The Final Days of the Season
It seems like it was just yesterday we just started chasing springtime trout around our Driftless streams after a long winter. And here we are facing our first freeze in the next couple of weeks in central Iowa.
It is this time of year that is the beginning of the end: a last hurrah, of sorts. The color of the leaves are beginning to change at a similar pace to fish's fall habits.
If you find a steady weather window, this is the time to make one last push in your fly fishing journey. The fish are gearing up to head toward their winter holes, and many of them are itching to fill their bellies with their final big meals.
Hopefully, you get a chance to spend some time chucking a fly rod around before the snow flies. Or maybe while the snow flies. Both will work.
Stay tuned for details on our Montana hosted trip for 2027.
Fishing Report
Click here for the Iowa DNR's Fishing Report (09/29/2026)
Local Ponds: Lots of rain has our ponds full and in good shape. Some typical summer algae and vegetative growth does make fishing some ponds challenging, but look to see some of that getting knocked back with cooler temperatures. Check the DNR's fish local page for a list of public waterbodies to explore.
Des Moines River: Big rains are bringing the Des Moines River up to higher-than-normal flows for this time of the year. Water temps remain high enough to keep fish active, so target those fishy seams and deep pockets for a shot at some walleye, and look for white bass and smallies chasing shad around if you're looking for some surface action.
Driftless Trout Streams (NE Iowa):
Iowa has year-round trout fishing available, but watch for redds (trout nests) as brown trout begin spawning in October. Crowds from out of state may increase a bit as other states close up their trout streams for the fall.
~GUIDED FLY FISHING IN IOWA~
flyfishIA.com
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