The Driftless Region of Northeast Iowa is blessed with incredible fishing opportunities and getting active with the Iowa Spring Creeks Chapter is one of the best ways to meet passionate anglers eager to share their knowledge on where to go, how to improve your skills and what to use to find success fishing the rivers and streams we work together to restore.
Listed below are some of our best local and nearby waters with information on the fishing opportunities all around the area. Always be sure to check the state fishing regulations here and never hesitate to attend a Iowa Spring Creeks Chapter event to meet people who can answer your questions.
Fountain Springs & Twin Bridges
Fountain Springs and Twin Bridges are county parks along Elk Creek in Clayton and Delaware counties. Sometimes referred to as Fountain Springs Creek, in many areas the stream has the classic riffles, run, then a pool. In many areas you can park close to the stream, while other sections require you to walk the stream edge to access trout fishing areas.
The upper section, flowing through Fountain Springs park, is a small stream that harbors a good population of wild Brown trout as well as stocked Rainbows.
Along a section of the Twin Bridges park there is a walking trail offering easy access to the creek. In summer 2025 there was a stream improvement project above the campground at Twin Bridges. This project stabilized the bank, increased flow and placed boulders in the stream for habitat. Other improvement projects are in the works for the future.
Many of the stream sections are heavily silt laden so steer clear of any areas that have a muddy stream edge.
You will find the stream holds a good population of wild Brown trout and at times, abundant stocked Rainbow trout.
Turkey River – Big Spring
Public fishing is welcome at the Big Spring Fish Hatchery on the Turkey River 10 miles Northwest of Elkader. A short walk from the parking area on well maintained trails lead to 1 mile of access on the Turkey. The area also has a kids only pond with stocked trout open to kids up to 15 years old. The Hatchery and grounds are owned and maintained by the Iowa DNR and includes a public campground area.
Big Spring is the largest cold water spring in Iowa pumping out 20,000 to 30,000 gallons per minute making the river suitable for trout year round. Anglers will find mostly rainbows, but brown trout are not uncommon. All types of tactics can be effective here including live bait, spinners, jigs and flies. Most fishing is done from the bank, but the river can be wadable at lower flows. This is a popular trout destination so consider fishing on weekdays, but there is plenty of room to find a spot even on the busiest days.