Stream Report 6/19/23-6/22/23: "The Driftless Escape"

Forecast: 62-90℉, 6-12 mph wind, sunny

Stream Conditions: clear/normal levels, water temp was 48-54℉

Insect Hatching Activity: Midge, Caddis, Isonychia, Pale Evening Dun

With a break in our schedule, it was time for a Driftless Escape. We set out on Monday, June 19 to live in our van for the next few days while exploring and discovering more of all the Iowa Driftless has to offer. We love Iowa and have an arsenal of high quality trout streams but we desired to peel back another layer and aquire even more in-depth knowledge and expertise of these beautiful and nutrient dense spring creeks. Iowa always has a way to exceed already high expectations and it certaintly didn't disappoint during this particular escape into its depths. During a few sessions of fly angling, hundreds of trout were landed, even throughout the very warm hours of the day. It's hard to beat wading within a spring creek that boasts 48 degree water temperatures even during a 90 degree air temperature day; streams like that benefit from multiple spring feeder sources throughout its length. We sure do love Iowa! Insect hatching activity was very minimal and sporadic. Midge hatches were the most prevalent with occasional small bursts of caddis. Hoppers didn't quite start emerging in Iowa. Considering the lack of consistent insect hatching activity, the recipe for supreme and consistent success entailed numerous midge pupa variations, scud variations, and caddis larva/pupa variations. Indicator depth was critical and in some cases Euro-nymphing was necessary in order to maximize the catch rate. Dry fly patterns took some trout, but effective nymphing was king. Beyond the beautifully painted trout themselves, the rock-outcropping intimate valleys were a real treat. With majestic bald eagles soaring throughout the skies, this is the type of scenery that isn't supposed to be in Iowa and yet it is. Each trip into the depths of the Iowa Driftless only instills a continued yearning for more. Come enjoy it with us as we provide several Iowa trips that will also wet your appetite for more and more of the very unique Iowa Driftless Area.

Picture Compilation Slideshow: 6/19/23-6/22/23