Top 20 Places to Fly Fish in Iowa – And What Flies to Use

by Matthew Bernhardt June 09, 2023

While Iowa may not be the most commonly thought of location for fly fishing, it actually provides a variety of opportunities for this activity. Iowa has something to offer fly anglers of all skill levels, from coldwater streams to picturesque lakes and rivers. This article will explore the top 20 places to fly fish in Iowa, highlighting each location's unique features, fly fishing spots, and the types of fish you can expect to catch.

Best Fly Fishing Spots in Iowa

Fly fishing in Iowa offers a diverse range of aquatic species, making it an ideal destination for anglers. Whether you're looking to catch brown trout, walleye, or northern pike, there are plenty of opportunities to do so in Iowa.

Brown trout are naturally reproduced in almost all streams in Northeast Iowa, and some streams also have natural reproduction of brook trout. The population of brown trout in these streams ranges from 500 to 2,000 fish per mile, comparable to the populations of driftless streams in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

1. Bailey's Ford

Bailey's Ford is a hidden gem for fly fishing in Iowa. This small creek, located in the northeast part of the state, is home to wild brown trout. The clear, cold water and gentle currents make it an ideal spot for fly fishing. Nymphs and dry flies imitating aquatic insects are effective choices for fooling these wary trout.

Recommended Fly Patterns for Bailey's Ford, Iowa:

  1. Pheasant Tail Jig Natural - Size 16
  2. The Frenchie - Size 16
  3. Caddis Larva - Tan - Size 16

2. Big Mill Creek

Big Mill Creek is a beautiful spring-fed stream in northeastern Iowa that offers excellent fly fishing opportunities. The creek is known for its wild brown and brook trout populations. Wade the creek's riffles, runs, and pools, using nymphs, dry flies, and streamers to entice strikes from these feisty trout.

Recommended Fly Patterns for the Big Mill Creek, Iowa:

  1. Muddler Minnow - Size 6
  2. Half Chernobyl in Tan - Size 14
  3. Elk Hair Caddis CDC in Tan - Size 16

3. Bloody Run Creek

Bloody Run Creek, located in northeastern Iowa, is a designated trout stream that provides fantastic fly fishing opportunities. The creek is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, with the chance to catch trophy-sized fish. Nymphs, streamers, and dry flies can succeed in this picturesque fishery.

Recommended Fly Patterns for the Bloody Run Creek, Iowa:

  1. The Frenchie - Size 16
  2. Chubby Chernobyl - Size 10
  3. Copper John - Size 12

4. Coldwater Creek

Coldwater Creek, located in northeast Iowa, is a small stream known for its wild brown trout population. The creek's clear water and lush surroundings create a peaceful fishing experience. Wade the creek and target the undercut banks and deeper pools using small nymphs, dry flies, and streamers to entice strikes from the resident trout.

Recommended Fly Patterns for Coldwater Creek, Iowa:

  1. Flashback Pheasant Tail - Size 20
  2. Prince Nymph - Size 14
  3. Zebra Midge Black - Size 20

5. Fountain Springs

Fountain Springs is a spring-fed creek nestled in the Driftless Area of northeast Iowa. This beautiful creek is home to wild brown and brook trout. The clear, cold water and natural surroundings make it a perfect fly fishing destination. Focus on the riffles, runs, and undercut banks, using nymphs, dry flies, and streamers to fool these native trout.

Recommended Fly Patterns for Fountain Springs, Iowa:

  1. Muddler Minnow - Size 6
  2. Prince Nymph - Size 14
  3. Muddy buddy - Black - Size 6

6. Glovers Creek

Glovers Creek, located in northeast Iowa, is a small stream that offers a secluded fly fishing experience. This clear and coldwater creek holds wild brown and brook trout. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources stocks Glovers Creek every week from April to October with Rainbow Trout 10-12 inches long and can be caught.

Recommended Fly Patterns for Glovers Creek, Iowa:

  1. Parachute Adams - Size 16
  2. Hot Wing Caddis - Tan - Size 16
  3. Juju Bee Midge - Size 18

7. Hannen Lake

Hannen Lake, located in northwest Iowa 4 miles Southwest of Blairstown, is a popular fly fishing destination. This 38-acre lake is known for its excellent largemouth bass and bluegill fishing. Fly anglers can target bass near the weed beds and structure using streamers and topwater flies. Bluegill can be caught using small nymphs and dry flies. Hannen Lake also has a healthy population of black crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass.

Recommended Fly Patterns for Hannen Lake, Iowa:

  1. Double Bunny Black and Olive - Size 6
  2. Slump Buster with Cone - Size 6
  3. Dave's Hopper Yellow - Size 6

8. Iowa River

The Iowa River flows from its source in southern Minnesota through northern Iowa and eventually empties into the Mississippi River near Muscatine. Along its 600-mile course, it passes through numerous towns and cities, including Mason City, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Wapello County Park, Coralville Lake, and others.

The Iowa River is a major river in the state that offers diverse fly fishing opportunities. Smallmouth bass and channel catfish are the primary targets for fly anglers. Focus on the deeper pools, eddies, and current breaks, using streamers, nymphs, and poppers to entice strikes from these hard-fighting fish.

Recommended Fly Patterns for the Iowa River, Iowa:

  1. Parachute Adams - Size 16
  2. Goddard Caddis - Natural - Size 16
  3. Zebra Midge Curved Silver - Size 18

9. Joy Springs

Joy Springs is located near the towns of Sumner and Lawler in northeast Iowa. The creek flows through a rural valley surrounded by rolling hills, making for a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The closest access point to Joy Springs is at the intersection of County Road D25 and D18.

Joy Springs is a spring-fed creek located in northeast Iowa that offers exceptional fly fishing opportunities. This picturesque creek is home to wild brown and brook trout. Wade the creek and target the riffles, runs, and undercut banks, using nymphs, dry flies, and streamers to fool these native trout.

Recommended Fly Patterns for Joy Springs, Iowa:

  1. Flash Light Midge - Size 18
  2. Adams - Size 14
  3. Elk Hair Caddis CDC in Tan - Size 16

10. Lake Darling

Lake Darling, located in southeast Iowa, is a 302-acre lake that provides excellent fly fishing opportunities. This lake is stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Fly anglers can target bass near the weed beds and submerged structures using streamers and topwater flies. Bluegill and crappie can be caught using small nymphs and dry flies.

Recommended Fly Patterns for Lake Darling, Iowa:

  1. Poppers - Size 6
  2. Clouser Minnows - Size 0/1
  3. Muddy Buddy in Black - Size 6

11. Lake Macbride

Lake Macbride, located near Iowa City, is a popular fly fishing destination. This 812-acre lake offers opportunities to catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Focus on the weed beds, rocky structures, and submerged timber, using streamers, nymphs, and topwater flies to entice strikes from these gamefish.

Recommended Fly Patterns forLake Macbride, Iowa:

  1. Poppers - Size 6
  2. Kaufmanns Stimulators in Yellow - Size 12
  3. Slump Buster with Cone in Black - Size 8

12. Lake Okoboji

Lake Okoboji is located in northwest Iowa in Dickinson County. It is part of the larger chain of lakes known as the Iowa Great Lakes. The lake covers over 3,847 acres and has a maximum depth of 136 feet. It is surrounded by excellent camping, restaurants, boat rentals, and fishing charter services.

Lake Okoboji is a premier fly fishing destination in the state. This glacier-carved lake is home to various fish species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and panfish. Fly anglers can target bass near the weed beds and rocky structures using streamers and topwater flies. Panfish can be caught using small nymphs and dry flies.

Recommended Fly Patterns for Lake Okoboji, Iowa:

  1. Poppers - Size 6
  2. Muddy Buddy in Black - Size 6
  3. Slump Buster with Cone in Black - Size 8

13. Missouri River

The Missouri River, which originates in the Rocky Mountains of western Montana, is the longest river in North America. It stretches for 3,767 km (2,341 miles) and flows north, then east and south before it meets the Mississippi River. The river is also part of Iowa's western border and is famous for fly fishing with abundant smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish populations.

Recommended Fly Patterns for the Missouri River, Iowa:

  1. Zebra Midge Red - Size 20
  2. Prince Nymph - Size 14
  3. Parachute Adams Indicator - Size 16

14. Paint Creek

Paint Creek, located in northeast Iowa, is a designated trout stream that offers outstanding fly fishing opportunities. This creek is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, with the chance to catch trophy-sized fish.

Recommended Fly Patterns for the Paint Creek, Iowa:

  1. Disco Midge - Pearl - Size 18
  2. Flashback Hare's Ear in Natural - Size 20
  3. Formerly known as prince - Size 14

15. Swiss Valley

In Dubuque County, Swiss Valley provides a secluded and picturesque setting for anglers seeking a peaceful fly fishing experience.

This spring-fed creek is home to wild brown trout, attracting fly anglers looking for the thrill of catching these elusive fish. The crystal-clear water and rugged terrain create ideal habitats for trout, and the riffles runs, and pools of Swiss Valley offer plenty of opportunities for fly fishermen to test their skills.

The stream's location in the rolling hills of northeast Iowa adds to its charm, providing a serene backdrop for anglers to immerse themselves in nature. Fly fishermen can wade along the creek, carefully presenting nymphs, dry flies, and streamers to entice strikes from the resident brown trout.

Recommended Fly Patterns for the Swiss Valley, Iowa:

  1. Humpy Royal - 14 - Size 14
  2. Royal Wolf - Size 14
  3. Elk Hair Caddis CDC in Tan - Size 16

16. Trout River

Trout River, located in northeast Iowa, is a hidden gem for fly fishing enthusiasts. This small creek is home to wild brown and brook trout. The crystal-clear water and rugged terrain make it a challenging but rewarding fishing destination. Focus on the riffles, pools, and undercut banks, using nymphs, dry flies, and streamers to entice strikes from these native trout.

Recommended Fly Patterns for the Trout River, Iowa:

  1. Holy Grail-Tungsten - Hairs Ear - Size 14
  2. Mercury Midge Black - Size 20
  3. Copper John Hot Wire in Red & Gold - Size 12

17. Turkey River

Fly fishing in the Turkey River in Iowa offers anglers a rewarding and scenic experience. This beautiful river, located in northeast Iowa, provides excellent opportunities to catch various fish species, including smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish. However, it is important to note that the Turkey River is not specifically known for its trout population.

Fly anglers can explore the Turkey River's meandering stretches, targeting the deeper pools, eddies, and current breaks where fish often congregate. Using streamers, nymphs, and poppers, fly fishermen can entice strikes from the river's hard-fighting smallmouth bass. The river's varying water conditions and structure create ideal habitats for these feisty gamefish.

Aside from the fishing, the Turkey River showcases the beauty of Iowa's natural landscape. Surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and lush vegetation, the river provides a tranquil and scenic backdrop for fly fishing enthusiasts.

Recommended Fly Patterns for the Turkey River, Iowa:

  1. Kaufmanns Stimulators in Yellow - Size 12
  2. Parachute Adams Indicator - Size 16
  3. Copper John - Size 12

18. Viking Lake

Viking Lake, located in southwest Iowa, is a hidden gem for fly fishing enthusiasts. Nestled in Montgomery County, Viking Lake State Park offers a tranquil setting for anglers to indulge in their fly fishing pursuits.

The 136-acre Viking Lake is known for its excellent largemouth bass and bluegill fishing, making it an ideal destination for fly anglers seeking to target these species. The lake's weed beds, submerged structures, and shoreline vegetation provide ample cover for bass, while the open water areas attract schools of bluegill.

Fly fishermen can take advantage of the lake's diverse aquatic ecosystem by using streamers, topwater flies, and small nymphs to entice strikes from the resident bass and bluegill. Carefully presenting the flies near the weed beds and structure can yield exciting hook-ups and memorable fishing experiences.

Recommended Fly Patterns for Viking Lake, Iowa:

  1. Hair Bass Bug - Size 6
  2. Clouser Minnows Multiple Colors - Size 4
  3. Double Bunny Olive & White - Size 6

19. Waterloo Creek

Waterloo Creek, located in northeast Iowa, is a small stream that provides fantastic fly fishing opportunities. This clear and coldwater creek holds wild brown trout. Wade the creek and target the deeper pools undercut banks and riffles using nymphs, dry flies, and small streamers to entice strikes from these trout.

Recommended Fly Patterns for Waterloo Creek, Iowa:

  1. Parachute Adams Indicator - Size 16
  2. Dave's Hopper Yellow - Size 6
  3. Copper John - Size 12

20. Yellow River

The Yellow River, located in northeast Iowa, is a designated trout stream that offers outstanding fly fishing opportunities.

This picturesque river is known for its clear waters and abundant populations of rainbow and brown trout. Fly anglers can explore the riffles, pools, and runs of the Yellow River, presenting a variety of nymphs, dry flies, and streamers to entice strikes from these prized trout. The river's scenic surroundings, including wooded areas and rolling hills, add to the charm of the fishing experience.

The Yellow River flows through Allamakee and Clayton counties, providing fly fishing enthusiasts with accessible fishing locations and ample stretches to explore. Its proximity to other popular trout fishing destinations in northeast Iowa, such as the Upper Iowa River and the Driftless Area streams, makes it an excellent addition to any angler's itinerary.

Recommended Fly Patterns for the Yellow River, Iowa:

  1. Flashback Pheasant Tail - Size 18
  2. Muddler Minnow - Size 6
  3. Beetle - Black - Size 14

What Gear Do I Need to Fly Fish in Iowa?

When fly fishing in Iowa, a 4 to a 6-weight fly rod is suitable for targeting trout and panfish in streams and smaller lakes. If targeting larger species such as bass, walleye, or catfish, a 7 to 9-weight rod will provide the necessary backbone. Pair the rod with a quality fly reel with a smooth drag system.

Choose fly lines appropriate for the target species and fishing conditions, including floating lines for trout and panfish and sink-tip lines for bass and other larger fish. Leaders and tippets with various strengths are necessary for presenting flies effectively. Flies should include a variety of patterns, such as nymphs, dry flies, streamers, and poppers, depending on the target species and fishing conditions.

Additional Facts about Fly Fishing in Iowa

Iowa is known for its diverse fly fishing opportunities, with streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs offering a wide range of fishing experiences.

The state has dedicated efforts to habitat restoration and conservation, ensuring the health and sustainability of its fisheries. Iowa's Driftless Area, in the northeast part of the state, is renowned for its spring-fed creeks and wild trout populations, providing excellent fly fishing opportunities.

Fly fishing in Iowa can be enjoyed year-round, with different species and fishing techniques available in each season. Iowa offers numerous camping and outdoor recreation opportunities near its fly fishing destinations, allowing anglers to immerse themselves in the state's natural beauty.

Where is the best place to fly fish in Iowa?

Determining the best place to fly fish in Iowa depends on personal preferences and target species. However, some popular and productive locations include the Driftless Area streams such as Bloody Run Creek, Paint Creek, and Swiss Valley for trout fishing. Hannen Lake and Viking Lake are excellent options for bass and panfish. The Iowa and Missouri rivers offer diverse fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish.

Where is the best trout fishing in Iowa?

The best trout fishing in Iowa can be found in the designated trout streams of the Driftless Area, including Paint Creek, Bloody Run Creek, and Swiss Valley. These streams offer a combination of stocked and wild trout and provide an authentic fly fishing experience.

Where are the biggest trout in Iowa?

The Yellow River and the larger sections of the Upper Iowa River are known for producing some of the largest trout in Iowa. These streams offer the chance to catch trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout, providing fly anglers with exciting opportunities to land impressive fish.

Back to Discover
Go to full site