Winneshiek County Trout Fishing Guide

winneshiek county

trout

streams

Trout Streams of

Winneshiek County

AN ANGLERS COMPANION TO THE PUBLIC

STREAMS & RIVERS OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY

FISHING GUIDE

Every reasonable effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information in this publication. Northeast

Iowa RC&D and its partners assume no liability or responsibility in the use, or misuse of the map. Please e-mail

corrections to: [email protected]. Cartography by: Jared Nielsen, Northeast Iowa RC&D

northeast iowa’s

hottest hatches

Below is a month-by-month breakdown of the best hatches found in

Northeast Iowa

along with recommended dry and wet ies for each.

Insect hatches Prime time for fishing each insect

HATCH J F M A M J J A S O N D FLIES

Baetis

Blue Winged

Olive #16-22

Caddis

Elk Hair Caddis

#14-20

Hendrickson

Adams & Dark

Hendrickson #12

Hexagenia

Adams & Brown

Drake #10-12

Midges

Grifths Gnat &

Brassie #16-22

Scuds

Olive, Grey or

Tan Scud #12-16

Stoneies

Beadhead Prince

Nymph #10-16

Sulphurs

March Brown &

Gray Fox #14-16

Terrestrials

Hoppers &

Crickets #10-12

Trico

White Wing

Black Trico #22

Other

Muddler Minnow &

Woollybugger #4-10

Below are guidelines that will be helpful when you sh Iowa. However, it is not a complete list

of all shing regulations and always be sure laws haven’t changed. For more information, visit

www.iowadnr.gov or contact the DNR Central Ofce in Des Moines at 515-725-8200.

STREAM CLASSIFICATION. Before you plan your trip, it is important to understand

how trout waters are classied in Winneshiek County. The trout management in

Iowa divides trout sheries into the three categories listed below. Please read each

denition to gain an understanding of which stream segments contain catchable

trout, are open to the public or require permission from property owners.

CATCHABLE STOCKED STREAMS are open to the public and stocked

regularly with catchable-sized trout that measure 10 to 12 inches in

length and weigh about one-half pounds.

PUT-AND-GROW STREAMS require landowner permission to sh and are

stocked with ngerlings, or young trout that measure about 10-15 cm.

These streams produce “stream-raised” trout rather than ones grown to

catchable-sized in rearing stations and are only stocked once a year.

SPECIAL REGULATION (SR) STREAMS are open to the public and can only be

shed using articial lures. SR Streams in Winneshiek County include South

Pine Creek, which has a catch-and-release regulation for all trout.

IOWA’S TROUT SEASON. Iowa’s trout season differs from Minnesota, Wisconsin & Illinois

in that the state offers continuous year-round shing for brook, brown and rainbow trout.

DAILY BAG LIMIT The daily bag limit for trout is ve and the possession limit is 10.

FISHING LICENSES & TROUT STAMPS. Anglers who sh for trout are required to pay

the trout fee in addition to an Iowa shing license. Both expire each year in January.

However, children under 16 years of age may sh for free and possess trout

they sh

with a licensed adult who has paid the current trout fee

and

they limit their combined

catch to the day limit of ve trout. If young anglers want to sh for and keep their own

limit of trout, they only need to purchase the trout fee.

Iowa’s Fishing

REgulations

& G

P &

P & G

SEED SAVERS EXCHANGE. Visitor center, 8 miles of hiking trail, and a restored

section of Pine Springs Creek. 563-382-5990. 3094 North Winn Rd, Decorah

DECORAH FISH HATCHERY. Rearing station along Trout Run and home of the

“Decorah Eagles.” FLA. 563-382-8324. 2321 Siewers Spring Rd, Decorah

COUNTY VISITORS CENTER. Help desk with information about events, lodging,

restaurants and fun things to do. 563-382-2023. 507 W Water St, Decorah

DECORAH CHICK HATCHERY. Fly shing equipment, supplies, ies and

outdoor wear. 563-382-4103. 406 W Water St, Decorah

DECORAH MART. Convenience store that sells shing licenses and trout

stamps. FLA. 563-382-3327. 303 College Dr, Decorah

WALMART SUPERCENTER. Fishing bait, gear, apparel, equipment, licenses &

trout stamps. FLA. 563-382-8737. 1798 Old Stage Rd, Decorah

WINNESHIEK TRUE VALUE. Hardware store that sells shing licenses and

trout stamps. FLA. 563-382-8822. 915 Short St, Decorah

HIGHLANDVILLE GENERAL STORE. Groceries, shing tackle, license, trout

stamps & bait. FLA. 563-546-7722. 3497 Highlandville Rd, Highlandville

ACE HARDWARE. Hardware store with shing tackle, equipment, shing

licenses and trout stamps. FLA. 563-382-3538. 200 E Main St, Decorah

ANTHEM ARCHERY. Extensive range of archery equipment & indoor shooting

range. FLA. 563-382-4755. 1718 Moellers Dr., Suite B, Decorah

CHASE THE ADVENTURE. Full service connection to clays shooting & pheasant

hunting. 563-532-9821. 1838 Middle Calmar Rd, Decorah

SATTRE GENERAL STORE. Variety of groceries, antiques & shing tackle. 563-

546-7910 . 3162 River Rd Decorah

HRUSKA’S CANOE LIVERY & CAMPGROUND. Offer canoe, kayak & tube

rental on Upper Iowa River. 563-547-4566. 3233 347th St, Kendallville

RANDY’S BLUFFTON STORE & CAMPGROUND. Offer canoe, kayak & tube rental

on Upper Iowa River. 563-735-5738. 2619 W Ravine Rd, Decorah

HUTCHINSON FAMILY FARM & CAMPGROUND. Offer canoe, kayak & cabin

rental on Upper Iowa River. 563-382-3054. 2299 Scenic River Rd, Decorah

HARVEST FARM CAMPGROUND. 60 campsites and general store near Bigalk

Creek. 563-883-8562. 3690 318th Ave, Cresco

PULPIT ROCK CAMPGROUND. 150 campsites next to Twin Springs stream.

FLA. 563-382-9941. 505 Pulpit Rock Road, Decorah

SAMPSON SPRINGS CAMPGROUND. Campsites within walking distance from

Trout River. 563-382-4849. 2271 133rd Ave, Decorah

BEAR CREEK CABINS & CAMPGROUND. 20 campsites & 8 cabins along South

Bear Creek. 563-546-7722. 3497 Highlandville Rd, Highlandville

OLD HOSPITAL LODGE. Located yards away from South Bear Creek. 563-546-

7847 3484 Highlandville Rd, Highlandville

PINE CREEK CABINS & CAMPGROUND. Located minutes from the Upper Iowa

River and several trout streams 563-380-6962. Old Spruce Dr, Decorah

TROUT RIVER LOG CABIN. 19th century Norwegian-built log house a few feet

from Trout River. 563-419-5634. 2336 Trout River Rd, Decorah

CANOE CREEK LODGE. Cabin offering guide services & private access to

Canoe Creek. 563-382-1380. 2881 Pleasant View Rd, Decorah

LAKE MEYER CAMPGROUND. 35 campsites located near Nature Center &

38-acre lake. 563-534–7145. 2546 Lake Meyer Road, Fort Atkinson

KENDALLVILLE CAMPGROUND 38 campsites located near Upper Iowa River.

563-547-2897. Highway 139 between Cresco, IA & Harmony, MN

COUNTRY INN & SUITES. 50 room hotel near Trout Run & Twin Springs. 563-

382-9646. 1202 Iowa 9, Decorah

QUALITY INN & SUITES. 58 room hotel & restaurant near Trout Run & Twin

Springs. 563-382-2269. 705 Commerce Drive, Decorah

HOTEL WINNESHIEK Turn-of-the-century historic 34 room hotel and restaurant.

800-998-4164. 104 E Water St, Decorah

SUPER 8 MOTEL 60 room hotel near Trout Run & Twin Springs. 563-382-8771.

810 Iowa 9, Decorah

BLUFFS INN & SUITES. 70 room hotel & restaurant near Trout Run & Twin

Springs. 563-382-8600. 1101 Iowa 9, Decorah

CHIMNEY ROCK CAMPGROUND. Offer canoe, kayak & tube rental on Upper

Iowa River. 877-787-2267. 3312 Chimney Rock Rd, Cresco

Trout Fishing

Places of Interest

There are 19 spring-fed creeks in Winneshiek County that comprise over 32 miles of shable

water, four of the states 10 most-visited trout streams and one of only three trout rearing

stations in Iowa. Located in the heart of Iowa’s trout region, Winneshiek County’s tranquil

landscape attracts more trout anglers than any other county in the state. Anglers are

attracted to this area for its high concentration of prime trout waters, sh counts, trout

stocking plans and year-round opportunities to catch brook, brown and rainbow trout.

Iowa DNR efforts have also contributed to making this region of the state a world-class

trout shery. On average, the Iowa DNR stocks approximately 76,000 catchable trout

into catchable stocked streams within Winneshiek County from April 1 - October 31. Of

the stocked catchable trout, approximately 75 percent are rainbows and 25 percent are

brooks. The Iowa DNR also stocks over 30,000 ngerlings in both put-and-grow streams and

streams with public-owned access. Public streams stocked with ngerlings in Winneshiek

County include Bohemian, Coon, Dunning’s Spring, Pine, South Bear and Trout Run. Of

the stocked ngerlings, 98 percent are browns with the remainder comprised of brooks. In

addition, excess brood trout, or adult trout that typically measure between 14 and 24 inches

in length and weigh anywhere from two to eight pounds, are released into streams each

year. For more information about Iowa’s stocking season, including a list of the streams

that are scheduled for stocking, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324, stocking

hotline at 563-927-5736 or visit the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov.

North Bear Creek

Welcome To Iowa’s

Trout Country

IOWA

& G

P &

P & G

Visitor InformationPublicly Accessible Trout Water

Lodging

State & County Paved Road

Fishing ShopPut-and-Grow Streams

Winneshiek County Townships

Gravel Road

Canoe/Kayak OuttterCatchable Stocked Streams

Trout Water

Public Lands

City Boundaries

Campground

Campground/LodgingSpecial Regulation Streams

Non-highlighted trout stream sections require

landowner permission. Refer to “Trout Fishing

on Public & Private Land.”

Hotel/Motel

Parking

Fishing License Agent (FLA)

Dam

Canoe Access & Public Fishing

Winneshiek County Map legend

Scale in Miles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

North

Iowa’s

Trout Family

BROOK TROUT are native to Iowa and are recognized by two

main characteristics: vivid white lines on the front or leading

edge of the lower ns, and the top portion or back is covered

with light wormy streaks or mottlings on a darker background

called vermiculations.

RAINBOW TROUT are olive to greenish-blue over most of the

upper body, fading to a silvery-white along the belly. They

are most easily separated from the other trout species by the

strikingly prominent pink-red horizontal stripe that extends down

each side of the sh and the small black spots on the sides, back,

dorsal and caudal ns.

BROWN TROUT are brown with silvery sides and obvious

black spots outlined by orange coloration. They have a

square tail, and a lower jaw that juts out ahead of their

upper jaw. Males, during the breeding season, often exhibit

vivid yellow to reddish-yellow colors along the belly region

and a sharply hooked lower mandible.

Trout Guide

Acknowledgements

This Trout Guide was sponsored in part by a grant from the Winneshiek County

Community Foundation and funding from the Winneshiek County Convention & Visitors

Bureau. Design of the guide was completed by Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation &

Development with input from the Decorah Fish Hatchery, Winneshiek County Conservation

Board and Iowa Driftless Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

1. Bigalk Creek

LENGTH & TROUT:

DESCRIPTION:

0.6 mile stream with brook & rainbow trout

This little stretch of water (pronounced bee-yalk) would make

an interesting side trip from Coldwater Creek. Bigalk is a spring-fed, cold-water creek

that is one of only three streams in Iowa with inconsistent natural reproduction of

rainbow trout. The landowner has cooperated with several agencies and extensive

habitat improvements were made between 1995-1999 and again in 2013, which

included reshaping the stream bank, installing rock riprap, constructing sh hides and

reseeding the bank. Today, this stream measures three to seven feet across and ows in

a rough west to east direction before joining the Upper Iowa River near the truss bridge

with parking access. Although the stream begins as a three-foot wide trickle from the

Upper Iowa River to the intersection of 370th Street and 345th Street, the waterway

does widen as you enter the Bigalk Wildlife Management Area and head west parallel

to 30th Street and into the Bigalk Trout Stream Wildlife Area that is lined by palisade

limestone bluffs. Nearby lodging options include Harvest Farm Campground.

2. Coldwater Creek

LENGTH & TROUT:

DESCRIPTION:

4.0 mile stream with brook, brown & rainbow trout

Coldwater Creek has the most interesting headwaters of all the

Iowa streams, as the creek’s “source” begins at Coldwater Cave. Known as Iowa’s longest

and most spectacular cave with over 17 miles of passages documented, the stream begins

from the base of a 100 foot-tall bluff located within the 232-acre Coldwater Creek Wildlife

Management Area. To shermen, Coldwater Creek is considered by many to be one of the

better trout streams in the state due to its length and sh counts. Although some stream

segments are surrounded by dense foliage, pasture and prairie surround the majority of

this medium-sized creek that is known to be home to naturally reproducing rainbows.

Coldwater Creek also features many runs between obvious deep pools, which makes it

an ideal stream for bait shermen and y shermen alike. The streambed offers enough

room for anglers to get their offering to where it needs to be without much difculty,

due to the twists and turns of the creek. For a weekend getaway, nearby lodging options

include Chimney Rock Campground and Randy’s Bluffton Store & Campground.

3. Pine Springs Creek

LENGTH & TROUT:

DESCRIPTION:

1.7 mile stream with brook & brown trout

Running the length of Seed Savers Exchange’s (SSE) 890-acre

organic Heritage Farm, Pine Springs Creek is an idyllic setting for shing both brook and

brown trout. Both species reproduce naturally in Pine Springs Creek, which is included in

the Iowa DNR’s List of Outstanding Iowa Waters for its water quality. Visitors may keep

brown trout, but SSE asks visitors to release brook trout, which have been the subject of

ongoing preservation efforts since 2009. SSE has worked with the Iowa DNR, Natural

Resources Conservation Service, Trout Unlimited and Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association to

improve the habitat for brook trout in Pine Springs Creek by restoring the ow of the

original stream bed and improving habitat for spawning. The brook trout, an indigenous

species, has been reintroduced to Pine Spring Creek and was last stocked in 2004 from

the South Pine Creek strain. While you enjoy Pine Spring Creek, the rest of the family can

enjoy Heritage Farm’s eight miles of trails, views of Ancient White Park cattle, a Historic

Apple Orchard, picnic tables, a visitors’ center, and display gardens for children and adults.

7. Pine Creek

LENGTH & TROUT:

DESCRIPTION:

2.5 mile stream with brook & brown trout

Straddling the Winneshiek-Allamakee County line north of

Decorah, Pine Creek is a tributary to Canoe Creek and the Upper Iowa River Watershed

and is noted for its naturally reproducing trout. This stream is for the serious angler

in search of landing wild stream-reared brown and brook trout. Bushwhacking through

willow thickets is often required to sh the narrowness of the ve-foot-wide stream

corridor that twists and turns along cleared farmland and forested timber. Besides the

rush of catching a wild trout, this stream’s setting is truly pictorial, with bluffs, oak-

hickory woodlands, goat prairie and trickling trout water all nestled together within

a deep-cut valley, which is a distinctive feature of the entire area. Much of this creek

is contained within the 7,205-acre South Pine Creek Wildlife Management Area that

begins just downstream of the County Road W60 bridge. Public land surrounding Pine

Creek is also open to hunting, in case you feel the need to trade in your long shing

pole for long arms and take to the woods in search of grouse, squirrel or woodcock.

lt who has paid the current trout fee and they limit their combined catch to the day limit of ve trout. If young anglers wCon nus ulpa pa quiae sam que peratem fuga. Ut qui num volore

landi illaccae planduc imolor suntia audis ut quae. Itatur? Aquam re dolorum sinvel eatusa autatem odipita doloriordipita doloriordipita doloriordipita doloriorum dit voluptates as et

aliquam rehentur?sdafsdfadsf sfdsafd sasdfasd fasdfas.sadsafdasdf

4 & 5. North Bear & South Bear Creek

The Most

Visited trout streams

in iowa

LENGTH & TROUT:

DESCRIPTION:

11.2 mile stream with brook, brown & rainbow trout

Bear Creek is an 11.2 mile-long tributary of the Upper Iowa River, joining Waterloo Creek for a short distance before entering the Upper Iowa just east of where Highway 76

crosses the river in Allamakee County. Its branches, North Bear and South Bear are considered by many to be two of the top trout streams in all of Iowa. With more angler visits to these two streams than

any other in the state, a trip here will guarantee you with great water, willing browns and abundant shing access since both are almost entirely under public ownership. Altering segments of pasture

and bluff-lined woodlands are what you will experience while shing the Bear system. Be prepared to outt yourself properly with waders and the right equipment to navigate through the brush, stream

crossings and close quarter casting conditions. South Bear Creek begins west of Highlandville township, which is also home to the Old Hospital Lodge, Bear Creek Cabins and Highlandville General Store

& Campground. If you need shing gear or a snack, the General Store is a one-stop-shop for shing tackle, bait, groceries, shing & hunting licenses and the locals’ favorite “Spring Grove Soda.” One

feature that makes South Bear Creek different from other nearby streams is the number of beaver dams. There are at least ve past or present dams, which make for large pools that have been known

to produce hefty browns. The eastern portion of South Bear is known to have a noticeable drop to it, which has resulted in zones of stream where rifes drop off into runs, pockets, pools and undercut

banks that are easy to wade in and sh. South Bear is joined by North Bear along Quandahl Road. North Bear is renowned for having one of the largest populations of wild brown trout in Iowa. From

access along Quandahl Road to the 2nd Bridge known as the “Takle or Bjerke Bridge,” you can expect to loop through woodland, while occasionally edging around limestone cliffs and cuts. Many

consider this two-mile stretch to be one of the most scenic sections of the Bear system, and also a trout habitat hot spot with excellent numbers. Stream conditions from the “2nd Bridge” to the “4th Bridge

known as the “Headwater or Lange Bridge,” features a small, quiet section of water that will take you through a mixture of continuously-grazed pastures and lush green-spring grass. Typically, these two

segments receive less pressure from anglers and would be ideal sections for you if you are new to the sport of y shing and are looking for an open pasture with good back cast room and water access.

10. coon Creek

LENGTH & TROUT:

DESCRIPTION:

2.6 mile stream with brown & rainbow trout

Coon Creek is located in a large and remote 1,000+ acre Coon Creek

Wildlife Management Area and offers anglers a largely untouched and rarely visited spot to

explore. This stream winds through a thickly forested, varying countryside that features a lush

riparian corridor, a canopy of aspen stands and wide open meadows. If you’ve never shed here

before, wear waders. We recommend that you walk downstream as far as you would like to go

and then work your way back upstream in the water. Most of the stream is blanketed with foliage,

which makes back casting difcult and spin shing the preferred angling method for catching trout.

11. Twin Springs

LENGTH & TROUT:

DESCRIPTION:

0.5 mile stream with brook, brown & rainbow trout

Twin Springs is a small cold water stream that ows through a county

park and Pulpit Rock Campground before emptying into the Upper Iowa River. It is heavily shed

because of the campground along its banks and frequent stocking schedule. Upstream you will

encounter the old traces of an historic trout hatchery, a hiking trail, numerous picnic ares and

re pits. You will also nd a children’s trout shing pond offering a safe and convenient location

for young anglers to learn the basics. A youth trout shing clinic is offered at the pond each year

during the rst weekend in June, which also happens to be free shing weekend for Iowa residents.

12.West Canoe Creek

LENGTH & TROUT:

DESCRIPTION:

1.0 mile stream with rainbow trout

One of three streams located northwest of Decorah, West Canoe

Creek is an open and accessible pasture stream that winds through Troll Hollow Campground

until public access ends at a large pool near the W34 bridge. Although this is a warm-water

stream, don’t hesitate to wet a line and check it out. Especially if you are new to y shing. This

pasture stream offers beginners the ideal location to set up, relax and cast for rainbows. It is

also a short drives distance from Pine Springs Creek and Randy’s Bluffton Store & Campground

as well as Hutchinson Family Farm & Campground, making it an ideal stream for a side trip.

13. Bohemian Creek

LENGTH & TROUT:

DESCRIPTION:

0.3 mile stream with brown & rainbow trout

Located east of the hamlet of Protivin, Bohemian Creek is

named for the Czech immigrants who settled here on the western edge of the Driftless

Area in the nineteenth century. This tributary to the Turkey River is situated within the

20-acre Ludwig County Park that is accessible from parking near the pony truss bridge

on 337th Ave. Although shing access is somewhat limited since much of the stream

runs through private property, Bohemian Creek features good shore shing, a shelter

and re pit. This stream is also know to rear naturally reproducing rainbow trout.

Trout Stream Map Legend

Paved Roads

Hiking Trail

Mowed Trail (MT)

MT Stream Crossing

BYOT Stream Crossing

Blaze Your Own Trail (BYOT)

Parking Access

Handicapped Access

Campground

Public Land

Road Bridge

Pedestrian Bridge

Shelter

Picnic Area

Spring

Trout Water

Fire Pit

Trout Stile

Residential House

Cabin/Lodging

Cow Pasture

Livestock Fence Bike Trail

Cave

lt who has paid the current trout fee and they limit their

combined catch to the day limit of ve trout. If young anglers

wCon nus ulpa pa quiae sam que peratem fuga. Ut qui num volore landi illaccae planduc

imolor suntia audis ut quae. Itatur? Aquam re dolorum sinvel eatusa autatem odipita

doloriordipita doloriordipita doloriordipita doloriorum dit voluptates as et aliquam

rehentur?sdafsdfadsf sfdsafd sasdfasd fasdfas.sadsafdasdf

6. Trout River

LENGTH & TROUT:

DESCRIPTION:

3.0 mile stream with brook, brown & rainbow trout

Out of all the trout streams in Iowa, there is only a handful as

beautiful as the upper reaches of Trout River. Here, scores of mature brook and rainbow

trout can be seen feeding at all levels of the water column. You might even be so lucky

as to land a wild brown trout, as they have begun to reproduce here naturally. Known

as a coldwater pasture stream, Trout River has two segments open for public shing.

The northern half-mile section of stream is private but can be accessed by a ve minute

walk from Trout River Log Cabin or parking access along 133rd Ave. The landowner has

cooperated with several agencies, resulting in extensive habitat improvements that include

embedding native prairie lands, bank stabilization and tree planting. The southern segment

of stream is located on the 171-acre Trout River Wildlife Management Area and can be

accessed across the road from Sampson Springs Campground. Please note that the stream

segment highlighted in yellow above is on private land and does NOT allow public shing.

This unshable segment is marked by signs and barbed wire running across the stream.

only stream

in winneshiek county where

the majority of stocked

Fish are brook trout

8. South Pine Creek

LENGTH & TROUT:

DESCRIPTION:

2.0 mile stream with brook trout

There is only one stream in NE Iowa that maintains an undisturbed

population of Iowa’s only surviving native brook trout. These trout are genetically distinct from

all others worldwide and many believe them to be decedents of sh that inhabited these waters

in pioneer days and possibly survivors from the last Ice Age. If you are drawn to wild sh, South

Pine Creek is a stream that will provide you with a truly irreplaceable experience. Though, it isn’t

an easy stream to nd and the shable portion of this stream is a little over a mile hike from the

only parking access within the 217-acre South Pine Creek WMA The walk itself is a pretty easy hike

for the most part, but does feature steep gradient increases and decreases leading to the stream.

Right at a mile from the parking access, the terrain opens up into a picturesque clearing with the

main stem of South Pine Creek rests in a wide, grassy valley, seemingly untouched. If you are

lucky enough to land one of these amazingly colored self-supporting wild brook, don’t expect

anything over a pound, but be ready for a ght. With that said, consider approaching South Pine

Creek as a naturalist rather than an angler given this is truly one of NE Iowa’s special resources.

only stream

in iowa known to have

remanent native

Brook trout

9. Trout Run & Fish Hatchery

LENGTH & TROUT:

DESCRIPTION:

2.2 mile stream with brook, brown & rainbow trout

Trout Run Creek follows both Trout Run Road and the Trout Run Trail

just south of Decorah. The stream has excellent access with several parking areas, including

parking at the Decorah Fish Hatchery where the catchable trout waters of the stream begins

at the base of the waterfall fed by Iowa’s second largest spring, Siewer Springs. Here, water

surges out of a limestone outcropping at 3,000-5,000 gallons of water per minute, forming the

Trout Run trout stream and providing the only water source for the Decorah Fish Hatchery. The

hatchery welcomes visitors and a popular pastime during visits is to feed the trout being reared in

the raceways. You can also view the famous ”Decorah Eagles.” The birds are frequent visitors to

the hatchery and nearby stream, feasting on trout and small animals. Trout run is a fairly large

stream by Driftless standards, perhaps 20-75 feet across, owing 2.2 miles before joining the

much larger Upper Iowa River at Trout Run Park. You can sh the entire length of this stream.

Trout Run is known as the most handicapped accessible trout stream in Iowa and features ve

universal shing access points. Much of this stream is located within the 106-acre Trout Run WMA.

The most

Handicapped

Accessible trout stream

In Iowa

lt who has paid the current trout fee and they limit their combined catch to the

day limit of ve trout. If young anglers wCon nus ulpa pa quiae sam que peratem

fuga. Ut qui num volore landi illaccae planduc imolor suntia audis ut quae.

Trout Fishing on

public & Private land

Anglers may sh in waters found on public land such as Iowa State Forests, Parks & Wildlife

Management Areas. The IA DNR also buys private land from willing landowners, increasing

shing opportunities on publicly-owned land. However, in the Driftless region, many of the

trout streams ow through private land. Furthermore, in Iowa, the landowner also owns the

streambed. On private property, two systems allow the opportunity for public shing.

THE ‘HANDSHAKE AGREEMENT’ is simply a verbal agreement between the

landowner and the state, allowing public shing. On private property where

a verbal agreement is in place, one will frequently see white signs which read,

‘Private Property. Public Fishing Only’. Stiles, allowing one to easily cross a fence,

may also be present. However, the owner ultimately decides if these indicators to

public shing are allowed on the property.

The second system is the ANGLER CONSERVATION EASEMENT that allows public

shing, sh stocking by the DNR, and habitat improvement on the stream. The

easement consists of a corridor of 75’ on both sides of the centerline of the

stream; therefore, the corridor moves as the stream changes direction. This allows

continual access to the stream. On private property where an easement is present,

DNR staff will be posting new, grey signs reading, ‘Open for Public Fishing. Stream

Easement Area’.

IF IN DOUBT, and neither sign is present, stay out or ask the landowner. There are

plenty of shing opportunities in the region.

Trout Stile Leading to South Bear Creek

Trout Fishing

Guide Services

1. BEAR CREEK ANGLERS.

Fly shing guide service focused

on introducing beginners to the sport of catch and release

y shing or the novice who could use some helpful tips.

Contact Kent Kleckner or Monte Bowden at 563-419-4433

or www.bearcreekanglers.com

4. DRIFTLESS ON THE FLY.

Full-day (8 hours) and half-day

(4 hours) shing trips are available. All Guide Trips include-

ies, leader, tippet, transport to and from, snacks and

refreshments. Contact Jared at 641-257-9025, Ryan at

641-330-9694 or email info@driftlessonthey.com

5. UP NORTH ADVENTURES.

We will guide you on a day trip

(8 hours) for Rainbow and Brown trout. Rods and tackle will

be supplied. Also offer Mississippi River shing trips, guided

kayak eco-trips and dog sledding. Contact Bob Timmerman

at 563-535-7296 or sno[email protected]

2. nei FLY FISHING.

Guides Ethan and Jason offer full-

day and half-day wading trips on the spring-fed creeks

of Northeast Iowa. Trips can include equipment rental &

casting lessons. All skill levels welcome. Email Ethan at

neiy[email protected] or visit www.neiyshing.com

3. TIGHT LINES TROUT GUIDE SERVICES.

Specialize in spin

shing for trophy brown trout on a mix of public and private

waters. Full-day (8 hours) and half-day (4 hours) shing

trips. Equipment rental is offered. Contact Dave Strom at

563-419-7878 or email tghtlnstr[email protected]

FLY FISHING

GUIDE SERVICE

Kent

Ethan Jason

Dave

Bob

Monte

Jared Ryan Amanda