnering with the Waukee Parks & Recreation Department and other community conservation partners on Saturday, June 3 from 9:00 to 11:00 am to host a fishing event at Triumph Park in Waukee! Participating individuals will have the ability to learn key fishing skills such as baiting, casting, reeling, and fish and wildlife ethics or get right to “Free Fishing” around the Lake.
West Des Moines
Cops N’ Bobbers
The Cops N’ Bobbers Fishing Derby is on Saturday, June 3, 2023, 9:00 to 11:30 am at the Raccoon River Park. This year’s event is being held in conjunction with West Des Moines Parks and Recreation’s “Park Palooza”. Enjoy family-friendly events throughout Raccoon River Park at the dog park, beach, nature lodge, boathouse. Local vendors and food trucks will be available during the day.
Will your family be casting a line at a Free Fishing event this June in Des Moines?
