The Iowa Driftless has begun to feel like a home away from home. Returning annually is both exciting and refreshing, and something I look forward to greatly. This year I was able to fish for two days, visit five different streams, and caught a driftless slam of Rainbow, Brown, and Brook trout. The water was murky for the most part so I had to go with larger and more brightly colored flies to be successful. Subtle approaches proved fruitless. Effective patterns included red and orange San Juan Worms, Thin Mint Wooly Buggers, holographic extra large Zebra Midges, and Pheasant Tails. Fishing pressure was much denser than normal and several locations I felt squeezed out of unfortunately, a first for me in the area, however, the great thing about the Driftless is that you are always 5-20 minutes from another stream or input. Even with the added crowds it proved to be a great and relaxing trip, beautiful scenery as always, and the small stream technical fishing I have come to love. Great trip and I can't wait to go back.
9 Comments:
Hi Atlas. Funny but I was talking to a friend from Ohio yesterday and we were trying to figure out where we could fish for trout like halfway between Colorado and Ohio. I think maybe you've solved the problem. Beautiful looking fish!
The Driftless is well worth the trip! I hope you visit and can't wait for the report.
That sure is some pretty looking water and a unique looking area. Never fished in Iowa, so will appreciate any opportunity you have to share the small streams with your readers.
Looks awesome. I'm excited to get some of my annual Minnesota fix in a few weeks visiting the inlaws... awesome part of the world you reside in and get to fish (that whole upper midwest is great)
you're killing me with the views!
Thanks for the comments guys, I greatly appreciate it. And unfortunately Hibernation I no longer reside in Iowa. Did many year ago, now I live in Kansas and just go back to visit. Not even close to as scenic here haha.
Great looking fish and some great looking waters. What kind of reel is that top one?
Juan the reel is one of Hardy's Ultralight Disc Drag Reels.
Makes me want to start planning a trip up there...miss that place.
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