Altogether the state boasts roughly 148 species of fish, including bass, channel catfish (the state fish and the most popular gamefish in the state), perch, pike, and sunfish. CLICK HERE to see more of our favourite fly fishing destinations. This means that if you have the correct flies and a casting line, you are bound to have a great Iowa fly fishing experience. The Turkey River meanders through the Big Strings Trout Hatchery, which makes the area an interesting fly fishing destination, not only for local Iowa residents but also for folks from other states. You will also need a fishing license from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. I am getting back to fishing and most importantly, my long time desire to delve into fly fishing. Mount Vernon, IA. There are an estimated 136 trout per mile here, which isn’t that bad. If you’re going to trout fish, you’ll need to pay the trout fee, which is $13 for residents and $15.00 for non-residents. For the most part, these fish are not able to maintain their own population, so the state utilizes three hatcheries to provide fishermen with the opportunity to engage in this popular sport. Otherwise fish low and slow. Each season offers its own quirks. Baileys Ford, located not far from the city of Manchester Iowa, offers amazing Iowa trout streams. What comes to mind when you think of Iowa? Northeast Iowa Fly Fishing NEI Fly Fishing is a trout fishing guide service based in Decorah, which is located in the Driftless Region of Northeast Iowa. The Volney Canoe Access features a public access carry-down boat launch to make life easier. There are plenty of them here. There are currently five regional chapters centered in Dubuque, Iowa City, … Bring along the standard gear – hip or waist waders, polarized sunglasses, broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen, bug spray, rain jacket or windbreaker, and a pack to hold small items. The Lower Swill Valley Creek isn’t far from Dubuque and Mississippi River and it is where angler’s dreams come true. But this state harbors a secret – its dozens of rivers and lakes are actually excellent resources for the diehard angler. It is said that if you can catch trout on the fly in Iowa's cold water spring streams, then you can catch them anywhere. Driftless Area, Iowa Fly Fishing Reports & Conditions Winter is on us. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. Lake Macbride State Park. Fly anglers on the lakes in Iowa have a field day due to the lack of flies the fish see. The brown trout population is believed to be about 4,000 fish per mile, and fish can measure up to 23 inches. Overview on Where to Fly Fish in Iowa There are many opportunities to use a fly in Iowa. When you visit this fly fishing stream in Iowa, you will both the time you spend fly-fishing and relaxing at the campsite. Paint Creek offers fly fishermen brooks, browns, and rainbows, with a daily bag limit of five and no length limit. Fly Fishing Zen: Getting Started with Tenkara If you're interested in experiencing fly fishing in one of its purest forms, it's time to give tenkara a try. Solon, IA. A place to report on NE Iowa stream conditions, hatches, fishing successes, post pictures, let others know of upcoming fly fishing related events, and recommend fly patterns, rods, reels etc. "King of the Waters" Curt Abney, Siouxland Fly Fishing. Other bodies of water, including the Upper Iowa River (the fastest moving river in Iowa), as well as the man-made 33 acre Lake Meyer (15 mi SW of Decorah) are other popular stops for fishing. Even if you don’t catch anything while at Coldwater Creek, you are guaranteed to have fun in this part of Iowa. fly fishing and fly tying. If you're interested in experiencing fly fishing in one of its purest forms, it's time to give tenkara a try. The region around Paint Creek hosts many different amenities designed to enhance your Iowa fly fishing experience, and the trout stream access is excellent. If you’re anywhere near Iowa, it’s worth checking out the extensive network of trout fisheries that the state has to offer. Warmwater or coldwater- let Driftless on the Fly … Look for deals on fly fishing … The water is divided into two sections — the lower part just below Highway 76 is an artificial lure and catch and release area, while the upper part is regularly stocked weekly with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout from April through October. Bear Creek is one of many Iowa trout fishing streams located in Fayette County, about 6 miles southeast of Fayette. There are also campsites near the Bloody Run Creek, giving anglers plenty of room to go fly fishing with their families. You can easily access the water via 128th Street. Includes 600 pages and over 100 detailed river maps. The DNR puts exceptional effort into the improvement and promotion of their angling resources, so if you’re out that way, take advantage of the many fly fishing opportunities in Iowa. These streams provide excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of any skill level. Your email address will not be published. You can purchase these in person or online. What We Do. The creek provides over six miles of trout stream for fly fish anglers to cast their lines into. Education – The HFFA sponsors a number of educational activities including introductory fly fishing and fly tying clinics at several state-wide locations, as well as fly-tying sessions on the local level. There are also resident and non-resident one-day and seven-day options, and discounts for veterans. Monte Bowden has fished many of the streams in Northeast Iowa over the last two decades. Like other areas in Iowa, there is no length limit on fish caught, but there is a bag limit of 5 fish. We make available only the highest quality fly fishing gear at deep discounted prices such as fly fishing rods, fly boxes, waders or wading boots, fly fishing reels, flies, and tackle. Either way, we can take care of you!! Fishing Spots Near Iowa City IA. If the child is with a trout fee-possessing adult then they do not need the fee, but the catches of the adult and child must be combined – in other words the adult and child together may possess only one person’s limit of fish. About our Guided Trips A spring rain can dislodge food and turn your day into a fishing glut, provided you’re using nymphs and streamers rather than dry flies. Home. The creek is a premier northeast Iowa fly fishing destination. Are you looking for a new challenge in fly fishing? A resident license costs $19 while a non-resident runs $41. You can let your kids play nearby as you spend your day angling. The fishing was fantastic! The fish species are about 10-12 inches long, which is quite impressive. Currently, there are 148 different varieties of fish in Iowa. WE ARE LAUNCHING OUR WEBSITE SOON. Waterloo Creek is tributary of the Iowa River that is about 10 miles long. If you are looking for a fantastic trout fishing experience without having to travel or spend a ton of money book a trip with Spring Bluffs Fly Fishing Guide today! The upper portion is stocked weekly from April to October, with 10-12 inch brookies and rainbows, and the portion below Highway 76 is designated catch-and-release and artificial lure only. Home; Iowa Fish Species. In addition to aquatic life, you can also expect to find other wildlife in the area. Try not to be surprised when you reel in a smallmouth bass around these parts of Northeast Iowa. You can use the lure of your choice here to attract the fish to the surface. Install this DIY Fly Fish on your iPhone and then Add to Home Screen, __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"62516":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"62516":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-0)"}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__. On Waterloo CFreek in late summer you might want to pull out your grasshopper imitator, particularly in the catch-and-release section. This stream boasts weekly restocking of trout and beautiful surroundings worthy of a postcard. You can choose to spend a day or even the whole of your summer around these parts of Iowa for a fly fishing experience of a lifetime. While Iowa only allows a bag limit of 5 fish here, they don’t have a length limit if you are fly fishing trout. Continue reading to discover some of the best locations for fly fishing in Iowa. Fly Fishing Iowa Lakes The majority of lakes in Iowa are targeted by spin anglers in search of bass and walleye. The surroundings are serene, making the whole region a fly fisher’s paradise. Children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license, although interestingly, they do need to have the trout fee in order to fish for or possess trout. The Yellow River flows between the Yellow River State Forest and Waterville, and it is stocked annually with fingerling rainbows and browns. Like other states, they have varying regulations and catch limits depending upon the fish species and location, but unlike many other states, Iowa has an outstanding DNR website with thorough and comprehensive information on all of their fishing sites, and even advice, how to’s, maps, fishing reports, and much more. It is a great location for beginners to experiment on new angling skills. Monte is anxious to share his knowledge of … We love to fly fish. Not only is the stream access good, but there are also campsites that butt right up to suitable fishing spots, plus restrooms and a picnic area. As an added bonus, the corridor also contains smallmouths and walleye so you never know what you might find on the other end of the line. Monte is a native of Northeast Iowa and resides in Cedar Falls. This 11-mile stretch – a tributary of the upper Mississippi – cuts right through the Yellow River State Forest, three miles west of Harpers Ferry. Tight lines everyone! There are amazing campsites just bordering the fly fishing spots on Paint Creek. More recent numbers indicate specimens up to 23 inches long at a density of about 700 per mile. The width of the river combined with the surrounding landscape offers something very few Iowa trout streams can – the ability to forget worries about the backcast, or even practice a 50-foot cast.   1.5 hour -Casting and Fly Fishing … The Bloody Run Creek is located in Clayton County, IA, just about two miles west of Marquette. If you’re headed to the Midwest, don’t count Iowa out of your fly fishing itinerary – you might just be pleasantly surprised. As the name suggests, Coldwater Creek is a cold water stream that offers scenic surroundings and incredible fly fishing opportunities for Iowa trout. Tenkara is a style of Japanese fly… Bear Creek is stocked weekly from April through October, but it is important to understand that this is not a cold water stream like other trout streams in Iowa — it does not support trout over the summer. Summer brings hatches, which is advantageous to fly fishermen, but it will also reduce the spread of cold-water species, causing them to stick closer to their chilly water sources (such as the hatchery at Turkey River), rather than moving up or downstream. Looking for clothing, home decor, or fly fishing gear in Iowa? Palisades Kepler State Park. The creek is a northeast Iowa favourite, for visitors from both inside and outside Iowa because it hosts a high population of wild Brown Trout. Each season offers its own quirks. The creek is a premier northeast Iowa fly fishing destination. The other beauty of Turkey River fly fishing is that there is no length limit on trout, and no catch-and-release. And while you cast your line, you’ll revel in being surrounded by incredible natural beauty – tree-lined banks, lush foliage, and richly textured landscapes create a tranquil scene that awes. While the fact that you can’t wade or walk is inconvenient, if you’ve got a canoe it might be worth the effort, as the state deposits an average of 50,000 fish yearly. The waterway is stocked with rainbows and brookies twice weekly from April through October. The Hawkeye State not only offers tens of thousands of miles of rivers, creeks, and streams, but the DNR also engages in a highly active trout stocking program that keeps fishermen coming back and always offers a good challenge. More... SIOUXLAND FLY FISHING. This is a great Iowa trout fishing location and an amazing destination for spectacular natural views. There are, however, six trout fisheries in which naturally reproducing and sustaining browns and brooks offer anglers exciting action. You should plan a visit to visit this amazing destination, not just for the fly fishing but for the scenic surroundings. Some parts of the creek are inside private property. Photos. Iowa trout fishing occurs in the northeast corner of the state, a place known as The Driftless Area, Iowa’s Little Switzerland, and The Coulee Region. You’ll enjoy camping sites, shore fishing with great access, and a carry-down boat launch. Thanks to this lack of glacial drift, there are plenty of waters ideal for fly fishermen. This waterway may only be fished by canoe or kayak unless you get landowner permission. Felt soles on your boots will allow for better stealth than rubber or cleats. The area is not only excellent for shore fishing but also for enjoying the scenic landscape. You might want to keep in mind that even the smaller fish in the river can put up a tough fight, sometimes even more than the larger fish in the river. Winter can be a challenge to the fly fisherman but you could get lucky simply on the merit of the fish having not seen a lure in quite a while. From time to time, we have promotions on fly fishing vacations, film tours, and fly fishing videos. The state stocks the creek with catchable rainbows and brooks weekly from April through October. Out of town rates incur a travel fee for the guide. This Upper Iowa River tributary is about ten miles in length and actually begins as Bee Creek in Minnesota – in fact, technically speaking you could hook a fish in Minnesota and land it in Iowa! There are also a few wild Brown Trout in the area. Search for: Recent Posts. Waterloo is a favorite among both locals and visitors alike in large part due to its high wild brown trout population – at its peak, the creek was thought to have about 4000 browns per mile. Lessons will be held in Charles City, Iowa or, at a mutually agreed upon location between the guide and client. So don’t jump to conclusions about the size of what’s giving you all that struggle. You can expect to catch Brown Trout, Brooks and Rainbow trout while you are here. WANT OUR BOOK? Of course, we also take the experienced angler who wants an introduction to Northeat Iowa. 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