Welcome to FishDecorah

       Being there is much better than a picture or words!!

May 11-17, 2008

Things are in awesome shape.  Trout streams are fantastic, the UIR looks great and is giving up some nice walleyes and bass.  I was fortunate enough to tangle with some incredibly nice trout Saturday evening.  When 20" Browns can hit your lure, jump three feet in the air multiple times you know you are on to fish.  Water is awesome, skip work, call in sick, you get the idea.  Conditions like this won't last forever  Sportsmens Unlimited has some great spinners with hammered gold blades that I highly recommend if you are going out to pursue trout. 

May News

Ok, if you like fishing now is a great time.  Trout fishing is awesome and the walking is very easy.  Get out and fish.   Small river fishing and big river fishing will really pick up as the water warms the next two weeks, I expect the smallie bite is already going if you find some clearer water to fish. (Good reports from the Lower Damn)  Lots of fun to be had by all.  If you miss walking the dog check out Rapala's video segments on the sub-surface baits as well as other presentation ideas.   Fisheries biologist Bill Kalishek provided some great information about trout fishing so check it out on the Trout Fishing page. 

May Smallies!! Game On

Planning for May 2008 

May is big smallie time as they will be on the prowl as water warms towards 55-60F, walleyes will move off spawning areas and head for shallow water feeding stations.  Trout will be in full swing as stocking hits a normal pace.  A friend told me that psycho-therapy cost $130/hr.  A guided fishing trip is a lot cheaper and probably better therapy.  Give us a call if you need information or want an early season guide trip. The picture above is a great reminder that if it sounds like food it probably is food to a bass.  I don't believe nature has a lot of chartruesse colored bait fish swimming around.  Let the fish dictate to you what they want to eat not the other way around  This is a great time of year to think about joining the Iowa Driftless Chapter of Trout Unlimited.  Even if you don't live in Winneshiek County you can easily belong and know that your contributions help trout fishing in this area.  Please take some time to check out their site www.iadriftless.org and look for current information and timely topics.  I have also provided a link to Trout Unlimited's recent article about the effects of climate change on trout populations. As always, the more you know, the better informed you are, the better decisions you can make.    

OUR MISSION

This site is dedicated to providing timely information regarding fishing and water recreation in Winneshiek County and surrounding areas.  The Upper Iowa River and numerous trout streams can provide endless hours of recreation for the individual, couple, or family.  The trip can be as plain or fancy as the individual wants to make it for a day, weekend, or a week. Our goal is to provide you with information on current fishing conditions, outfitters, campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, water quality issues, weather, stream conditions etc.     

As you look at the links on this site you will find.  Fishing Reports will provide current fishing updates in and around Winneshiek County, and any number of current fishing, canoeing, and water use items we can post. The National Weather Service in Lacrosse has started their Weekly river level predictions for the Mississippi River.  This report gives current river levels, seven day projections of river levels.   The Photo Album section found in the Fishing Reports section is a must see for current fishing pictures. Stewardship is where we donate our hard earned MONEY to groups or organizations that improve our watershed.  Money talks and every dollar will improve our water quality.  Check out the most recent article by Lowell Washburn regarding wetland degredation, it's very sobering. The vast majority of information to protect the Upper Iowa River watershed comes from the Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development office in Postville.  RC&D's are vital to the success of many projects in Northeast Iowa and your support of their dynamic work is critical.  Current DNR Press Releases will be posted on the stewardship page.  Topics relevant to N.E. IA. will be highlighted in red.  Iowa DNR has many interesting press releases in their home page.  The new impaired waters list, stream hazards due to recent floods and new Wisconsin rule prohibiting the transport of eggs from the Mississippi River or Great Lakes.  All fish must be killed at the landing and all water drained from boats, buckets, etc.  It's and interesting article.   The weather forecast is specific to Decorah and updated from the National Weather Service out of Lacrosse, Wisconsin. Stream Flow provides great information about current stream conditions.  The Upper Iowa River has 30+ years of data posted.  This extensive database is a great predictor of the type of conditions you will be recreating under.  If you want water level information about the Mississippi River levels follow the link provided.  Trout fishing is a great place to check out any trout streams in Iowa.  The links are tremendously easy to follow and provide the most updated information regarding trout fishing.   Upper Iowa River page.  It will provide a more technical look at the river.  We will have local experts post information on this page about the river. You can also find an AWESOME 3-D GIS IMAGE OF DECORAH by clicking on this link.  Hats off to the Upper Iowa River Watershed team for producing this masterpiece.  You can also order a great map of the Upper Iowa River for your recreational purposes.  It specifically gives you distances, times, evaluates landings etc.  To order a map click here.  U.I.River Map.  We are now providing a river and stream guide service.  Check it out! Finally, the resources listed below are people who really make the watershed work.  Use them to help make your experience one you will want to repeat often.  Have Fun!!!            Useful Resources Visitiowa.org- great information about N.E. Iowa Biking Information around Decorah- bikedecorah.com Really neat site with great information for the novice to the expert trail rider. Real Estate- Friest and Associates, better service by FAAR. Culture- Buck Hollow Band, Live music, lots of fun.  Check out their site for times and locations near you.  Phone number is 563-382-8886. Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development Office  Copyright FISHDECORAH.COM 2008