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Stream Report 1/24/2023: "The Quiet Solitude"

Forecast: 32℉, 8 mph wind, mostly cloudy

Stream Conditions: clear/normal levels, water temp was 42℉

Insect Hatching Activity: Midge


It was a beautiful winter scene in the Driftless Area today. There is just something about gazing off into the Driftless valley as you're intimately surrounded by bluffs and rock outcroppings all around you, bald eagles soaring overhead, spring feeders bubbling from the ground, meandering crystal clear spring creeks, and wild brown trout packed in pods conserving their energy. This typical Driftless Area experience is amplified during the winter months with the backdrop of pure white snow and a quietness, stillness, and solitude like no other. The targeted spring creek system today was filled with wild browns enticed with pupa patterns that proved lethal. Midges were crawling all over the place on the snow-covered banks and the stream was alive at a water temperture of 42℉ with thick stream vegetation. The Dritfless Winter experience never dissapoints and always exceeds already high expectations in so many ways.

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21 Mar, 2024
I observed the area and could see a faint ripple coming out of the foam. I still had the emerger on and made a cast to the area of the rise and was greeted by a resounding battle and eventually landed a beautiful 15” brown which I affectionately labeled the blue cheek fatty – it was quite a trout. My mind wandered....If they are that big on the top what lies in the depths of that blockage?....
08 Mar, 2024
A notable thrill was the sudden, stout strike and subsequent battle of a truly beautiful 18 inch Brown. That beauty was unexpected but very much appreciated. A new season is beginning and with the amount of trout spotted and caught it looks very bright!
11 Oct, 2023
I found the trout today schooled up in pools and very eager to take scuds and nymphs. There were all age classes, nice egg laden females along with several large nicely colored fall run males brought to the net. The bite was consistent.
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