Unnamed Creek (Decorah)
Fly fishing in Iowa · beginner · Best seasons: spring, summer, fall
Target Species
Brown Trout
About This Water
Winneshiek County urban stream through town. Surprising wild trout in city limits.
Fishing Recommendations
As an expert guide in the Driftless Area, I can tell you that Unnamed Creek (often referred to locally as Trout Run) in Decorah, Iowa, is one of the most unique and productive spring creeks in the Midwest. Located right on the edge of town and home to the famous Decorah Fish Hatchery, this stream offers a masterclass in spring-creek fishing.
Here is your comprehensive guide to fly fishing Unnamed Creek.
🎣 Location Overview
Unnamed Creek is a classic "Driftless" spring creek, emerging from Siewers Spring (the largest spring in Iowa) at the Decorah Fish Hatchery. Because it is spring-fed, the water remains a constant 48–52°F year-round, making it a biological factory for trout.
What makes this water special is its clarity and accessibility. The stream flows through a mix of manicured park-like settings near the hatchery and more rugged, "bult-in" limestone corridors as it moves toward the Upper Iowa River. Anglers love it because it holds an incredible density of fish per mile, though the crystal-clear water and heavy fishing pressure make these fish some of the most "educated" in the state.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
While the DNR stocks this stream heavily with Rainbow Trout, the Wild Brown Trout are the true prize.
- Behavior: The Browns here are wary. They often hold in the deeper undercut banks, beneath overhanging grasses, or tucked tight against the limestone ledges.
- Feeding: They are opportunistic but selective. Because of the hatchery proximity, some fish are used to "pellet" shapes, but the wild Browns focus heavily on scuds, sowbugs, and midges. During hatches, they will move into the shallow "riffle-runs" to pick off emerging insects.
- Holding Water: Look for "the bubble line." If there is a foam line or a seam where fast water meets slow water, a Brown is sitting there.
📅 Best Times to Fish
- Spring (March – May): This is the prime window. The Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches can be prolific on overcast days. The fish are hungry after winter and less wary before the heavy summer crowds arrive.
- Summer (June – August): Excellent terrestrial fishing. While other streams might warm up, Unnamed Creek stays cold. Fish early morning or late evening to avoid the midday sun and the bike path crowds.
- Fall (September – November): The Brown Trout pre-spawn. The fish become aggressive and dawn their most vibrant colors. This is the best time to throw streamers to trigger a territorial strike.
- Optimal Windows: Overcast, drizzly days are best for Brown Trout. The low light gives them the confidence to leave their undercut banks and hunt in the open.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Top Fly Patterns
- Nymphs:
- Scuds & Sowbugs (Sizes 14-18): The "bread and butter" of this creek. Grey, olive, or tan.
- Zebra Midge (Sizes 18-22): Red or black with a silver bead.
- Pheasant Tail (Sizes 16-20): Classic profile for the many mayfly species.
- Dry Flies:
- BWO Sparkle Dun (Sizes 18-22): Essential for spring and fall hatches.
- Elk Hair Caddis (Sizes 14-18): Great for summer evenings.
- Hi-Viz Ant or Foam Beetle (Sizes 14-16): Lethal in July and August.
- Streamers:
- Black or Olive Wooly Bugger (Sizes 8-12): Dead-drifted or slowly stripped through deep pools.
Techniques
- Technical Nymphing: Use a long leader (9-12ft) tapered to 6X or 7X fluorocarbon tippet. A "tactical" approach with a small indicator or Euro-nymphing style is highly effective here.
- The "Stealth" Approach: Because the water is so clear, stay low. Kneel on the bank and cast upstream. If you can see the fish, they have likely already seen you.
- Dry-Dropper: In the summer, a foam hopper with a small scud dropped 18 inches below it is the most efficient way to cover water.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- Focus on the "Lower Reach": Most people fish right by the hatchery. If you want the bigger, wilder Browns, walk downstream away from the hatchery toward the confluence with the Upper Iowa River. The fish there see fewer lures and grow larger.
- The Hatchery Effect: Sometimes the trout in the upper section react to "plops" on the water (simulating hatchery feeding). A heavy bead-head nymph cast with a deliberate "splat" can occasionally trigger a strike from a fresh stocker, but the wild Browns will usually spook from this.
- Look for "Wood": Any fallen branch in this creek is a Brown Trout magnet. If you can get a fly to drift just under a log without snagging, be ready.
- Mid-Week Advantage: This stream is a highlight of Decorah; it gets busy on weekends. If you can fish a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, you'll have the best runs to yourself.
⚠️ Important Information
- Access: Much of the creek is accessible via Trout Run Park and the Decorah Trout Hatchery. There is a paved bike trail (Trout Run Trail) that parallels much of the water, making access very easy.
- Regulations:
- A valid Iowa Fishing License and a Trout Fee are required.
- Check signs locally: Some sections are open to all lures, while others may have specific harvest restrictions.
- Most serious fly anglers practice 100% Catch and Release here to preserve the trophy quality of the Browns.
- Safety/Ethics: Be mindful of the bikers and walkers on the Trout Run Trail. Watch your backcast! Also, respect other anglers; because this is a small stream, give people plenty of space (at least two pools' distance).
Guide’s Final Word: Unnamed Creek is a gem. Treat it with respect, use light tippet, and don't forget to stop by the hatchery to see the 10lb+ broodstock fish—it’ll give you a good idea of the potential lurking in the deeper holes downstream!
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis tricaudatus | mayfly | March, April, September, October | Midday | #18-22 | RS2 #18-22, Parachute Adams #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #18-20 |
| Grannom Caddis Brachycentrus | caddis | April, May | Afternoon/Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis (Olive/Black) #14-16, Peacock Caddis #14-16, Deep Sparkle Pupa #14-16 |
| Sulphur Ephemerella invaria | mayfly | May, June | Evening | #14-18 | Sulphur Parachute #14-18, CDC Sulphur Emerger #16-18, Pheasant Tail #14-16 |
| Trico Tricorythodes | mayfly | July, August, September | Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner #20-24, Drowned Trico Spinner #22, Trico Parachute #20-22 |
| Spotted Sedge Hydropsyche | caddis | June, July, August | Evening | #14-18 | Tan Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, LaFontaine's Emergent Sparkle Pupa #14-16, Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear #14-16 |
| Midges Chironomidae | midge | January, February, March, December | Midday | #18-26 | Zebra Midge #18-22, Griffith's Gnat #18-24, Top Secret Midge #20-24 |
| Terrestrials Formicidae / Orthoptera | terrestrial | July, August, September | Afternoon | #10-18 | Dave's Hopper #10-14, Black Foam Ant #14-18, Crow Beetle #14-16 |
| Light Cahill Stenacron interpunctatum | mayfly | June, July | Evening | #12-14 | Light Cahill #12-14, Cahill Emerger #14, Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear #12-14 |