Measuring Your Fish
Length Limits
Length limits are an important tool in fish management. Length limits are used in Iowa to protect important predator species such as bass, Walleye, Muskellunge and trout from overharvest.
Length limits are also used to provide larger quality-size fish to catch. Length limits are not the cure-all to better fishing. Improved fishing opportunities exist where anglers obey the law and return fish outside the length limit unharmed to grow and be caught again.
How to Measure a Fish
Measure total length from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail with the fish laid flat, mouth closed and tail lobes pressed together. See page 11 for Paddlefish and Shovelnose Sturgeon measurement.
Estimate Fish Weight
Estimate the weight of a released fish with the following formula: sunfish, Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge and Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, take the length in inches and multiply it by itself 3 times.
Divide that total by the following number for each species: sunfish, divide by 1,200; Walleye, divide by 2,700; Northern Pike and Muskellunge divide by 3,500; Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, divide by 1,600; catfish, divide by 3,300.
For example, a 20-inch Largemouth Bass:
First multiply 20 x 20 x 20 (20 x 20 = 400, 20 x 400 =8,000) then divide 8,000 by 1,600 = 5
You have just released a 5-pound Largemouth Bass!
For trout, multiply the girth (distance around the body) by itself and then multiply that value by the fish’s length and divide by 800.
Poaching is A Crime!
If you see or know of a fish or wildlife violation, report it to TIP as soon as possible by calling 1 (800) 532-2020. Provide as much information as possible when you call, such as a description of the individual, vehicle and the time and location of the violation.
A conservation officer will be sent to investigate. Since the TIP program began in 1985, about $290,000 has been approved in reward payments.
Turn In Poachers
1 (800) 532-2020 or online at www.iowadnr.gov/fishregs
You can remain anonymous!
