Iowa 4-H launches winter fishing series
Cold weather does not mean the fishing fun stops. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is gearing up for an exciting winter season as the Iowa 4-H Statewide Fishing Club kicks off its ice fishing series this December, inviting youth in grades 4-12 to stay active, learn new skills and experience Iowa’s waters year-round. With hands-on learning, expert instruction and friendly competition, the 2025-2026 season is off to a strong start.
Upcoming ice fishing webinar
The club will host its ice fishing webinar on Dec. 29 at 9:30 a.m., where youth will learn directly from Iowa Department of Natural Resources specialists. Topics include ice safety, gear selection, species identification and winter fishing strategies — all designed to prepare members for the upcoming crappie and perch tournament. The webinar is open exclusively to enrolled members.
“I’ve learned a lot from the webinars, especially about new lures and bait I probably would not have tried on my own,” said Brennen P., of Jackson County. “They have given me new techniques to use and helped me understand what to look for when I get to the water. It really gets me excited to fish, and I look forward to fishing any chance I get.”
“What I found interesting [from the bass kick-off webinar] is that top water lures are good,” said Brennan I. from Jones County. “I thought that the frog lure was cool because when the fish strikes, the hooks go back to avoid vegetation.”
Brox M. from Emmett County shared that the most important skill he learned was how to tie at least four different kinds of fishing knots.
Celebrating bass tournament success
This winter series follows a successful fall bass tournament, which drew 37 entries from across the state of Iowa. Youth anglers showcased their skills and sportsmanship, with standout performances earning statewide recognition:
- First place: Reece B., Butler County – 19 inches
- Second place: Maison C., Washington County – 18 inches
- Second place: Reece B., Butler County – 18 inches
- Third place: Brennen P., Jackson County – 17 inches
- Third place: Hayden L., Dubuque County – 17 inches
- Third place: Jack G., Washington County – 17 inches
- Third place: Lawson B., Scott County – 17 inches
- Third place: Levi V., Keokuk County – 17 inches
Stories from participants highlight the fun and perseverance behind each catch. Davin W. of Dallas County recalled, “I was fishing with my friends and our dads at my buddy’s farm pond. It was cold and raining. I caught this [15.5”] bass on a hook, bobber and worm. We also caught six huge 13-14” perch. It was a great day!”
Remsen L. of Louisa County added, “I caught about 40 bass in the same place; they were all about the same size. I was using a really heavy lure, and it sank to the bottom every time. I caught a lot because all the bass in the tiny pond were at the bottom for winter.”
Jasper F. of Dallas County shared, “Everyone we were camping with was not having much luck. I walked up to the lake on the boat ramp, casted in and caught a bass on the first cast!”
And for Joe M. of Winnebago County, the tournament was extra special — he landed his bass submission from the kayak he won in the 2025 grand prize summer drawing.
Building skills year-round
The Iowa 4-H Fishing Club combines live virtual learning, four self-guided statewide tournaments and new in-person field days planned across Iowa in 2026. Members gain confidence in fishing techniques, learn how to read the water and seasonal conditions and submit catches online for prizes sponsored by the Iowa 4-H Foundation. Annual membership is $45 and includes access to all trainings, tournaments and year-round learning opportunities.
Parents have noticed the difference. One shared, “It has been fun to see [my child] enjoy thinking about fishing in a more personal way than just tagging along. The fun part has been watching them grow — especially in trying new things in a scientific way, like experimenting with unique bait choices.”
Another parent added, “Instead of grabbing an electronic, he was interested in going fishing.”
Survey data from the first year of the program confirmed these impacts, with youth reporting growth in confidence in outdoor skills, patience and perseverance, and personal responsibility — skills that extend far beyond fishing.
Why join now
“We are excited to offer a program where youth can build real skills, connect with the outdoors, and learn from experts,” said Angie Dougherty, Iowa 4-H youth program specialist. “Whether a young person is just getting started or already loves to fish, this club gives them opportunities to grow and stay engaged all year long.”
- It’s a flexible program designed to fit busy youth schedules.
- Learn directly from Iowa DNR experts about fishing techniques, ecosystems and outdoor careers.
- Develop life skills such as perseverance, problem-solving and environmental stewardship.
- New opportunities, such as ice fishing and statewide field days, make this season especially exciting.
This winter, grab your gear and join a community of young anglers across Iowa. The ice fishing season is just the beginning, and the adventure starts now with Iowa 4-H. For those who enroll, the adventure will continue into spring and next summer, featuring tournaments and educational webinars focused on bluegill and catfish, as well as trout and walleye.
“These webinars will not only highlight educational pieces on species, habitats and techniques, but also open doors to career pathway exploration in conservation, biology and outdoor resource management — ensuring youth stay engaged, challenged and inspired all year long,” said Katie Peterson, Iowa 4-H youth program specialist.
To join and learn more the Iowa Statewide Fishing Club, visit the 4-H Special interest (SPIN) Groups webpage. Financial assistance is available through the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
For more information, contact ISU Extension and Outreach youth program specialists Katie Peterson at [email protected] or Angie Dougherty at [email protected].
PHOTO: Boy enjoys winter fishing. (Adobe Stock │ #407385436 – Maksym Dragunov)
