Lions Club hears about trout fishing and guiding in Northeast Iowa

Craig Spilde, Decorah Lions President, with Kent Kleckner

For many, fly fishing for trout brings visions of mountain streams in the Rockies, the traditional trout waters New England or perhaps even the cold waters of Scotland, but Kent Kleckner says that there are plenty of quality trout fishing opportunities here in Northeast Iowa.

Kleckner owns and operates Bear Creek Anglers and is a fly fishing guide and instructor in the Decorah area.  He told the Decorah Lions that there are fewer fly fishing guides in Iowa than there are Republican candidates for President. 

He talked about the economic impact of the trout fishery for businesses supplying lodging, food and supplies in the area and efforts of the Iowa DNR, the Driftless  Area Trout Unlimited organization and individuals to improve trout habitat.  He has guided fishers from throughout Iowa and surrounding states who have come to the area strictly for fishing and has had customers from across the country who may have been visiting for other reasons, but had heard about the opportunity and decided to check it out.

Bear Creek Anglers offers half-day trips for $150, full-day trips for $250 (which also include lunch on the stream bank) and evening trips.  Kleckner prefers to guide one person at a time so that the client can receive his full attention.

He usually takes his customers to North or South Bear or Waterloo Creek, where they can get away from the crowds and enjoy some fantastic scenery.

He provides rods and flies and instruction on casting, line management and how to land, safely handle and release fish.  Kent explained how fly fishers are constantly watching for and get excited about what insects are hatching or active in the area so that they can match that with the fly they are tying to the end of their line.  Bear Creek Anglers practices catch and release fishing only.

Kent Kleckner's website is www.BearCreekAnglers.com