Things to Do in Iowa during the Winter: Fly Fishing Events in 2026

While fly fishing opportunities in Iowa are relatively limited in the middle of the winter, there are some great events to check out to keep busy and stay involved. * - Fly Fish Iowa will be present

*February 27, 28, and March 1 - Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association Annual Show (Cedar Rapids, IA)

Each year, the fly fishing community in Iowa gathers at a rotating list of locations throughout the state. This year's show has a great lineup of influential anglers in the national fly fishing scene and is setting up to be another good opportunity to get to know other anglers in the state. This is the 50th year HFFA's existence, so this year's show should be a special one.

(Pictured: A couple of boat fly boxes that will be for sale at our booth at HFFA Show)

*February 28 and March 1 - Mid-Iowa Bassmasters Swap Meet (Des Moines, IA)

One of the largest fishing-specific events in the state, this is a show that has vendor attendance from throughout the Midwest and lots of cool local businesses present. While the presence of the fly fishing community is generally rather sparse, it's fun to network and connect with anglers of all types, not just fly fishermen.

*March 7 - Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) (Des Moines, IA)

An event hosted by one of Iowa's Trout Unlimited Chapters, this is a great get-together that hypes up some of the best fly fishing films of the past year. Worldwide destinations are featured, and this can take your mind off of those winter blues as we prepare for the warming seasons. Gear giveaways, good times, and a silent auction provide additional reasons to attend this event and spend time with other fly anglers. Tickets are $25, and kids 15 and under get in free.

*March 14 -Iowa Sportsmen's Adventure (Clear Lake, IA)

A small outdoor show that sells out nearly every year, the perks of getting in to this event are huge. Gun giveaways, door prizes for every attendee, and a steak dinner ensure that every person who is lucky enough to get a ticket will leave with something that they can use in their outdoor adventures. Registration opens February 1st and fills up quickly.

(Not Iowa)

March 13-15 - Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo (St. Paul, MN) One of the biggest fly-fishing specific shows in the Midwest, this event will have all of your big-name fly fishing vendors, great guides from all over the country, and plenty of opportunities to spend your hard-earned money on the latest and greatest fly fishing stuff. Proceeds from this event go to Minnesota Trout Unlimited.

We hope you are able to get to at least one of these great events and support our local outdoor communities. Together, we can support one another and provide funding to support local nonprofit organizations that put on events like these in order to benefit public access, restoration work, and education/outreach in their respective places.

Tight lines, hope to see you on the water.