In case you don't know, the driftless region is an amazing section of ice cold streams in the upper Midwest and a geological wonder.
I really don't fully understand the technical details but it seems as if the last round of glaciers to come across the US skipped this part. Underneath the surface, are caves and channels that carry air over underground ice which results in some very cold streams. For a more in depth explanation, you can go
here or use that Google thing.
All I know for sure is that I had never been there and have been dying to go so I did just that. I was joined by Teddy from
Lucid Fishing (and BFA writer) and Sam - aka
Hoosier Fly Guy. We all met at my place around four in the morning, loaded up the truck, and headed out for the three and half hour drive.
By the time we arrived, the sun was rising above the never ending tree line and exposing the landscape's amazing beauty. These are the views of fly fishing legend and undoubtedly the source of countless pictures and paintings that hang on the walls of those who admire the blue lines on a map that carved these landscapes.
After admiring natures amazing handy work for a few minutes, we suited up and hit the water in search of whatever trout we could fool into thinking our tiny little flies were real food.
In the end, I have no idea how many fish we collectively caught but I can say that there were virtually no stretches of time that one of us wasn't either hooked up, landing a fish, or missing a strike.
We stuck around until just past eight o'clock that evening hoping for a hatch that never really happened but at that point in time, none of us really cared. The day was spectacular and we were all ready to start the long drive home.
With that, here are some pictures to tell the rest of the story
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One of Sam's two brook trout - he was the only one to catch and brookies |
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Woz with a gorgeous brown on a size 16 prince nymph |
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Woz with the only rainbow of the day |
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Woz in motion |
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Another brown for Woz |
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Nick showing them how it's done |
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Nick's favorite brown of the day |
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How pretty is this? |
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Nick and Sam pursue some of the deeper fish |
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Some cows that Sam was afraid of |
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Sam's cow defense system |
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Deer skeleton that blended quite well. I didn't even see it until I almost stepped on it. |
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Packing up and reflecting on the day |
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So long little stream! I'll see you again soon |
Hi, Nick. Always a great time when you can get on the water with a few friends who enjoy the fishing and the comraderie. Some pretty fish and a really pretty looking stream. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, guy who has changed the name of his blog again!
DeleteI can't keep up with you, Mel!! HA HA
That is some beautiful country you guys are in there. Even better that you added some fish to the equation. Great read and pics are amazing!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tom!! I need to get you converted to slinging flies!! With your knack for craftiness, I think you'd really appreciate it.
DeleteLooks like you guys had an awesome time. Wish I could have tagged along with you guys. That brown that you're holding looks like it has some amazing markings...they look big and bold. This post has me itching to get back up there, and soon!
ReplyDeleteWe really did, Justin. If you had smelled Woz's feet after wading all day and not wearing socks, plus having to sit in the back with Sam, your wishes may have changed - be careful what you wish for as they say. LOL
DeleteYou are definitely right though, those browns are absolutely stunning. We got a lot of other pictures of other browns but just a few of them came close to showing how these things really look in real life. One of the most beautiful fish that roams the fresh water.
Haha I still think it would have been worth it, given the weather and great fishing you guys had up there. I totally agree with you on those brown trout. They're gorgeous!
DeleteI just seen seen this hey NICK !!! lol
DeleteHa! How did you even come across this?!
DeleteEnjoyed this, -thanks.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear, Rev!! Thanks for stopping by!
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