Forecast: 59℉, 15 mph wind, Sunny, 81% Humidity
Stream Conditions: clear/normal levels, water temp was 50℉
Insect Hatching Activity: Blue-Winged Olve, Midge, sporadic Caddis
We love Iowa. Not just because it provides year-round opportunities to hunt trout with the fly rod. The spring creeks are so pure. The scenery leaves you in this perpetual state of awe with the dramatic rock outcroppings that line the streambanks. It provides you incredible solitude. The hatches are solid, and the trout activity is intense. This is Iowa; it defies all preconceived notions of what should be here and always exceeds your expectations in so many ways. Iowa is like our second home; we spend time exploring these streams all year, not just in the late Fall/early Winter in between the bordering states season. Today started with a 10-minute hike into a beautiful valley that contained the targeted stream for the morning. The sun was slowly rising, casting a glowing gold from the still beautifully colored leaves. It was an unseasonably warm day on this late October stream outing. From the moment our boots became immersed within the purity of the spring creek water, our eyes became fixated on the slow and methodical rises, we knew the day was going to be full of rewards. Many thick wild browns came to hand, along with a sprinkle of rainbow here and there. It was all about the dries today; given the strong baetis hatch that was present from the moment our first cast was extended. Riffles, runs, pools, and glass water…it didn’t matter, they all yielded thick and healthy trout. The leaves consistently fell from the overhanging trees resting on top of the crystal-clear water and white-tailed deer slowly crossed the stream ahead. This is Iowa…what’s there not to love?
