Newton Daily News
Crappies and bluegills are biting in small ponds and lakes across Iowa. Spring panfish fishing is a great opportunity to introduce beginners of all ages to fishing.
“Late May and early June is an excellent time to take kids fishing since many species are spawning and do not spook as easily,” Joe Larscheid, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Bureau, said.
Anyone catching their first fish is encouraged to take a photo of it and send it in to receive the DNR’s First Fish Award. The DNR will commemorate the event with a certificate suitable for framing with the submitted photo. Apply for a first fish certificate online at programs.iowadnr.gov/masterangler/ or complete the form in the Iowa Fishing Regulations and mail it in.