Winter Fly Fishing in the Driftless: Braving the Cold for Iowa Trout

Some days, you just have to fish—even if it’s five degrees outside.

Last week, I was in Cedar Rapids for meetings on Wednesday and Friday, but my business partner and fishing buddy, Max, and I saw an opportunity. I hadn’t fished in Iowa in over a year, and that needed to change. We blocked off Thursday, packed our gear, and headed north to the Driftless Region, knowing full well we were in for a frigid day on the water.  We packed in our El Rey G6 8'6" 4 Weight rods teamed up with El Jefe 4 weight reels, our RiverVault Systems, and got to work.

A Frozen Start

Max had a “secret” spot on a “secret” creek that he was excited to show me. We pulled up around 10 a.m., stepping into the bitter cold to find the creek almost completely frozen over. Thick shade covered the water, and any hopes of casting into open runs were quickly dashed. We hiked along the banks, hoping to find some fishable water, and eventually stumbled upon a few open holes. It was worth a shot.

For about an hour, we worked the few promising pockets, but the fish weren’t cooperative. The real challenge, though, was the freezing winds on our fingers.  I don't mind breaking ice off our guides every few casts—a true badge of honor in winter fly fishing. Eventually, the combination of cold fingers and inactive fish told us it was time to move.

A Change of Plans: Waterloo Creek

After thawing out in the truck, we regrouped and headed for one of my go-to spots on Waterloo Creek. We arrived, scarfed down some quick sandwiches, and hit the water. Unlike our first stop, this creek had a good flow, and within a few casts, we were hooked up. Finally, my first Iowa trout in over a year!

The fishing wasn’t on fire, but it didn’t need to be. We hit several holes, picking up some small but scrappy trout. The cold was relentless, but when you’re in the rhythm of casting and drifting, you hardly notice.

Then, things took an unexpected turn—Max got a work emergency and had to drive off for better cell service, leaving me alone on the creek. I didn’t mind. In fact, I kind of loved it.

Solitude in the Driftless

Standing alone on the water, surrounded by snow-covered banks and the occasional sound of ice shifting, I felt something that can only be found in moments like this—peace. No distractions, no meetings, no phone buzzing. Just me, the river, and the rhythm of the cast.

People say winter fly fishing is miserable, but I disagree. As long as you dress for the day, there’s no such thing as bad weather—only unsuitable clothing.

It was great to get some fresh air, stretch the legs, and shake off the rust from too much time indoors. Sure, it was brutally cold, and sure, I had to snap ice off my rod guides every five minutes. But at the end of the day, we fished, we caught trout, and we got to experience Iowa’s Driftless Region in its raw, winter glory.

And that, my friends, is always worth it.

Tight lines,

Jeff

Pescador on the Fly