DECORAH, IOWA — The Iowa Driftless Chapter of Trout Unlimited has announced the Iowa Driftless Classic. This event is Iowa’s premier trout fishing tournament where participating anglers can win prizes while raising support and awareness for conservation. Registration is open to both fly and spin anglers.
The event is set for September 14, 2024. Anglers will start at Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery, located along Trout Run Creek and have the option to fish many of the best coldwater trout streams in Northeast Iowa.
The entry fee is $200 per team ($100 per person). An entry fee includes an angler’s tournament registration, dinner, drink tickets and more. For the Classic, two-person team tournaments will participate in a semi-virtual competition described as "Catch, Photo, Release," and will use the online platform Fish Donkey App.
This format will allow anglers to explore different waterways of their choosing, spread pressure over a larger geographic area, and ensure safe handling of the fish. County trout fishing guides with detailed stream maps and descriptions are available upon request.
The target fish for this event will be rainbow, brown and brook trout with bonuses for teams able to capture all three species. Prizes include over $3,500 worth of non-cash prizes such as fishing rods, reels, and fly boxes loaded with flies.
Event proceeds will support the Iowa Driftless Chapter of Trout Unlimited where they will use funds raised for in-stream habitat improvements, outreach and education events, as well as expanding public fishing access on trout streams throughout northeast Iowa.
For more information, a full list of rules, or tournament registration, visit www.iowadriftlessclassic.com.
