The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →In 2026, an Iowa resident’s annual fishing license costs $22; a nonresident annual license costs $48. Short-term licenses are available, and anglers who need a license must pay an additional trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
2026 Iowa fishing license fees
The Iowa DNR’s listed recreational fishing license fees vary by residency and duration. The trout fee is separate from the fishing license.
| License or privilege | Iowa resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fishing license | $22 | $48 |
| Three-year fishing license | $62 | Not listed by Iowa DNR |
| Seven-day fishing license | $15.50 | $37.50 |
| Three-day fishing license | Not listed by Iowa DNR | $20.50 |
| One-day fishing license | $10.50 | $12 |
| Trout fee | $14.50 | $17.50 |
| Bonus line (third fishing line) | $14 | $14 |
| Outdoor Combo (hunting, fishing and habitat) | $55 | Not listed by Iowa DNR |
These are the fees shown in the Iowa DNR fee table and the 2026 Iowa Fishing Regulations. Fees and license terms may change, so check the DNR page before buying.
Choosing a license term
Annual or short-term
If you will fish for only a brief visit, the one-, three- and seven-day options let you match the license term to your plans. Residents can choose one-day or seven-day licenses; nonresidents can choose one-, three- or seven-day licenses.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Great Gift Item: Guaranteed to be your most beloved possession as it boasts eye catching graphics and is inscribed with your favorite squad’s name and colors. Proudly display your favorite teams name and color
- A-One-Of-A-Kind-Collectible – Be the first to own an exceptionally durable, fade resistant 12" x 6" car frame. Expertly made, using heavy-duty chrome which ensures your frame can survive the different season and extreme weather.
- A Fan Favorite 12" x 30" CAR/TRUCK FRAME - This auto accessory is perfect for the casual and everyday fan. Whether it is game day at the stadium or a home game with friends this license plate frame will be the highlight of the drive.
- High Performance & Versatile: This brand-new accessory frame can be used on the front or back or your car, truck, or RV. It can also be used on your trailer. Has predrilled screw holes to easily attached onto your automobile. Hassle free and on sale now!
- Bring Your Car To Life With A Officially Licensed Car/Truck Frame - A limited edition collectible that will be talked about forever whether you are a casual, social, or super fanatic fan. All your friends will be asking you where you got your Rico Frame!
Resident three-year license
At the currently listed rates, a resident three-year license costs $62, which is $4 less than three annual licenses at $22 each. That comparison assumes the annual fee stays the same; it does not guarantee future prices.
Trout fishing costs extra
A fishing license alone does not cover Iowa’s trout-fee requirement. Anglers who are required to have a fishing license must also pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout: $14.50 for residents or $17.50 for nonresidents, according to Iowa DNR’s trout-fishing guidance.
Rank #2
- FISHING LICENSE HOLDER W/ZIP CLOSURE
Children under 16 and trout
A child under 16 can fish for trout without paying a trout fee when accompanied by a properly licensed adult who has paid the fee. In that case, the child and adult share the adult’s five-trout daily limit. A child under 16 may instead pay their own trout fee to fish without that adult and have their own daily limit.
Who needs an Iowa fishing license?
Iowa residents and nonresidents under 16 may fish without a fishing license. Iowa DNR’s general guidance says anglers age 16 or older must have one, subject to specific exemptions or reduced-fee options.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Enough to Use: you will receive 6 pieces of fishing license holders, and 6 pieces of safety pins, abundant in quantity, enough for you to choose and replace, can meet your different needs; You can also share them with your friends
- Long Time Use: the license holder is made of PVC material, sturdy and reliable, the decorative safety pins are made of stainless steel material, with smooth surfaces, solid and strong, not easy to bend or deform, can be applied for a long time
- Effective Protection: the hunting license holder is designed with waterproof zipper, can be put into your hunting and fishing licenses, providing them with nice protection, convenient and practical
- Bright Color Design: the waterproof fishing license holder mainly adopts fluorescent orange design, bright and stylish, so that you can find it easily, and don't worry about losing it easily, giving you a nice using experience
- Wide Range of Applications: the waterproof hunting license holder can be applied with the pins, making it easy to fasten, you can fasten it on your bag, jacket, sweater, skirt and more, making it easy to get your license out
Some categories may qualify for an exemption or an application-based free or reduced license, including certain active-duty Iowa residents on authorized leave, qualifying disabled residents, qualifying low-income disabled or senior residents, and specified veterans. Eligibility conditions vary; confirm them on the DNR requirements and application information before relying on an exception.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to buy
Iowa DNR directs anglers to purchase through the Go Outdoors Iowa licensing system or at local retailers, including bait shops. The agency says license fees are invested back into local conservation and public access to fishing opportunities; that is the DNR’s own description of how fees are used.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enough to Use: you will receive 6 pieces of fishing license holders, and 6 pieces of safety pins, abundant in quantity, enough for you to choose and replace, can meet your different needs; You can also share them with your friends
- Long Time Use: the license holder is made of PVC material, sturdy and reliable, the decorative safety pins are made of stainless steel material, with smooth surfaces, solid and strong, not easy to bend or deform, can be applied for a long time
- Effective Protection: the hunting license holder is designed with waterproof zipper, can be put into your hunting and fishing licenses, providing them with nice protection, convenient and practical
- Bright Color Design: the waterproof fishing license holder mainly adopts fluorescent orange design, bright and stylish, so that you can find it easily, and don't worry about losing it easily, giving you a nice using experience
- Wide Range of Applications: the waterproof hunting license holder can be applied with the pins, making it easy to fasten, you can fasten it on your bag, jacket, sweater, skirt and more, making it easy to get your license out
Rank #4
- Material :High-Quality Metal Aluminum With High Gloss Stamped Metal License Plate.Lightweight, Waterproof,Anti-Rust And Very Durable.
- Size: License Plate Measure 6""X12"" Inch
- With Slotted Mounting Holes At The Top And Bottom To Fit Your Vehicle.Pre-Drilled Holes For Quick And Easy Mounting On Any Vehicle,No Drilling Is . Fit All Cars And Trucks
- The License Plate Is A Great Souvenir Decorator Piece.Ideal For Decorating,Unique Decorative For Your Car, Truck, Trailer,Rv,Garage Or Bedroom.
- An Ideal Gift For Friends,Families
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
