Decorah Iowa: Guide to Fishing, Paddling, and Camping the Area
Decorah Iowa is a magical place. Towering bluffs and limestone walls, iconic river and stream systems, and a picturesque downtown make up this historic place that is nestled in the Driftless Region. The heritage of Decorah's early Norwegian settlers remain in the city's architecture and continued festivals, setting it apart from other Iowan towns. But main reason why my wife and I continue to return to the area is the tremendous aquatic outdoor activities.
If you like fishing, paddling, or camping, this article will be for you. We will walk you through some of my top rated aquatic actives in Decorah and also offer up some restaurants, cafes, and breweries to check out once you get of the water.
Fishing the Decorah Area
Fishing near Decorah provides opportunities for every type of angler. The Upper Iowa River makes its way through the region and is known for its trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye fishing. Below dam areas are especially a great place to try for walleye, as well as northern pike, and catfish. There are few lakes in the area, so river system will be your best bet. The Iowa DNR provided weekly fishing reports of the area which can be found here.
Although multi-species fishing can be had in Decorah, trout fishing takes the crown and puts the area on the map as a world-class fishery. We will provide a description of the major streams where great trout fishing can be had below:
Upper Iowa River
The Upper Iowa River is truly remarkable. As mentioned, the river has many species present within it, providing opportunities for all types of anglers. For trout fishing, try the area above Decorah which holds Brown and Rainbow Trout. I look for areas with larger and deeper pools situated against rocky outcrops. These area can be found under the limestone bluffs that often come right up to the edge of the riverbank. The Upper Iowa River's size and number of tributary streams does cause muddy conditions at high water levels and rain events so pay attention to the weather report. Area businesses also provide kayaks and canoes to paddle the river. Trout fishing in a boat is a great why to cover the area, as we did in the video below:
North and South Bear Creek, IA
The Bear Creeks are small but mighty streams that run through farm country full all the way up into the Minnesota border. Both creeks are stocked with Brown and Rainbow Trout throughout the season. Bridge-side access points are some of the best ways to get to these streams, but watch for signs describing access laws as Iowa's easement laws come into affect. You do not want to be trespassing, although many Iowa residents who own land next to streams allow you to have some access to area streams. Check out our early season video of North Bear Creek here:
Paint Creeks
About a half an hour drive east of Decorah will take you to Big and Little Paint Creeks. These creeks run through some of the remaining forested areas of Iowa an offer truly wonderful change of scenery. Sections of the Big and Little Paint Creeks are stocked seasonally with Brown and Rainbows. The water quality of this area is excellent, so we would recommend the drive. Here is a short video of our trip to Paint Creek:
Trout Run Creek and Decorah Fish Hatchery
If you are looking for a place to fish with easy access, try Trout Run creek. Located just south of Decorah, Trout Run is another stocked creek and contains both Brown and Rainbow Trout. Running along Trout Run Creek is a paved bike trail, giving easy access to fishermen needing the extra assistance. Trout Run also lies below the Decorah Fish Hatchery, where you can view where area trout are raised. This is a great attraction for individuals with children. You can fish the stream along the hatchery as well, which also provides easy access to angler who need it.
Camping Decorah
Decorah has all the amenities of a modern city, including hotels such as the County Inn and Suites to the Historic Hotel Winneshiek, but we are going to talk about two camping spots right on the Upper Iowa River:
Hutchinson Family Farms Campground
This family-owned campground is a fantastic spot. With tent sites starting at $15 a night, it is economical as well. The campground is located on the banks up the Upper Iowa River in a secluded section of the river valley, providing a very quiet experience. Kayaks can be rented for $25 a day and includes transport up-river for 2, 4, and 6 hour paddle, which ends right at the campgrounds. If you fish during your paddle, as my wife and I did, the 6 hour paddle will give you 8+ hours on the river for fishing.
Chimney Rock Campground
Head further upriver and you will find Chimney Rock Campground. This campground is situated under the towering cliffs of the Upper Iowa River. Sites will run you on $22 on up for a tent site. This campground also has direct access to the Upper Iowa, and does provide boat rentals as well.
Paddling the Upper Iowa River
Looking for water activities other fishing? Paddling/floating the Upper Iowa River is your best bet. There are many floating options to make your trip as short as long as you want it. Local nonprofits have made up some impressive paddling guides which can bring you all the way to the mouth of the Mississippi. Both Chimney Rock Campground and Hutchinson Family Farms can provide kayak rentals for those needing equipment.
Downtown Decorah: Places to Eat and Drink
Once you off the river, head on over to downtown Decorah. Driftless towns are quite unique in that their architecture is noticeably different than many Midwestern areas. Decorah is not exception to this, and you will soon pick up on the Noregien influences that took root in the area. Downtown has some fantastic options to eat and drink, and though this isn't a completed list of what all you can do, below are the places that I would recommend to going to get some food and drinks:
Bakery: Beyond the Bar. Do you like dessert bars? Hopefully you know what I am talking about (sometimes my Midwestern friends look at me funny when I talk about bars). Beyond the bar bakery has a fantastic assortment of bakery items as is a place I also stop at when driving through the Decorah area.
Bar and Grill: T-Bock's Bar and Grill is my go-to place to get a burger in downtown Decorah. It has got a great atmosphere and is a classic midwestern bar.
Coffee: There are many solid coffee houses spots in Decorah, but my two favorite are: Magpie Cafe and Coffee House and Java John's Coffee House. Java Johns has some solid coffee along with other food items for purchase. It has a more rustic and historic feel, which is appreciated. Mapgpie's also has some great food and atmosphere, and I'd recommend this place if you're looking for a specialty coffee drinks. My wife's favorite is their Bianco Espresso drink called White Zombie, which I admittedly end up stealing much of it away from her.
Breweries: Iowa breweries have been making names for themselves in the last couple decades. Decorah has two fantastic examples of Iowan breweries, which are Pulpit rock brewery and Toppling Goliath. My personal favorite is Pulpit Rock, which is located near the downtown area is provides a smaller atmosphere. Their beer is excellent and they provide some of the more classic options. My wife's favorite Decorah brewery is Toppling Goliath, and there is no denying that the brewery and tap-room is iconic in the area. If you are looking tastes that you have never tried before, Toppling Goliath is for you. Their taproom food (specifically their pizza) is also fantastic as well.
Conclusions
Between the great fishing, paddling options, scenery, and food and drink options, I promise that you will not be disappointed when visiting Decorah. I always find new activities and new appreciations for the Driftless area when I visit, and I confident you will too.