Get a Child Hooked on Fishing

Barbara Gigar, from the DNR Aquatic Education Program, recently taught a "Thinking Like a Fish" seminar at the Altoona Bass Pro Shop during their Spring Fishing Classic. Read the full story (link below) and watch the video to learn Barb's three easy tips for adults when introducing kids to fishing!
http://blogs.basspro.com/blog/bass-pro-shops-altoona-ia/get-a-child-hooked-on-fishing

Peregrine Falcon Event in Harpers Ferry May 2

The Harpers Ferry Community Center is hosting a peregrine falcon event on May 2, beginning with a fish fry from 4:30 – 7 p.m., followed by a falcon program at 7:15 p.m. The community center is at 133 S. 4^th St., in Harpers Ferry.  Admission is a free will offering.

This provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this rejuvenation and to learn more about peregrine falcons. 

There will be no river trip this year as the Maiden Voyage that has provided tours is being replaced.  Watch for the return of this popular program next year. For further details contact pat.schlarbaum@dnr.iowa.gov or 712-330-0526

Award-Winning Fishing Curriculum Available in New Electronic Format

The award winning Fish Iowa! basic spincasting curriculum is now available on CD. Major revisions include new teaching tips and tricks that address education reforms and best practices, as well as links to a host of online resources including instructional videos and websites. Topics covered include: History of Fishing; Regulations, Safety, and Ethics; Iowa Waters (Where to Fish); Fish Identification; Spincasting Equipment and Techniques; Baits and Lures; and Landing and Caring for the Catch.

The Fish Iowa! module is available through several training options including teacher workshops that provide re-certification credit, seminars, and even individual sessions. If you would like more information about how to get trained,  or if you have been trained and would like a copy of the new Fish Iowa! spincasting module, contact the Aquatic Education Program  by email ( EdInfo@dnr.iowa.gov) or phone (641.747.2200).

About Fish Iowa!

Fish Iowa! is a comprehensive program focused on engaging youth an novice anglers, and promoting stewardship of Iowa’s aquatic resources. More than 3,400 partners including educators, youth leaders, and naturalists across Iowa have been trained to use the basic spincasting module since its inception of in the fall of 1990. Educational resources are supplemented with over 3,000 free loan rods and reels at more than 100 locations. Fish Iowa! is used in physical education classes, after school programs, camps, clinics, and events. It has been recognized nationally with several awards including the Aquatic Resource Education Association’s highest honor of Outstanding Aquatic Education Program in 2012.

MEDIA CONTACT: Shannon Hafner, DNR, at (641) 747-2200 or shannon.hafner@dnr.iowa.gov

Upcoming trout stocking events

Iowa City Hosting Trout Event Saturday at Sand Lake

Iowa City - A trout stocking event at Sand Lake in Iowa City sponsored by Iowa City Parks Department is scheduled for April 12 at 10 a.m.  The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is stocking 1,800 rainbow and 200 brook trout. 

Prizes will be awarded to anglers catching one of the 200 tagged trout at the event. Contact Joyce Carroll at 319-356-5100 for more information.

Marshalltown Hosting Trout Event Saturday at Sand Lake

Marshalltown - A trout stocking event at Sand Lake in Marshalltown is scheduled for April 12 at 11 a.m. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is stocking 1,800 rainbow and 200 brook trout. 

There will be prizes for anglers catching brook trout. The event is sponsored by the Marshall County Conservation Board. For more information, call 641-752-5490.

Cedar Falls Hosting trout event saturday at North Prairie Lake

 

Cedar Falls - A trout stocking event at North Prairie Lake in Cedar Falls is scheduled for April 12 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will be stocking 1,800 trout at 10 a.m. 

Prizes are available for kids participating in fishing and members from the Cedar Valley Walleye Club will be on-site to provide basic fishing instruction. Food will be available during the event. The event is sponsored by the Cedar Valley Walleye Club, City of Cedar Falls and the Iowa DNR.