Forecast: 79℉, 8 mph wind, Partly Cloudy, 65% Humidity
Stream Conditions: clear/normal levels, water temp was 52℉-58℉
Insect Hatching Activity: Midge, Blue-Winged Olive, Caddis, Terrestrials
Today marked Day 6 of our Driftless Excursion to explore and discover as many new trout streams and sections as possible. Today we focused entirely on two large stream systems. There was an abundance of fishing opportunities on these two large systems with stream environments ranging from headwaters to pastures to wooded sections to majestic and powerful limestone rock formation sections to everything else in between. They are dynamic systems in so many ways. The headwater sections contained some of the most pure spring water that had a frigid water temperature of 52℉ throughout its entire flow. Some beautiful trout were landed in this section. Even at the mouth of these stream systems the water temperature was only at 58℉; they are some very pristine and pure spring creek systems! Throughout the entire day, the wild trout really keyed on nymphs presented using various techniques…it sure was fun and active! The Driftless Riches today came in two parts. Part one is what we like to call the Power Zone. It was that long but intimate section of water with some of the most beautiful and majestic limestone rock formations that you could fly fish within. It’s one of those stretches you just know the Native Americans held in high regard. It’s places like this that they would go to humble themselves while reflecting and worshipping a much Higher Power and a much Higher Authority. It allows you to renew your mind while empowering you to act. Act not in your own will but in the will of the much Higher Authority. All of these same gifts are available to each and every one of us right now in these Power Zones if we choose to humble ourselves and seek it out. Driftless Riches part two came when we arrived at the base camp; a bald eagle was perched on a tall white pine directly across from our camp. It almost seemed like he was there to greet us after yet another amazing day deep in the Driftless. Of all the trees he chose that one. Even though bald eagles are prevalent along the Mississippi Valley, you can’t help but get a sense of awe each and every time you’re fortunate to spot one. When you think about it, a bald eagle’s combined characteristics are quite admirable; quiet, attentive, relaxed, independent but resourceful, humble but also aggressive when it needs to be, and a foundational sense of majesty.
