It’s June, which means it’s time to get the fising rods out and head to the nearest fishing location.

In the Ames area, there are a number of fishing spots.

“The main fishing spot would be Ada Hayden,” said Brett Flooden, sales associate at Jax Outdoor Gear. “Others spots would include Lake Laverne and Skunk River.”

Ada Hayden has a 130-acre lake and is located at 5205 Grand Ave. According to the city of Ames website, people cannot fish from the bridge, dump live bait or clean fish at this site. 

There are also a few areas just outside of Ames where fishers can go.

“Just north of Ames is Peterson [Pit],” Flooden said. “Another spot is McFarland [Park], which is just a little east outside of Ames.”

Peterson Pit is about four miles northeast of Ames, and is about 11 acres. McFarland Park is also northeast of Ames. You need a fishing license to fish in both Peterson Pit and McFarland Park.

Ada Hayden and Skunk River are both listed as being under Ames’ jurisdiction by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

“You have to have a fishing license and abide by the rules,” said Kevin Shawgo, superintendent at Ames Parks & Recreation.

In order to have a fishing license, you must be 16 years or older.

Both hunting and fishing go into the fish and wildlife trust fund.

“That money can only be used to improve hunting and fishing,” said Kevin Baskins, head of communications at Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “It stocks program for fishing. It improves fishing access and covers some of the law enforcement for fishing.”

Fishing licenses can be purchased at the courthouse, at Wal-Mart locations, in hardware stores, and online at the Iowa DNR website.

The Iowa DNR website also has the latest information on regulations for hunting and fishing in Iowa.