Iowa Free Fishing Weekend (2026) — June 5-7 & Spirit Lake Walleye Spots

IA 2026 free fishing weekend. Spirit Lake walleye, West Okoboji blue glacial, Mississippi River catfish, Driftless trout.

Iowa offers a Free Fishing Weekend — try the fishing license in Iowa waters free!

2026 Iowa Free Fishing Weekend

DateTypeNotes
June 5-7, 2026 (Fri-Sun)Free Fishing WeekendNo license needed — trout fee waived too!

Best Spots

WaterRegionSpeciesWhy Go
Spirit LakeNW Iowa (Okoboji)Walleye, perch, muskyIowa's premier walleye lake — 5,600 acres
West Okoboji LakeNW IowaWalleye, musky, bassIowa's deepest lake (136 ft) — blue glacial water
Mississippi RiverE Iowa borderCatfish, bass, walleye, panfishMighty Mississippi — pools 9-19 are legendary
NE Iowa Driftless StreamsNE IowaBrown, rainbow, brook troutHidden gem: 100+ trout streams in unglaciated bluffs
Clear LakeN IowaWalleye, yellow bass, musky3,600 acres — great ice fishing too

See all IA fishing spots. Annual is $22: where to buy.

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