Fishing the Driftless

[Ryan Miloshewski]

Headed to fish the Driftless at the end of the month. Wanted to see if anybody on here has fished it or has any knowledge. 

I hear Viroqua is a good basecamp. Driftless Angler fly shop is a good spot to hit up, too. Plan on venturing around there.

I am sure terrestrials will be good--any patterns that are better than others? Need to start hitting the vise.

[snagged in outlet 3]

I think @nesshas some experience there.   Let us know you do and pictures are always welcome.  @Johnsfollyjust loves pictures....

[ness]

I've been up to the NE Iowa part of the Driftless Area a few times but have no experience in WI.  I'd love to get up there though. 

I've heard the same as you -- that Viroqua and that fly shop are a good starting point.

[Ryan Miloshewski]

24 minutes ago, ness said:

I've been up to the NE Iowa part of the Driftless Area a few times but have no experience in WI.  I'd love to get up there though. 

I've heard the same as you -- that Viroqua and that fly shop are a good starting point.

Where did you hit in NE Iowa? 

[ness]

5 minutes ago, Ryan Miloshewski said:

Where did you hit in NE Iowa? 

I've always based out of Decorah. Cool little town and tons of streams within an easy drive. Now that I think of it, I also crossed into MN on one trip there. 

@FishnDave should have info.

Also search 'Driftless' in this forum -- there are a few trip reports.

[Johnsfolly]

47 minutes ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

@Johnsfollyjust loves pictures....

Not an inaccurate statement 😅

[JimDog]

Check out this youtube channel.  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Vyjwm6dUtEWXUXehZZ7dg/videos This kid is from Missouri, but spent the past year in Iowa and has some great videos of the Driftless.  He is a young kid who is all gas, no brakes - so I have to watch in moderation.  But some great info.

[FishnDave]

12 minutes ago, ness said:

I've always based out of Decorah. Cool little town and tons of streams within an easy drive. Now that I think of it, I also crossed into MN on one trip there. 

@FishnDave should have info.

Also search 'Driftless' in this forum -- there are a few trip reports.

I haven't been to the WI side of the Driftless either.  I'm planning to be on the Iowa side early next week.

I've stayed in Decorah, and also Fayette, Waukon, Dorchester, as well as a couple towns near some outlier trout streams that may not be worth your time.

Lots of streams, best place to get information is the Iowa DNR website.

https://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/Trout-Fishing

Below the picture in the upper right are two links...one gives a list of all the streams, one shows them on a map.  you can dig further by clicking more links in the list or streams on the map.  

[Ryan Miloshewski]

Thanks guys! That helps. What flies would you bring @FishnDave and @ness?

[snagged in outlet 3]

30 minutes ago, Ryan Miloshewski said:

Thanks guys! That helps. What flies would you bring @FishnDave and @ness?

Egg and San Juan worm has worked for me everywhere I’ve been.  Surf and turf.  Spaghetti and meatballs.  Meat and potato