The Rivers of Winneshiek County

There are 19 spring fed trout streams that flow through the heart
of Iowa's Driftless region.
Winnesheik County boasts 10 of the best.
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What makes Iowa's Driftless area what it is? - Sure, we know that the last North American glacial episode that ended 12,000 years ago just went right around this vast region leaving its high hills and sleepy ravines virtually untouched. Some say the remains of a giant meteor impact crater rest on this very spot. There are bald eagles here, lot's of them, and a list of rare birds you've probably never heard of before. Beyond that there's something mystical about the region difficult to put your finger on.

Lovely Trout River is known as a cold-water pasture stream.

Many very experienced western guides who fished once in the Driftless never left.

Rainbows help make Iowa’s Driftless a world-class trout fishery.

Winneshiek County's spectacular agricultural landscape attracts more trout anglers than any other region of the state. Why? Because its rivers hold fish that are big, plentiful and astoundingly beautiful. Rivers with names like Coon, Bohemian, North Bear and Bigalk (pronounced bee-yalk). 


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​But of all of the trout streams in Iowa, there are only a few as beautiful as the upper mileage of Trout River.

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A magnificent wild Brown wrangled from the upper Trout River.

Here, scores of mature brook trout can be stalked and you might even be so lucky as to net a trophy wild brown.


And, although much of the land is private, there is plenty of public access and there are a couple of "systems" that allow opportunities for fishing on private property.

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Age-old farm machinery adorns a private stretch of the Trout River near Decorah.

I've heard it said that there are many very experienced western guides who fished once in the Driftless and never left. I've also heard it said that the rivers of Iowa's Driftless area might just be paradise.


That all taken into account, I've certainly added the rivers of Winneshiek County to my list of fly-fishing meccas. - WES:::

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