Trout Fishing in Iowa

Saturday, 12 May 2007

Fly fishing experts have identified over 50 water habits for trout species in most Northeastern counties of the state of Iowa, dubbed by most as the little Switzerland because of its numerous streams. These northeastern Iowa trout streams are now continuously providing for endless choices to fully experience some great Iowa trout fishing.

The sheer existence of Iowa trout fishing is made possible primarily because of the state DNR's efforts to continually stock the waters with trout. Still, recent checks and surveys have resulted in reports that natural trout reproduction is happening on an increasing level. Still, the DNR of Iowa will not rely solely on these reports, and from such data will just abandon the stocking projects. Their contention is that anglers would not be able to enjoy continuous trout fishing in the streams of Iowa unless the stocking goes on. It is decided that much of Iowa’s trout streams are not able to maintain natural trout reproduction.

The Iowa streams located in its northeastern part has streams that total about 260 miles, and of this total length, anglers can find some 60 miles of about 20 streams that can be considered as the best trout territories in the whole of this Iowa portion. The trout streams are found in the basin bluff area of the Mississippi River. The trout stocking project of the Iowa DNR on most of the streams however gives that notion that the streams do not support natural trout reproduction. This is definitely not true as the only purpose of the state DNR’s stocking is to provide trout fishermen with an ample supply of large trout for their fishing and also to maintain a good population of resident trout for the streams.

The state’s showcase stream is a tiny creek called Spring Branch Creek that cuts through the area of a Manchester hatchery located on Route 20. This creek is becoming very popular with Illinois fishermen because of its easy accessibility to Chicago. The popularity of Spring Branch makes it really crowded especially during weekends. Still, there are lots of area and of course fish to get around. If you intend to fish here, the best days to go are weekdays.

When trout fishing in Iowa stream the nymphs of choice should be Princes and Hare's Ears. The dry flies to utilize are the different types of caddis flies, terrestrials and parachute Adams. Small attractors such as Humpies, Griffith Gnats and Serendipities can also be very useful. Most of the Iowa streams possess water cress, so scuds are best to be used. Streamers, on the other hand, are ideal when trying to catch giant trout.

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