DNR Asks for Anglers' Help with Study on Mudpuppies

The mysterious mudpuppy is the largest member of the salamander family in Iowa. It’s mostly nocturnal, never leaves the water and unlike almost every other reptile or amphibian in Iowa, it is actually active in winter.

The DNR, in cooperation with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and Minnesota herpetologist Jeff LeClere, recently launched a first-of-its-kind study of mudpuppy populations on the Mississippi River. Over the next several months, we hope to learn more about this mysterious creature and its habits on Pool 11 of the Upper Mississippi River near Guttenberg. 

Historically, we’ve known these fully aquatic salamanders have existed in this area due to reports of accidental catches by local anglers, but little else is known about how many or how few exist.  Researchers are hoping the information gathered will aid in better understanding mudpuppy populations in the region and what we may be able to do to help. 

Iowa anglers can help out by reporting any mudpuppies they may happen to catch.  Because mudpuppies are active in winter, this is the time of year that they become susceptible to being caught on a hook and line. Although they are very slimy and hard to hold onto, they are completely harmless. If you catch one, snap a photo and let us know the location you caught it. Be sure to release it right after that photo, as mudpuppies are considered threatened in Iowa, and cannot legally be collected or killed. 

Missouri and Big Sioux River Paddlefish License on Sale December 15

Anglers can purchase the special Missouri and Big Sioux River paddlefish license beginning Dec. 15 through Jan. 31. A limited number of paddlefish licenses are available – 950 resident and 50 nonresident.

This is the second year Iowans have the opportunity to fish for paddlefish on the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers. The paddlefish season was opened on these rivers March 1, 2015 after being closed since 1986 due to concerns of habitat loss and declining population numbers. The paddlefish slot limit on the Missouri River requiring the release of all 35-45 inch fish protects the primary breeding stock.

Iowa anglers purchased nearly 700 special paddlefish licenses last year. All 50 nonresident special licenses were sold.

Anglers must purchase the special paddlefish license on the DNR website or by calling 800-367-1188. A resident license sells for $22. Anglers must also have a valid Iowa fishing license. The Missouri and Big Sioux rivers paddlefish season runs from March 1 to April 15.

The license, harvest tag, regulations and survey card will be mailed to purchasers in February. The postage paid survey card helps the Iowa DNR evaluate the success of the paddlefish season. Anglers are asked to report their paddlefish trips and number of paddlefish caught and released and if they harvested a paddlefish.

The Iowa DNR received 137 survey cards from last year’s season. Anglers averaged just over four paddlefish trips last year. The mean length of fish harvested last year was 32.4 inches.  Forty-eight percent of respondents reported harvesting a paddlefish.

For more on catching paddlefish in Iowa, check out our paddlefish regulations.