Water, Water, Everywhere: How to Deal with Above-Average Stream flows in Iowa

Ryan Koch
Jul 28
3 min read

This year has included plenty of rain and wet weather, which has kept our rivers quite full. While this isn't always ideal for our immediate fishing desires, it really is a good thing for our fisheries coming off of some significant drought years within the past decade, and hopefully we see some great fishing in years to come as a result.

This map is from the US National Weather Service in Des Moines (USGS Data). According to their organization,

"This map shows how current streamflows compare to normal for this time of year. Black is record high, dark blue is much above normal, light blue is above normal and green is near normal. Stay current on the weather and river forecasts over the next several days."

So when it comes to fly fishing in high water, how do you deal with it?

Monitor streamflow data.

If you aren't aware, the U.S. Geological Survey keeps track of streamflows across the country, and this data is really important to have access to. Keep an eye on your local streams and make mental or physical notes about how the streams look, as well as how well or poorly they fish, at certain volumes.

As a side note: "If USGS data or products are important to you, the most effective way to support our mission would be submission of “letters of support” for the agency sent to appropriate congressional representatives for your area. Unfortunately, we have few opportunities to educate politicians on all the work we do. Letters or other communication that allows the public to educate and inform them regarding the value of the data usually results in congressional staffers reaching out to learn more, which can be helpful." - USGS Staff Member

Fish areas that you know held fish in the past.

While areas usually look very different in high water, if you have a good river hole that produces fish, there is a chance that hole still will hold fish even in high, dirty water.

Focus on areas that have received less rain.

Some parts of the state have streams that are flowing at average or even below-average flows still. Try to find those areas and fish those while you wait for other rivers to drop.

Target smaller streams near headwaters of drainages.

Headwater streams clear up after rains quicker than further down in a river drainage. Thanks to gravity, water flows downstream, whether it's dirty water or not.

Embrace the dirt.

Fly anglers aren't usually super fond of dirty water, though a nice stain to the water is usually helpful to the fly angler. When river visibility is a foot or less, and you're on the water, be sure to fish darker flies that have movement and cause vibrations in the water. If you can, get your fly in the zone and keep it there for as long as possible, allowing fish maximum opportunity to see and eat your fly. Don't be afraid to fish a "dirt snake" (AKA San Juan worm)!