Iowa Trout Stream - Digital Maps?

[ted4887]

Hey guys, just decided that I'm going to take a last minute trip to Iowa tomorrow to try and find some trout. I talked with the DNR, and they told me they don't have a digital copy of their maps available yet. Does anyone happen to have a set of maps they saved off, that would be willing to email to me? I just want to have an idea of where to drive to find public access. The rest I'll do myself.

[Slabasaurus]

Funny timing of the post... I was thinking the same thing about an hour ago. I think i'm going to head down the next weekend, see if I can get this project done so I can take next friday off even.

Anyway... My buddy and I had a hard copy of the IA trout stream map, a printout of their stocking data, a copy of the IA Regs, and that's basically it. I would suggest a delormes or somthing to help because that Iowa DNR map was not the best at roads and we definitely spent too much time driving around finding accesses. I confirmed how much I rely on that atlas in WI when scouting, that's for sure.

Do you know in general where you're headed yet? Or is that kinda what you were lookin for?

[crappiebuster]

My gps with just the standard preloaded (lowrance) maps has most of the streams on it and theyre all named also. I just put a little dot where theres a nice hole. Put a parking icon as where to best access the stream from a vehicle. I think I heard a few weeks back that they were dealing with a fishkill in the Bears due to a manure spill. May wanna check that out. Good luck

[ted4887]

Probably Winnieshiek or Allamakee Counties. The DNR is sending me a hard copy of the maps as well, but unfortunately that won't help me much this weekend.

I was actually leaning towards Bear Creek, but am really open to anything. I will pick my destination based on the amount of access in all likelihood. I really just want to get out, wet a line, and get a nice hike in. It probably won't be my only trip to Iowa, so I don't need to see every piece of water they have down there. But with having a 3 day weekend, this is a good reason to get out.

[hookncook]

Little Paint Creek is my "go to" for public grounds fishing in IA. Located right in the middle of Yellow River State forrest, it's got a good population of browns, brookies, and stocker rainbows.

about 5 minutes outta Waukun.

[ted4887]

I'd seen that too. We'll see. Thanks for the tips. I was shocked that the DNR only had hard copies available. I figured if I just called, they'd email me a digital copy. I don't care about stocking info, I just want public access info. Honestly, if I catch a fish this weekend, it will be a bonus. I NEED to get out for a while before I get too stir crazy!

Also, if no one has them to share, I will scan my hard copies as soon as I receive them. If you want a copy of them, just send me a PM with your email and as soon as I finish scanning them, I'll forward a copy over to you.

[hookncook]

If things don't work out for Iowa and you find yourself still wanting to get out, come on down. Weather permitting, I have an extra NuCanoe I can toss you in. Push come to shove, we can look at a few pre ice shore locations.

[ted4887]

I appreciate that hook. I'm definitely headed down in the morning, but am going to make a stop at the Big C in Prairie du Chein to try on a pair of wading boots before I order them from my preferred fly shop . Who knows, they might even have some type of map for me.

[hookncook]

I'll look forward to reading your trip report!

[Scudly]

Good luck Ted. I bet you will have fun. Justin of Winona Fly Factory as well as Mat and friends from Driftless Angler have been fishing Iowa the most this fall from what I can tell. Call, email, or FB Mat and Driftless Angler, he is quite helpful. Fishing with Justin by chance?

Assume your fly shop does not have your boots in stock?

[ted4887]

Appreciate it. The day went well.

And yes, they offered to order them in for me and ship at no charge, but I wanted to try some on first.