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Fishing with Xicanx Fly
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GUIDED TRIPS

FLY FISHING THE IOWA DRIFTLESS

Discover world-class trout fishing in Decorah (the heart of the Iowa Driftless) with expert guide, Marco Kamimura!

What You Need to Know to Get Started

What is the Iowa Driftless Region?

The Iowa Driftless Region is a unique geological area known for its limestone bluffs, spring-fed streams, and thriving trout populations. Unlike much of the Midwest, this region was untouched by glaciers, resulting in a landscape rich with cold-water creeks that create ideal conditions for trout fishing.

Why Fly Fish in the Iowa Driftless?

  • Over 50 spring-fed trout streams across Northeast Iowa

  • Abundant populations of wild brown trout, remnant populations of brook trout, and supplementally stocked rainbow trout

  • Scenic landscapes perfect for a peaceful fishing getaway

  • Opportunities for year-round fly fishing

Best Fly Fishing Spots in Iowa's Driftless Region

The Decorah District - Winneshiek and Allamakee counties encompass some of the best streams in the entire state. Some of the most popular areas to fly fish for Iowa trout include: ​

  • Highlandville - North & South Bear Creek – Known for abundant trout and excellent access

  • Coldwater Creek - Gorgeous scenery with healthy populations of both brown and rainbow trout

  • Bloody Run Creek – A designated catch-and-release stream

  • ​Yellow River State Forest – One of Iowa’s premier trout streams with wild browns

  • Trout Run Creek – local Decorah stream with excellent brown and rainbow trout populations

Gear Needed to Fly Fish Iowa's Driftless Region

Keep it simple. Below I will recommend what my experience has taught me:

  • Fly Rod: 10ft 4wt is ideal, but a 9ft 5wt or 4wt will do just fine

  • Fly Line: Weight-forward or Double Taper fly line to the size that matches your rod.

  • Fly Reel: Almost any reel that matches the size of your fly rod and line will suffice, but as you might learn on my guide trips, we have some large trout in these streams that may persuade you to seek a reel with better drag.

  • Leader/Tippet: 7.5ft 3x tapered leader + 1-2mm tippet ring + 5x-6x tippet is my recommendation.​

  • Fly Selection

    • ​Dry Flies: Elk Hair Caddis, Adams

    • Nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear, Zebra Midge, Scud

    • Streamers: Woolly Bugger

  • Iowa Fishing License (click link)

    • A Trout Stamp is needed in order to pursue trout in any capacity in Iowa​.

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