The first weekend in June is designated as Free Fishing Weekend in Iowa. That means any Iowa resident can fish without a license, and makes it a great weekend to introduce someone to fishing. The Wapello CCB will be hosting a free fishing weekend virtual fishing contest the entire weekend of June 5 – 7, and offer fishing equipment for use from 8:00 am to 12:00 (noon) Saturday, June 6 at Pioneer Ridge Nature Center. Anyone who joins us for the in-person fishing will be asked to follow guidelines on distancing and hygiene set forth by the CDC. When a fishing pole or lure is turned back in, it will not be available for use the remainder of the day. Bait worms will be available as long as they last, and you can also try some of our lures. All in-person participants will receive a hand-made ruler for measuring your catch to take with you (while supplies last). No need to use our equipment or fish at Pioneer Ridge Nature Area to enter the contest. See the rules below. Contact Annette or Heaven at 641-682-3091 or [email protected] for more information.

Rules:

1. You must be aged 18 or younger to enter.
2. You must be fishing at a pond owned by the Wapello CCB.

• Wapello CCB owns ponds at the following locations: Pioneer Ridge Nature Area, Sycamore Wildlife Area, Grey Eagle Wildlife Preserve, and the Eddyville Sand Dunes.

3. You must post a picture of you fishing and/or a fish you caught to our Facebook page (you don’t need to catch a fish to enter).
4. Include in your photo post where you were fishing, what kind of fish you caught (if you caught one), and even how big it was if you want. Posts must be made by midnight June 7 to be eligible.
5. Monday, June 8, we will draw a winner from all entries for the fishing contest prize.

            – The prize includes a fishing rod and reel, a few lures and baits, and a tackle

   box.

            – We will contact the winner by noon Monday, June 8, and the winner will

   also be posted to our Facebook page.