Fishing the Driftless

[ness]

36 minutes ago, Ryan Miloshewski said:

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

I'd start with a smallish Stimulator with a pheasant tail dropper. 

[FishnDave]

1 hour ago, Ryan Miloshewski said:

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

I usually catch stuff...but I'm certainly no pro at it.  So, that's my disclaimer.

A beadhead Pink Squirrel nymph is very popular in Iowa's Driftless area.   Its a great place to catch trout with the flies YOU want to use.  Try anything from a #32 midge to a 5/0 musky T-Bone fly.  Personally, I don't like messing with the tiny flies, so #10 or #8 Woolly Buggers and microjigs have caught a lot of trout for me.  Take some brown stuff, and some flashy gold stuff.  Sowbug and scud imitations will catch you fish just fine.  Some foam hopper and beetle patterns will get you fish looking up.

Good luck, I look forward to your pictures!  Wisconsin seems to have more larger trout than Iowa (especially browns), based on pictures I've seen over the years.

[Ryan Miloshewski]

@FishnDave @ness thanks so much for the help and advice! I will be sure to post some pics of the results.

[Ryan Miloshewski]

5 hours ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

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

the ol' spaghetti and meatballs never fails. But man I do not like throwing it if I can help it 😄

[Gavin]

Iowa DNR puts out some handy trout maps organized by county. You can get those at the visitor center in Decorah and were you buy permits. Decorah is a fun town. River in town looks very smallmouthable.

[Ham]

14 hours ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

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

#happymeal

[ness]

7 hours ago, Gavin said:

Iowa DNR puts out some handy trout maps organized by county. 

...and, access to streams in IA is very good. A little like the KS Walk-In Hunting program. 

[snagged in outlet 3]

50 minutes ago, ness said:

..and, access to streams in IA is very good. A little like the KS Walk-In Hunting program. 

That is totally cool!!!!!

[BilletHead]

   The BilletHead's may or may not be going at end of month also

[ness]

6 minutes ago, BilletHead said:

   The BilletHead's may or may not be going at end of month also

I hope you do!