Clayton County Extension Information

Clayton County ISU Extension & Outreach Media Packet for 4/3/25

Wednesday, April 9

7:30PM Clayton County Extension Council Meeting Elkader, IA

Sunday, April 13

5:00PM Clayton County YQCA Training Edgewood, IA

Friday, April 18

8:00 AM Clayton County Extension Office CLOSED Elkader, IA

Sunday, April 27

7:00PM Clayton County 4-H Council Meeting Elkader, IA

Thursday, May 1

7:00PM Clayton County 4-H Leader Spring Meeting Elkader, IA

Iowa 4-H Launches New Statewide Fishing Club

April 2, 2025, 3:29 pm | Sydney Peterson

A MES, Iowa – Iowa 4-H is launching a new statewide fishing club, designed for Iowa youth in grades 4-12. This immersive program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of aquatic life found in Iowa, focusing on topics like identifying common fish species, mastering safe catch-and-release techniques and learning the intricate art of lure tying.

“This program focuses on educating members about Iowa’s aquatic ecosystems, improving fishing techniques and promoting environmental stewardship,” said Angie Dougherty, 4-H youth program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

The program is structured into three parts: kick-off webinars, tournaments and fishing skills webinars. Each is designed to enhance members’ fishing skills and deepen their connection to Iowa’s waterways.

Enrollment for the club is now open, and club opportunities will start April 28. To join, participants must first enroll as a 4-H member in 4-H Online in their county’s Statewide Fishing Club.

“After you’ve become a 4-H member in your county, you will be notified to enroll in the Iowa 4-H Fishing Club event,” Dougherty explained.

Tournament Kick-off webinars

Club activities begin with Tournament Kick-off webinars, which will be held a few days before each of three tournaments opens. These informational sessions will feature expert guest speakers who will share valuable insights about various fish species, their environments, and the best tackle and techniques for successful fishing. This introduction aims to prepare and excite members for the upcoming months of competition.

Three months of tournaments

Following the webinars, the program transitions into three months of tournaments. Each month focuses on a different species, presenting youth with the challenge of catching the longest fish. The competition is strictly based on catches made within Iowa’s state lines during the designated month, and prizes for the longest catch will be awarded. This year’s inaugural tournaments will feature trout, bluegill and catfish species.

To be eligible for prizes, register before the start of the tournament dates. The first tournament, trout, begins May 1. The final tournament is catfish and opens July 1. More information on webinar and tournament dates is available online.

Fishing Skills webinar series

The final part of the program is the Fishing Skills webinar series. This online series will feature a variety of essential fishing techniques, with expert-led demonstrations on crafting slip bobbers (with all materials provided), filleting fish, preparing them for delicious meals, and much more.

Guest speakers this summer will include a wildlife officer who navigates and patrols the Mississippi River and will discuss Iowa’s water systems in addition to safety practices; a wildlife biologist with the Iowa DNR; and a retired conservation officer and current commercial fisherman who will show tricks of the trade for cleaning and cooking fish.

“By fostering youth-to-adult partnerships through virtual education, we will connect young enthusiasts with experts and community partners from across the state, creating a dynamic learning environment that encourages long-term engagement and excitement in their special interest,” said Katie Peterson, 4-H youth program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.

Through hands-on activities, webinars and self-led tournaments, members will gain skills in fishing, fish identification, lure tying, water safety and more. Most important, this experience will foster a connection with the great outdoors, encouraging participants to appreciate and engage with Iowa’s natural beauty while developing valuable life skills such as responsibility, perseverance and critical thinking as 4-H members.

“Whether you’re looking to become a skilled angler or just want to try a new outdoor hobby, this program will enhance your connection to nature and foster a lifelong passion for fishing,” said Dougherty. “By bridging the gap between recreational fishing and 4-H’s broader educational goals, the statewide fishing club serves as a valuable tool for expanding community involvement and fostering a sense of unity and purpose.”

Staff are looking to collaborate with local fishing experts and community organizations to enhance fishing involvement at the county level. Those interested in partnering with Iowa 4-H to share their expertise and engage youth in fishing opportunities are encouraged to connect with Peterson and Dougherty.

“We are eager to collaborate and bring more youth to Iowa 4-H through fishing,” Peterson said.

The Iowa 4-H Foundation is providing funding for the Statewide Fishing Club.

For more information on the Iowa 4-H Statewide Fishing Club, please contact Angie Dougherty at aksperf@iastate.edu or Katie Peterson  at katiejp@iastate.edu.

Additional Stories Published Online

The following news releases have been published on the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach website.

4/2/2025 Iowa 4-H Launches New Statewide Fishing Club

Enrollment is now open for Iowa 4-H’s new statewide fishing club for youth in grades 4-12. This immersive program focuses on educating members about Iowa’s aquatic ecosystems, improving fishing techniques and promoting environmental stewardship.

4/2/2025 National Financial Literacy Month Is Good Time to Review Finances

April is National Financial Literacy Month, a dedicated time to enhance our understanding of personal finance and make wiser money choices, says Shaojun Huang, a health and human sciences educator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

4/2/2025 Food Safety Course Educates on Fruit and Vegetable Production

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering a fruit and vegetable production safety course this spring and summer. The course is designed to be easily understood by beginning gardeners while offering enough details to benefit experienced commercial growers.

3/31/2025 Celebrate ISU Extension and Outreach Week April 7-12

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Week is April 7-12. Iowa’s 100 county extension offices will host “I Spy Cy” activities and educational events throughout the week to thank Iowans for their support of ISU Extension and Outreach throughout the state.

3/31/2025 New Course Helps Cattle Women Develop Market Strategies and Analyze Profitability

The farm management team with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering three Women Marketing Cattle courses this spring. Courses are scheduled in Decorah, Mt. Ayr and Guthrie Center.