T-R FILE PHOTO Iowa residents can fish license-free June 7, 8 and 9 during the annual Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) free fishing weekend. In Marshall County, folks can fish Sand Lake (pictured), Green Castle Recreation Area and the Iowa River.

Iowa residents can fish license-free June 7, 8 and 9 during the annual Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) free fishing weekend.

“The goal is to simply encourage folks to get out and give fishing a try before investing any money, with the hopes they enjoy it enough that they want to continue going,” Iowa DNR Safety Officer Jeff Barnes said. “To my knowledge, it’s never been an attempt to take more fish of any kind, just to get people out of the house and enjoying nature. We’ve offered this for at least the past 30 years.”

In Marshall County, folks can fish Sand Lake, Green Castle Recreation Area and the Iowa River.

“It’s a time early in the season where the fish are active. Panfish, catfish and walleye are all in feeding behavior after their spring spawning,” Marshall County Conservation Board Director Mike Stegmann said.

Stegmann said people who fish the waters of Green Castle may catch 30-inch northern pikes, 9-10 inch bluegills and channel catfish around 18-20 inches long. You can fish the shoreline. A boat ramp near the south end of the lake allows for canoe and kayak access.

Sand Lake, which allows electric-motor only boating, has access to the Iowa River. In April 2019, 1,800 rainbow trout and 200 brook trout were released in the water. Stegmann said people may catch 30-inch long walleye at Sand Lake as well.

Sand Lake and Green Castle are not authorized for swimming. The Iowa River has four access points for fishing, swimming, boating and tubing.

Despite not needing a license, all other fishing regulations will remain in place, such as Iowa residents and nonresidents (who normally would require a fishing license) must pay the Trout Fee to fish for or possess trout.

Practicing good safety habits are essential. Always let someone know where you plan to go fishing (or hunting) and when you plan to return. Have a personal flotation device handy when boating. Avoid areas of flooding. When water levels are high, water moves faster. Strainers — trees and other debris that have fallen into the water — can cause kayaks and canoes to dump.

To learn more about the fishing opportunities that abound in Iowa, visit www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/Fish-Local.

To report poaching activity call the DNR tip hotline at 800-532-2020.

——–

Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at 641-753-6611 or sjordan@timesrepublican.com