CarpFEST - A Free Fishing Contest for the Whole Family!

Join the Des Moines Izaak Walton League and Des Moines Parks and Recreation to Celebrate National Outdoors Month and enjoy IDNR's Free Fishing Weekend to try your hand at Carp fishing, and you might win a prize! If you're new to Carp fishing, we'll have bait and gear on hand and instructions to get you started. There's NO FEE, all ages are welcome and no license is required! Prizes will be awarded for LONGEST fish in each category, with both Carp and Gar qualifying for the competition - Buffalo are excluded this year. Registration begins at 8 am with fishing beginning at the horn at 9 am. Measuring will run from 9 to 11:40 am (a horn will sound), and Prizes will be awarded at noon! Categories for prizes: Adults and youth over 16; Boys 15 and under; and Girls 15 and under.  Fish must be caught on a hook (no snagging allowed), and you may fish anywhere around the lake except off the bridge. Carp caught may be kept by the fisherman or donated onsite to the wildlife rehabilitation organization S.O.A.R. (Saving Our Avian Resources).