What a Bonus Line License Is
A bonus line license in Iowa is a special fishing permit that lets you fish with an extra line beyond the standard limit. Instead of the usual single line allowed in most Iowa waters, a bonus line license gives you permission to fish with two lines at once — one in each hand, or set in rod holders — on the same body of water during the same outing.
This license is not a separate document you carry alongside your regular fishing license. It is an add-on to your existing Iowa fishing license. You purchase it when you buy or renew your license, and it appears as an endorsement on the same license card. The bonus line privilege applies statewide to all public waters where two-line fishing is otherwise permitted.
Iowa allows two-line fishing in most inland lakes and rivers, but only if you hold this endorsement. Without it, you are limited to one line. Some special regulation areas — certain trout streams, for example — may have their own rules that override the bonus line privilege, so checking the specific water's regulations before you go is important.
Key Takeaways
- A bonus line license is an add-on endorsement to your regular Iowa fishing license that permits you to fish with two lines instead of one.
- You purchase the bonus line endorsement when you buy or renew your annual fishing license through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
- The endorsement costs a flat fee that varies slightly by residency status and is valid for the same period as your base fishing license.
- Two-line fishing is allowed on most Iowa public waters, but some special regulation areas restrict it, so always check local rules before fishing.
- The bonus line endorsement does not apply to trout streams or other waters with specific two-line prohibitions listed in the Iowa fishing regulations.
Who Needs a Bonus Line License
You need a bonus line license if you want to fish with two lines on the same outing in Iowa. Anglers who fish catfish, carp, or panfish often use two lines to cover more water and increase their chances of a bite. Walleye and pike anglers also benefit from the extra line, especially when fishing from a boat or shore in larger lakes.
If you are content fishing with a single line, you do not need the endorsement. Your regular fishing license covers one line on all public waters where single-line fishing is permitted. The bonus line is purely optional and only worth the cost if you plan to use it regularly.
Resident and non-resident anglers can both purchase the bonus line endorsement. There is no age restriction beyond what applies to your base fishing license — youth licenses and senior licenses can add the bonus line endorsement as well.
How to Purchase a Bonus Line Endorsement
You purchase a bonus line endorsement through the same channels where you buy your regular Iowa fishing license. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources sells licenses online at iowadnr.gov, by phone, and through authorized vendors across the state — including bait shops, sporting goods stores, and some grocery stores.
When you buy your license online, the bonus line endorsement appears as a checkbox option during the purchase process. Select it, pay the additional fee, and it will be added to your license. If you are buying in person at a vendor or by phone, ask for the bonus line endorsement when you purchase your base license. The vendor will add it to your order on the spot.
The endorsement is valid for the same period as your fishing license — typically one year from the date of purchase. When you renew your license the following year, you can add the bonus line endorsement again if you want to continue using two lines.
Cost and License Duration
The bonus line endorsement is a separate, modest fee added to your base fishing license cost. The exact amount depends on whether you are an Iowa resident or non-resident, and it changes periodically as the DNR adjusts fees. As of recent years, the endorsement costs a few dollars for residents and slightly more for non-residents, but you should check the current fee on the Iowa DNR website or ask when you purchase your license.
Your bonus line endorsement is valid for exactly as long as your fishing license is valid. If you hold an annual license, the endorsement lasts one year. If you purchase a three-day or seven-day temporary license, the bonus line endorsement covers only those same days. Once your base license expires, the bonus line privilege expires with it.
Waters Where Two-Line Fishing Is Allowed
Two-line fishing with a bonus line license is permitted on most Iowa public lakes and rivers. This includes popular destinations like the Mississippi River backwaters, the Missouri River, and inland lakes such as Spirit Lake, West Okoboji, and Saylorville Reservoir. You can fish two lines on these waters year-round, subject to the specific season dates for each species you are targeting.
However, some waters have restrictions. Trout streams managed by the Iowa DNR typically prohibit two-line fishing, even with a bonus line license. These streams are usually marked on the official Iowa fishing map or listed in the DNR's special regulation guide. Before you fish any trout water, check whether two-line fishing is allowed there.
A few other special regulation areas — certain spawning zones or sensitive habitat areas — may also restrict two-line fishing during specific times of year. The Iowa DNR publishes these restrictions in its annual fishing regulations guide, available free on the website. If you are unsure about a particular water, contact the local DNR office or check the regulations online.
Rules and Restrictions for Two-Line Fishing
When you fish with two lines under a bonus line license, both lines count toward your daily catch limit for that species. If the daily limit for walleye is five fish, and you catch five on one line and three on the other, you have exceeded the limit and must release the extras. The limit applies to the total number of fish you take, not to each line separately.
Both lines must have hooks and bait or lures attached — you cannot use one line as a spare or leave it unattended without terminal tackle. You must be actively fishing both lines or monitoring them closely. Leaving a line unattended for an extended period may violate Iowa's fishing regulations, depending on the specific water and local enforcement practices.
If you are fishing from a boat, both lines must be in your immediate control. You cannot set lines and walk away. On shore, the same principle applies — you must be present and actively managing both lines. The bonus line license gives you permission to fish two lines, but it does not change the requirement that you fish responsibly and within sight of your gear.
Where to Find Current Regulations and Updates
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources publishes the official fishing regulations guide every year, and it is free to download from iowadnr.gov. This guide lists all daily limits, season dates, special regulations by water, and two-line restrictions. It is the authoritative source for what you can and cannot do with your bonus line license.
You can also call the Iowa DNR's fishing hotline or visit a local DNR office if you have questions about a specific water or regulation. Many bait and tackle shops also keep printed copies of the regulations and can answer questions about two-line fishing in their area.
Regulations change from year to year, so do not rely on information from previous seasons. Always check the current guide before your trip, especially if you are fishing a new water or returning to a place you have not visited in a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish two lines without a bonus line license?
No. Iowa law limits you to one line unless you hold a bonus line endorsement. Fishing two lines without the license is a violation and can result in a citation and fine. The endorsement is inexpensive and easy to add when you purchase your fishing license.
Do I need a separate bonus line license for each family member?
Yes. Each person fishing must have their own Iowa fishing license with the bonus line endorsement if they want to fish two lines. A single license covers only the person whose name is on it. Children and spouses each need their own license and endorsement.
Can I use a bonus line license on trout streams?
No. Trout streams in Iowa prohibit two-line fishing regardless of whether you hold a bonus line license. Check the Iowa DNR regulations guide or contact the local DNR office to confirm whether a specific stream allows two-line fishing before you go.
What happens if I lose my license card?
Contact the Iowa DNR to request a replacement. Your bonus line endorsement is recorded in the system, so a replacement card will include it. You may be charged a small replacement fee, but the endorsement itself does not need to be repurchased.
Can I transfer my bonus line license to someone else?
No. A fishing license is non-transferable and valid only for the person whose name appears on it. If someone else wants to fish two lines, they must purchase their own license and bonus line endorsement.