Iowa
Upper Iowa River at Decorah
Location Snapshot
Upper Iowa River at Decorah is a northeast Iowa river reach at Decorah that combines trout water with a broader river fishery. Brown and rainbow trout are the principal supported targets, with smallmouth bass adding additional species variety to the same fishery.
Current River Rating
Fair · 56
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Timing Evidence
Dawn low light is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 542 CFS
- Gage Height
- 2.29 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 8:45 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 05387500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
Loading readings from the past 7 days…
Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
Loading advisory…
Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
42°F
Feels like
38°F
Wind
3 mph NE
Wind gust
3 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 4:45 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 5 AM
Clear
Temp 42°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Tue 9 AM
Clear
Temp 44°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Tue 1 PM
Clear
Temp 64°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Tue 5 PM
Clear
Temp 64°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 9 PM
Clear
Temp 49°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Wed 1 AM
Clear
Temp 46°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Clear
High 65°F / Low 39°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 11 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Clear
High 69°F / Low 43°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 10 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 70°F / Low 51°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 10 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Overcast
High 70°F / Low 52°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 37 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
Loading historical flow…
Fishing Overview
The Upper Iowa at Decorah is where Iowa divides the river into a stretch above Decorah and a stretch below it.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Upper Iowa River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
Stocking information
- Stocked
Rainbow Trout
Stocked · Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Winneshiek, Iowa
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Winneshiek
Management Category
Northeast Iowa driftless trout river
Regulation Scope
Upper Iowa River at Decorah.
Regulation Summary
Upper Iowa River at Decorah: Iowa DNR inland stream and trout-fee rules on the Decorah public reach. Confirm current official regulations.
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
Access, Parking, and Regulations
Loading access and regulations…