Are The Streams in Iowa Are Open?

Looks like it is time to take the gear out of the car and head to the tying vice. Then again I hear the streams in Iowa are open all winter. Hmm... Oh well, early season is just around the corner.

In the spirit of the holiday season - thought you might want to check out these sites:

Casting 4 a Cure: An organization dedicated to raise money to help fight Rett Syndrome. While normally adverse to any type of tournament fly fishing. These guys have the right idea.

Coastal Conservation Association: An organization made up of saltwater anglers who make up 17 state chapters dedicated to protecting coastal waters.

Tight lines and enjoy the season,
Trout Buddha

Early Season is Here

Anyone know where this stream is? No? Good!

Just kidding. This one is in Colorado - likely on some BS private water. One thing we have in Wisconsin - nice access. Lets keep it that way. Well the official early - catch and release single barbless hook artificals only - trout season is here (isn't that the official name?). Unfortunately I still remain an arm chair angler since I decided to forgo the large snow drifts and slippery banks (I'm a total light weight). As they say - Soon Come Ya Man! I will be on the water soon enough. Reports indicate that the ever resilient trout population of southwestern Wisconsin remains in good health despite the floods of this past August. These same reports indicate that streams themselves may not be as familiar with new holes forming and old holes filling in - anglers will face something new on some of their most familiar locations.

Thanks to George Hesselberg and the Wisconsin State Journal for a nice opening day article (2/28/08 and the source for some of this info). Most helpful were the links they provided to the Wisconsin DNR site dedicated to the early season. Check out the video on Tips for the Early Season by Mike Miller DNR Stream Ecologist and avid angler. Mike is a great guy who is always willing to share his knowledge.

Trout Buddha (hoping to get out soon)

PS - Next big event! Canoecopia March 7-9 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Think fishing Kayaks! The worlds largest paddle sport expo!