Driftless Area Fly Fishing Guide: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa

Quick Reference

What	When	Key Numbers
Timber Coulee (WI)	Year-round; May best dry fly	2,000+ fish/mile; 8-12 ft wide
West Fork Kickapoo (WI)	May - October	12-18" browns; 15-20 ft wide
Trout Run (MN)	Apr - Oct (Saratoga to Bucksnort best)	200-450 browns over 12"/mile
Bloody Run (IA)	Year-round	Best Iowa trophy water; 14" min on browns
Water temperature	Year-round	42-50°F spring-fed
License (WI)	Season opens mid-April	Check WI DNR

Overview

The Driftless Area spans 24,000 square miles across southwestern Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and a corner of Illinois. This region escaped the last ice age glaciers, leaving steep limestone bluffs, deep valleys, and over 600 natural springs feeding thousands of miles of cold, clear trout streams.

Unlike most Midwestern trout fishing that depends on stocking, the Driftless produces naturally reproducing populations of wild brown trout and native brook trout. The spring-fed streams maintain consistent 42-45 degree water temperatures year-round - never freezing in winter, staying cold enough for trout in August.

More than 157,000 anglers fish Driftless waters annually, yet finding uncrowded water remains easy for those willing to walk. Wisconsin alone offers over 13,000 miles of designated trout streams, with Minnesota adding 700 miles and Iowa contributing 100+ streams gaining notoriety for trophy browns.

Stream Characteristics

Driftless streams differ fundamentally from western freestone rivers:

Characteristic	Typical Range	Notes
Width	6-25 feet	Headwaters can be 6 inches; main stems 15-25 feet
Depth	6 inches to 6 feet	Can vary dramatically in a single step
Flow (CFS)	5-25 CFS	Most streams run 5-25 CFS; flood-prone after rain
Water Temp	42-50°F	Spring-fed consistency year-round
Bottom	Gravel, sand, silt, rubble	Some muck and quicksand - test before stepping
Clarity	Crystal clear	Normal conditions; muddy after heavy rain

Wading notes: Most Driftless streams have firm sand and rock bottoms, but muck and quicksand exist. Test your footing. Felt soles work well on limestone. Wet wading is common in summer - bring 2-3 pairs of socks per day.

Seasons and Conditions

Plan your trip around hatches and weather rather than snowmelt. Spring-fed flows remain stable unless heavy rain hits.

Season	Timing	Conditions	Best Bet
Winter	Dec-Feb	Streams never freeze (42-45°F). Ice shelves form at banks. Clear water, minimal weeds. Midges hatch on warmer days.	Town sections in MN state parks, Whitewater State Park
Early Spring	Mar-Apr	Blue-winged olives emerge when snow melts. Black caddis begin mid-April. All WI streams catch-and-release until April 15.	Any accessible stream
Prime Spring	May	Overlapping mayfly and caddis hatches. Best dry fly fishing of the year.	Timber Coulee, West Fork Kickapoo
Summer	Jun-Aug	Weeds grow thick. Fish early morning, switch to terrestrials. Tricos appear late summer.	Fish before 10am, seek shade
Fall	Sep-Oct	Crowds thin after Labor Day. Hoppers, streamers productive. Browns stage for spawn in early October.	Stream exploration, less-pressured water

Key timing notes:

• Wisconsin harvest season opens the Saturday closest to April 15 (all streams catch-and-release before that)
• Minnesota harvest season runs mid-April through September 14, with catch-and-release resuming until October 15
• Iowa allows year-round trout fishing with a 5-fish daily limit (only Driftless state with year-round harvest)
• Grannoms (black caddis) typically appear mid-April and last 1-2 weeks, hatching around noon - this is the first major dry fly opportunity

Which Stream Should You Fish?

Different streams suit different anglers. Here's how to choose:

Stream	Best For	Character	Pressure
Timber Coulee	Numbers, consistent action	Narrow (8-12 ft), fast riffles, open banks through pastures. 2,000+ fish/mile.	Heavy - arrive early
West Fork Kickapoo	Variety, bigger water	Wider (15-20 ft), nearly 20 miles of trout water, mix of shade and open meadow	Moderate - walk farther
Coon Creek	Beginners, easy access	Pool-riffle-pool structure, good-sized stream by Driftless standards, open banks	Moderate
Trout Run (MN)	Quality fishing, less pressure	Multiple access points, 200-450 browns over 12" per mile	Light to moderate
South Branch Root	Solitude, bigger fish	Flows through state park, underutilized, excellent hatches	Light
Yellow River (IA)	Scenery, family-friendly	Longest coldwater stream in Iowa, state forest setting	Light

Quick decision guide:

• Want numbers? Timber Coulee - it's famous for a reason
• Want bigger fish? South Branch Root or Bloody Run Creek (IA)
• Want solitude? Walk past the first bridge on any stream, or try lesser-known tributaries
• New to spring creeks? Coon Creek or Veterans Park in Coon Valley (accessible fishing area with 850 feet of paved trails)
• Traveling with family? Yellow River State Forest in Iowa - restrooms, camping, trails

Wisconsin: Detailed Access

Timber Coulee Creek

The crown jewel of Wisconsin spring creeks. One of only three Wisconsin streams on Trout Unlimited's "100 Best Streams" list. Brown trout population estimated at 2,000+ fish per mile - habitat is so good that fish are plentiful but forage is limited, so don't expect trophies.

Stream profile: Flows westerly for 8.2 miles with a gradient of 40 feet per mile. Narrow and swift (8-12 ft wide), running through cow pastures with intentionally open, grassy banks. Streambed is gravel, silt, rubble, and sand with LUNKER structures providing 60% of cover.

GPS reference: Stream coordinates 43.7194, -90.9765 (near USGS gauge)

Access points:

• Westby Rod and Gun Club area: DNR property upstream has more brook trout, though less common than years past. Look for older CCC-era stream improvements - less crowded than newer sections.
• County Road P bridge: Multiple pull-offs along Highway P between Westby and Coon Valley. The P bridge is an alternate access point with roadside parking.
• Coon Valley: Stream joins Coon Creek near town

Parking: Numerous public pull-offs, trails, and DNR-purchased easements. Some marked areas near the stream are private - look for signage. One tip: some areas marked public on maps turn out to have private direct access - the next downstream access is usually clearly public with good parking and a grassy area.

Where to find fish: Work upstream through small pools for 10-12 inch browns. Trout hold tight against higher banks and in any shaded areas - target these first. The stream alternates between fast riffles and slower pools.

Best hatches: Tricos and black caddis are particularly good here. When fish are rising to caddis, a #16 Elk Hair Caddis is deadly.

Local tip: When done fishing, try the pubs in Coon Valley. Coulee Cabins offers lodging right across from the stream with a king bed and deck overlooking the water.

West Fork Kickapoo River

Nearly 20 miles of Class I trout water through Vernon County. The most well-known Driftless stream outside the region. Fish in the 12-18 inch range are common here - larger average size than Timber Coulee.

Stream profile: Larger water (15-20 ft wide in main sections). Flows from campground at Avalanche through Bloomingdale to confluence near Readstown.

Special regulation: A 9-mile catch-and-release zone stretches through the Avalanche area - check current DNR maps for exact boundaries.

Access points:

Location	Parking	GPS	Notes
County Road Y	Gravel pull-off	43.6832, -90.7145	Good access to catch-and-release water
County Road S	Multiple pull-offs	43.6654, -90.7023	Follows stream for miles
Hwy S (south of Serendipity Golf Course)	Mowed shoulder		Steep bank to water; better landing 0.4 miles downstream at fishing pull-off
Park n Ride on Hwy 82	Paved lot		Fish upstream toward golf course bridge
Golf Course Bridge	Roadside		Easy fishing above and below bridge
River Road	Multiple pull-offs		Pick a spot and start fishing
Bloomingdale area (north end)	Roadside		Shadier water, good summer fishing
Avalanche area	Campground	43.7156, -90.7312	Popular but deeper holes - heart of catch-and-release zone
"Green Gate" below Bloomingdale	Off Bloomingdale Rd		Start of long meadow section downstream to "pine tree" parking

Sections:

• Upper (Avalanche to Bloomingdale): Smaller water, more intimate, best catch-and-release fishing
• Middle (Bloomingdale to Hwy 82): Classic spring creek meadows
• Lower (below Hwy 82 to Co. S bridge): Wild, unimproved, debris-choked from floods, limited access - more challenging but less pressured

Where to find fish: The deeper holes around Avalanche hold the largest fish. Work the undercut banks carefully - 12-18 inch browns are realistic targets here, unlike Timber Coulee where numbers trump size.

Local tip: The north end near Bloomingdale has shade for hot summer days. Farther south near Avalanche has deeper holes holding larger fish. Highway S follows the stream for nearly 20 miles.

Coon Creek

The main stem of the famous watershed that includes Timber Coulee. Twenty minutes east of La Crosse on Highway 14.

Stream profile: Good-sized by Driftless standards. Classic pool-riffle-pool structure with open, grassy banks (intentional for trout habitat). Over 20 miles of improved stream in the upper tributaries, all now Class I.

Access points:

Location	GPS	Notes
Veterans Memorial Park (Coon Valley)	43.7012, -91.0023	Free parking, outhouse, 850 ft paved accessible trails, stocked water
Olstad Road	43.7234, -91.0156	Public fishing access, roadside parking
Highway 162 bridges	Various	Multiple parcels in northeast Vernon County

Fishing tip: The creek alternates between fast riffles and slow pools. Banks are open and grassy. Crystal clear in normal conditions. Larger water means more room to fish than Timber Coulee's tight quarters.

Caution: Can be difficult to wade with logs and rocks that snag flies. Worth the occasional lost fly.

Minnesota: Detailed Access

Trout Run Creek

The most popular fly fishing destination in southeast Minnesota. Brown trout over 12 inches typically exceed 200 per mile, reaching 450 per mile in prime sections. Total trout populations of 2,000-3,000 fish per mile in the best stretches make this one of the most productive streams in the region.

The honey hole: The best fishing is between Saratoga and Bucksnort Dam. This section holds the highest densities - if you can only fish one stretch, fish here.

Stream profile: Larger than typical Driftless streams. Excellent structure with alternating pools and riffles. Good hatches.

Access points:

Location	GPS	Notes
Saratoga	43.7523, -92.0145	Northern end of prime water
Bucksnort Dam area	43.7312, -92.0234	Heart of best fishing - work upstream or down
Preston (Fillmore Street/CR 12)		City limits fishing, ~0.5 miles to lot
Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail		Three fishing platforms access Camp Creek

State angling easements: Multiple easements marked in light gray on DNR maps provide legal access throughout.

Parking note: A state park permit is required to park within state parks. Annual and short-term permits available at park offices or by calling 1-888-MINNDNR.

Local tip: The National Trout Center is in Preston - worth a visit for regional history and fishing information. Combine with a visit to Mystery Cave.

South Branch Root River

Listed as one of the 100 top trout streams in the USA. An underutilized resource compared to Trout Run Creek.

Stream profile: Begins at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, winds through bluffs and agricultural land to meet the North Branch below Lanesboro. Open year-round for catch-and-release in Forestville State Park and cities of Preston and Lanesboro.

Access points:

• Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park: Two parking lots provide easy stream access. Located 6 miles northwest of Preston off the Bluff Country Scenic Byway. Canfield Creek and Forestville Creek (both emerging from caves upstream) join the South Branch in the park.
• County Roads 12 and 118: Two bridges where CR 12 crosses the stream, both provide access
• Preston: Canoe access and state trail access
• Root River State Trail: Walk long distances to easily wadeable areas

Hatches: Excellent March Browns, Light Hendricksons, multiple caddis species.

Why fish here: Less pressure than Trout Run, excellent hatches, beautiful park setting, access to bigger water via canoe or drift boat downstream of Preston. Numerous state angling easements and state park lands.

South Branch Whitewater River (Whitewater State Park)

Crystal clear water in Whitewater State Park with scenic bluffs and over 3 miles of designated catch-and-release water within park boundaries.

Stream profile: Classic Driftless spring creek with limestone bluffs towering overhead. The park setting means exceptional water quality and good populations.

Access points:

Location	GPS	Notes
Whitewater State Park Visitor Center	44.0645, -92.0478	Main access, parking, facilities
Fishing pier	Near visitor center	Accessible fishing for all abilities
Trail access points	Throughout park	3+ miles of catch-and-release water

Regulations: Catch-and-release only year-round within park boundaries. Artificial lures and flies only.

Why fish here: The 3+ miles of catch-and-release water within the park produces quality fish. The scenic limestone bluffs and park setting make this a destination even for non-anglers in your group. Less pressure than Trout Run.

Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas, camping, visitor center. State park permit required for parking.

Iowa: Detailed Access

Yellow River

The longest coldwater trout stream in Iowa, flowing through Yellow River State Forest (8,900 acres in Allamakee County).

Important access note: Very few public areas on this river. Fishing by canoe or kayak is often the only legal means to access water without landowner permission.

Public access points:

• Stonebrook Park (Yellow River Drive): Public fishing, picnic facilities, rustic restroom
• Forest Mills Road: Public fishing access
• Volney Canoe Access: Public fishing access plus picnic area

Directions to Yellow River State Forest: Forest headquarters and recreation facilities on County Highway B25, approximately 4 miles southeast of Waterville or 3 miles west of Harpers Ferry.

Canoe/kayak rental: Bigfoot Canoe Rental, 419 Big Foot Rd, Monona, IA 52159 (Village of Volney, 7 miles north of Monona off County Hwy X26).

Paint Creek and Little Paint Creek

Located in Paint Creek Unit of Yellow River State Forest. Wind along rugged rock outcrops and steep forested valleys.

Fish: Stocked rainbow and brook trout plus naturally reproducing browns to 15-18 inches.

Access: Seven miles of trout streams within the forest with maintained trails.

Bloody Run Creek

The premier trophy brown trout destination in Iowa. Wild brown trout reproduction supplemented by aggressive stocking (10,000+ trout annually April-October) creates excellent opportunity for larger fish.

Stream profile: Small to medium spring creek running through Bloody Run County Park. Clear water with good structure.

Access points:

Location	GPS	Notes
Bloody Run County Park	42.9234, -91.2567	Main access with parking, facilities
Upstream public easements	Varies	Check Iowa DNR maps for current easements

Regulations:

• 14-inch minimum length limit on brown trout in posted sections
• Artificial lures only in designated catch-and-release areas
• Wild browns present alongside stocked fish

Weekly stocking: Iowa DNR stocks trout weekly from April through October - check stocking schedules if you prefer targeting fresh stockers or avoiding crowds.

Why fish here: Best chance at a 20+ inch brown in Iowa. The combination of wild reproduction, aggressive stocking, and special regulations creates quality fishing rare in the Midwest.

French Creek

One of the most productive trout streams in Iowa with exceptional brown trout populations. Surveys show 2,100 brown trout per mile with fish up to 20 inches.

Stream profile: Small spring creek with excellent habitat. Natural reproduction sustains the population.

Access points:

Location	GPS	Notes
French Creek Wildlife Area	43.4192, -91.3928	Primary access point
County road bridges		Multiple access points - look for public fishing signs

Regulations: Catch-and-release on brown trout only - rainbows may be harvested. Artificial lures only in designated sections.

Fish populations: DNR surveys show approximately 2,100 browns per mile with individuals reaching 20 inches. This is trophy-caliber water by Iowa standards.

Why fish here: Best documented trout populations in Iowa. The catch-and-release regulations on browns have created a quality fishery that rivals Wisconsin streams.

Iowa resources: The Northeast Iowa RC&D provides a free pocket-sized Trout Streams of Allamakee County guide with 10 individual stream maps showing walk-in access points, parking lots, campsites, trout stiles, park amenities, and public land. Available for download or pickup at several Northeast Iowa locations.

Trout Species and Expectations

Brown Trout: The primary quarry. Naturalized throughout with populations of 200-2,000+ fish per mile in quality streams. A 10-inch fish is typical; plenty of 12-inch specimens. Fish in the 14-18 inch range are present but require stealth and skill. True trophies (20+ inches) exist but are uncommon.

Brook Trout: Native char in coldest headwaters. Try upper Timber Coulee above the Westby Rod and Gun Club for brookies, though numbers have declined in recent years. Generally smaller than browns.

Rainbow Trout: Typically stocked in Iowa. Less common in Wisconsin and Minnesota wild populations.

Honest expectations: Don't expect Montana-sized fish. The Driftless rewards technical skill and stealth over brute force. A dozen 8-12 inch wild browns on dries is an excellent day.

Major Hatches and Flies

Hatch Chart

Insect	Timing	Size	Best Patterns
Midges	Year-round	18-22	Zebra Midge, Griffith's Gnat
Winter Stoneflies	Jan-Feb (warm days)	14-18	Small black stonefly nymphs
Blue-Winged Olives	Mar-Apr, Sep-Oct	16-20	Parachute Adams, Sparkle Dun BWO
Black Caddis (Grannoms)	Mid-Apr, ~noon	14-20	Black X Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis
Hendricksons	Apr-May	12-14	Hendrickson dry, Light Cahill
Tan Caddis	May-Sep	14-18	Elk Hair Caddis (tan)
Craneflies	May-Jun	16-18	Coulee Cranefly (splashy rises)
Sulphurs/Cahills	Late May-Jun	14-18	Light Cahill, Sulphur Comparadun
Tricos	Late Jul-Sep (mornings)	20-24	Trico spinners, small parachutes
Terrestrials	Jul-Sep	8-14	Hoppers, ants, beetles, crickets

Essential Flies

Pink Squirrel (sizes 14-18): The fly that made the Driftless famous. Must-have.

Turkey Leech (sizes 4-10): All-around favorite. Strip it, swing it, or dead-drift under an indicator. Works all season in all conditions.

Black X Caddis (sizes 14-20): First major dry fly opportunity. When Grannoms hatch, trout lose their caution.

Scud patterns (sizes 14-18): Year-round producers. Pink, tan, olive. The Driftless is scud water - fish are always eating them.

Zebra Midge (sizes 18-22): Essential for winter and early season. Grease and fish in the film.

Parachute Adams (sizes 14-20): The standard mayfly imitation.

Hoppers (sizes 8-12): Best chance at larger fish on a dry fly. Summer staple. August "hopper time" offers your best shot at bigger fish.

Woolly Bugger (Olive, sizes 8-12): Dead-drift or swing.

Techniques and Tactics

Approach

• Stay low and move slowly. These fish spook easily in clear, shallow water.
• Approach from downstream. Fish face into current.
• Watch for rising fish before casting. Blind casting often puts fish down.
• Wade quietly - sound transmits through water.

Gear

• 3-4 weight rods, 7-8 feet (tight quarters)
• Leaders 9-12 feet, 5X-6X for dries, 4X-5X for nymphs
• Tenkara (fixed-line) rods work well on small streams
• Pack 2-3 pairs of socks if wet wading

Presentation

• Drag-free drifts essential. These fish see a lot of anglers.
• Short, accurate casts beat long casts. Rarely need more than 30 feet.
• Fish banks and undercuts. Browns hold tight to cover.

Weed Management (Summer)

• Weeds grow thick June-August. Use weedless patterns or fish open channels.
• Roll cast to avoid tangles with bankside vegetation.
• Tungsten beadheads punch through weed growth.

Hot Weather Tactics

• Fish early morning (before 10am) before water temps climb.
• Carry a stream thermometer. Move on if temps exceed 65°F.
• Seek shaded stretches and spring seeps - fish concentrate there.
• Midday and early evening often not worth fishing in peak summer.

Paddling the Driftless

Kickapoo River

The most popular paddling destination in the Driftless. The "Crookedest River in America."

Ontario to Rockton: 13.5 miles, 5-6 hours

• Put-in: Landing 4/Highway 131 (GPS: 43.69795, -90.60257)
• Take-out: Landing 12, Rockton (GPS: 43.6371, -90.60292)
• Character: Most popular section with spectacular sandstone outcrops

Rockton to La Farge: 10-11 miles, 3.5-4 hours

• Put-in: Landing 12, Rockton
• Take-out: Landing 20, La Farge (GPS: 43.57481, -90.6437)
• Character: Second most popular stretch, more forgiving gradient, more mud

Flow requirements: 60-100 CFS recommended for scrape-free paddling. Ontario to Rockton needs minimum 60 CFS; sweet spot is 70-100 CFS.

Shuttle services and rentals:

Outfitter	Phone	Notes
Kickapoo Wild Adventures	(608) 337-4522
Drifty's Canoe Rental	(608) 337-4288
Mr. Ducks Canoe Rental	(608) 337-4711
Titanic Canoe Rental	(877) 438-7865

Rates: Generally $30-40/canoe, $25-30/kayak, $15-20/tube. Includes vessel, life jacket, and pickup.

Camping: Kickapoo Valley Reserve allows first-come, first-served primitive camping at 26 designated sites. 15 vehicle-accessible sites (2 on river), 11 paddle-in/hike-in/bike-in sites (9 on river). Registration and permit required.

Lower Wisconsin River

92 miles of wide, sandy water from Prairie du Sac to the Mississippi. Sandbars for camping throughout. No portages required. Family-friendly. Great for multi-day trips.

Root River (Minnesota)

Crystal clear water through southeast Minnesota. Root River State Water Trail map available from MN DNR. Combines paddling with trout stream access.

Cannon River

Easy flowing with some riffles. Good for beginners. Portages around upper dams required.

Guide Services and Fly Shops

Minnesota

The Driftless Fly Fishing Company (Preston, MN)

• Only Orvis-endorsed outfitter in Minnesota's Driftless
• Walk/wade and float trips (Hyde drift boat, Flycraft raft)
• All gear, flies, streamside lunch included
• Lodging: South Branch Suite above the shop
• 507-327-4276

Root River Rod Co. (Lanesboro, MN)

• Full-service fly shop since 2017
• Guided adventures on Root River tributaries

Wisconsin

Driftless Angler (Viroqua, WI)

• Full-service fly shop on historic Main Street
• Within 30 minutes of hundreds of stream miles
• Guided trips, lessons, gear
• Covers WI plus parts of IA and MN

PJ's Guide Service (Westby, WI)

• Orvis-endorsed guide
• 20+ years on Driftless waters
• Specializes in wild Wisconsin browns

Driftless Specialties Fly Fishing (Madison, WI)

• Family legacy guiding operation (son of Jim Bartelt, Spring Creek Specialties)
• Wild brown and native brook trout focus

Iowa

Northeast Iowa Fly Fishing

• Guided trips on Iowa's improving Driftless waters
• Local expertise on Yellow River tributaries

Trip Planning

Where to Stay

Coon Valley, Wisconsin

• Heart of Wisconsin Driftless
• Coulee Cabins right across from Timber Coulee Creek
• 20 minutes from La Crosse on Hwy 14

Viroqua, Wisconsin

• Central to Wisconsin streams
• Old Towne Motel (next to supper club)
• Camping: Sidie Hollow Park, Esofea Park (both have trout streams)

Lanesboro, Minnesota

• Historic downtown, shops, restaurants
• Gateway to Root River Trail
• B&Bs and vacation rentals
• One block from catch-and-release water

Preston, Minnesota

• "Minnesota's Trout Capitol"
• National Trout Center
• South Branch Suite above Driftless Fly Fishing Company
• Close to Trout Run, Mystery Cave

Getting There

Airport	Code	Drive to Streams
La Crosse, WI	LSE	20-40 min (heart of region)
Rochester, MN	RST	45 min to MN streams
Madison, WI	MSN	1.5 hours to WI streams
Minneapolis/St. Paul	MSP	2.5 hours to MN Driftless

What to Bring

• Waders and boots (felt soles work on limestone)
• 3-4 weight rod, 7-8 feet
• Leaders/tippet 4X-6X
• Small fly box (sizes 14-22)
• Stream thermometer (essential in summer)
• Polarized sunglasses
• Multiple pairs of socks (wet wading)
• Landowner courtesy: park in designated areas, close gates, stay on easements

Regulations Quick Reference

State	Season	Limit	License + Trout Fee
Wisconsin	Catch-release Jan 1 - mid-April; harvest mid-April - Oct 15	Varies by stream	Check current DNR
Minnesota	Catch-release Jan 1 - mid-April; harvest mid-April - Sep 14; catch-release Oct 16-Dec 31 (parks/towns)	Varies	Check current DNR
Iowa	Year-round	5/day, 10 possession	$22 + $14.50 (res); $48 + $17.50 (non-res)

Always verify current regulations before fishing.

Conservation

The Driftless owes its current quality to decades of conservation work. Early European settlement and agriculture caused devastating erosion, burying valley floors in up to 15 feet of sediment.

Trout Unlimited Driftless Area Restoration Effort (TUDARE):

• 350+ miles of streams restored since inception
• $65 million invested in habitat work
• Uses excavators to repair eroding streambanks
• Reconnects streams to floodplains for flood management
• Volunteer water quality testing through WiseH20

How to help:

• Practice catch-and-release on wild trout
• Stay on designated trails and easements
• Pack out trash
• Join local Trout Unlimited chapters

Hazards and Considerations

Wading: Bottoms vary from firm gravel to muck and quicksand. Test before stepping. Water depth changes dramatically - 6 inches to 6 feet in one step.

Flooding: The Driftless is flood-prone. Steep-sided valleys (coulees) deliver rainwater to streams quickly. After heavy rain, streams can blow out for 1-2 days before clearing.

Summer heat: Water temps above 65°F stress trout. Fish early, carry a thermometer, move on if temps climb.

Private property: While Wisconsin allows stream walking through private land if feet stay wet, respect landowner relationships. In Iowa, watch for "Open for Public Fishing" signs. In Minnesota, fish only on marked easements.

Poison ivy: Present along many streambanks.

No cell service: Many stream valleys have limited coverage. Let someone know your plans.

Using RiverReports

While Driftless streams run more stable than western tailwaters, RiverReports helps with:

• Rain tracking: Recent storms can muddy streams for 1-2 days
• Stream comparison: If one stream is crowded or high, find alternatives
• Weather patterns: Afternoon thunderstorms spike flows briefly

USGS gauge for Timber Coulee: 05386479 (typical flows 5-15 CFS) USGS gauge for Coon Creek at Coon Valley: 05386500

Download the RiverReports app for mobile access.

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