It's Time For the Jones County JUNE Family Fishing Challenge!
Fishing with a child can be both a challenging and rewarding experience — one that creates lasting memories for years to come. Fishing is a tradition often passed down from generation to generation, yet many children never have the opportunity to learn this lifelong skill.
Join us during the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Free Fishing Weekend (June 5th - 7th) on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Central Park Family Fishing Day.
Pack a picnic lunch and spend the morning or afternoon fishing at Central Park. Families can borrow loaner fishing equipment at the Family Fishing Station located near the new lake walk and fishing pier area. Before heading to the beach to cool off, take a stroll along the Jones County Wild for Reading StoryWalk® Trail. Be sure to stop by the Central Park Nature Center to enjoy fish-themed chalk art activities and test your fish identification skills.
In celebration of Free Fishing Weekend and throughout the month of June, the Jones County Conservation Board, along with the Friends of Jones County Conservation and Nature Center, will offer prize drawings for families who spend time fishing in Jones County and submit photos of their adventures and catches.
Participants may fish in any public waterbody in Jones County, as well as private ponds they own or have permission to access. Fish may be kept to eat or safely released back into the water.
Families who do not have their own fishing equipment or bait may check out loaner rods, reels, tackle, and bait from the Central Park Nature Center:
- Saturdays from 1–5 p.m.
- Weekdays from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. when staff are available
Every family who submits a digital photo will be entered into a drawing for prizes at the end of June. Prize winners will be notified in early July. Submitted photos may also be featured on the JCCB website or Facebook page.
Please submit digital photos along with:
- Waterbody name
- Date of the fishing trip
- Contact information
Send entries to: conservationofficemg@co.jones.ia.us
All photos must be submitted by June 30.
Participants age 16 and older must possess a valid fishing license. All participants should follow Iowa fishing rules and regulations. Current Iowa DNR fishing information can be found at:
https://www.iowadnr.gov/fishing
Whether you are an experienced angler or have never picked up a rod and reel before, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, try something new, and make lasting family memories.
For a listing of fishing locations in Jones County visit https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/
