Forecast: 56℉, 7 mph wind, Sunny , 30% Humidity
Stream Conditions: clear/normal levels, water temp was 45℉
Insect Hatching Activity: Baetis, Midges
The Iowa Driftless trout season is open all year and that’s where we found ourselves today. What a cold start at 20 degrees and coming off a chilly week where the high temperature was in the low 40’s along with heavy frost overnight. But midday today the warmup came with the temperature rising into the 50’s along with it a truly enjoyable baetis hatch. There were rising trout everywhere. Most of the takes were imperceptible – when you could see the fly and the take, it was just a small dimple then gone. When you couldn’t see the fly, it was similar to a nymph take relying on your sixth sense. We find this challenge extremely fun and rewarding. Though most of the Fall colors are now gone, the trout were very colorful, healthy and vibrant.
