DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa residents can fish without a license this weekend. The Department of Natural Resources says the free fishing weekend will run from Friday through Sunday. The event typically is scheduled during a time when bluegills are usually close to shore and aggressive, making it likely novice anglers will have success.

The DNR encourages those catching their first fish to take a photo and send it to the DNR, which will commemorate the event by sending back a certificate suitable for framing and the submitted photo. Information on the first fish program is available online at www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/MasterAnglerFirstFish.aspx .

All other regulations remain in place during the free fishing weekend.