I am sorry to say that I am not going to be able to set up a get together this fall. I am going to be having my knee replacement replaced hopefully with a good one this time.

Happy paddling to all.

Wow.didnt you just have that done a couple years ago???

I do recall you were having problems, another surgery and the knee at that:-(!
As to the fall wing night last year's location was a great location, but anywhere with water, trees and room for a group of fun loving folks sounds good. I have a couple bad weekends, but am mostly open for October and early November. Who else is in?

Plumbbob,
Hope this knee goes much better and you'll be spending lots of time on the water.
When is your surgery?
I enjoyed last years wing night. (especially the excited bank fishermen yelling out the Iowa/OSU scores as we paddled by.) I am definitely up for another.

Ben,
How are you and the Rockstar doing on these Iowa rivers? We should get together and paddle one. I'm paddling/camping the Maquoketa River this weekend with a couple of first timers.

Yeah it's the same knee. It went South after about 6 months. Been dealing with a lot of pain and being unable to do certain things. Been dealing with this for a year and a half now. Time to get it fixed right I hope.

Do you have to be from the Quad cities or are you guys open to ex Iowans? Was in Muscatine on Monday to pick up my Ezee boat steps on my way to Lutsen. Turned my 12+ hour trip into a 16 hr drive.

Anyone know what rivers the Mudbugs fish? Doesn't look like the Cedar or the upper Wapsi, just curious. Grew up in Clinton and lived near Cedar Rapids, can't figure out what rivers they fish.

Those get-togethers are open to anyone who can get there. Bhouse travels from DesMoines area; DwnStrm from Muscatine, I think. Old Salt came down from Minnesota to one, and he brought some great Alaska fish, too.
Hope the new knee work goes well for you, PlumbBob!

Quacker1, Most of the good trout fishing is in Northeast Iowa. There are a couple dozen trout streams. Several streams are near Decorah.
Iowa Trout Stream Map
The Yellow River also has a trout population, probably the most beautiful and remote option, but maybe not the most trout. There is a section of the Turkey River next to the trout hatchery that draws a number of fishermen. Bloody Run seems to be the favorite of the guys I know here in Muscatine.

Rtallent,
Are you and Vern back from Hudson Bay? Trip Report?

Yep, Was a great trip! Think Vern will be doing a trip report. Fired up to do more nearby paddling, this fall.

Depends on when you have a get together weather or not I will be able to make it. I don't think I will be able to do to much until about mid October or so.

That could be good: campgrounds thin out. Wally 13: any ideas about eastern Iowa?

rtallent: "Yep, Was a great trip! Think Vern will be doing a trip report. Fired up to do more nearby paddling, this fall."

Ray, I am dying to hear about your expedition paddling/portaging up to Hudson Bay.

DownStrm: "

rtallent: "Yep, Was a great trip! Think Vern will be doing a trip report. Fired up to do more nearby paddling, this fall."

Ray, I am dying to hear about your expedition paddling/portaging up to Hudson Bay."

Me, too.

I have been told there are some nice rivers in NE Iowa and the Rockstar is looking for chance to get out of the garage. I have looked into some of the parks and good group options exist. To anyone in that area, what could we expect for water levels and options to do a river float?

jcavenagh: "

DownStrm: "

rtallent: "Yep, Was a great trip! Think Vern will be doing a trip report. Fired up to do more nearby paddling, this fall."

Ray, I am dying to hear about your expedition paddling/portaging up to Hudson Bay."

Me, too."

I'll put something up in trip reports. Meanwhile, I like Ben's (Bhouse's) idea for a fall paddle and get-together. I need to do some work on Ben's Magic that he sold me, but it is good to go, even so.

plumbbob: "Yeah it's the same knee. It went South after about 6 months. Been dealing with a lot of pain and being unable to do certain things. Been dealing with this for a year and a half now. Time to get it fixed right I hope. "

is that what they mean when they talk about your third leg? :)

rtallent: "Yep, Was a great trip! Think Vern will be doing a trip report. Fired up to do more nearby paddling, this fall."

Your talking Vern Fish? He's a pretty good guy to trip with.. did Jerry from Cook go too?

Has anyone proposed possible dates?

nctry: "

rtallent: "Yep, Was a great trip! Think Vern will be doing a trip report. Fired up to do more nearby paddling, this fall."

Your talking Vern Fish? He's a pretty good guy to trip with.. did Jerry from Cook go too?"

Yep. But Jerry was not along on this one. Vern did do a Quetico trip with Jerry earlier in the summer. Vern does a lot of trips.

As of now, I could probably do any weekend in October. I don’t want to plan this. To get the discussion moving, I am ok with Lake McBride, though it’s a bit far for me.

Another suggestion is for Pike’s Peak SP near McGregor and Prairie du Chien, WI. It might entice some Cheeseheads to cross over. It’s on the Mississippi with paddling and fishing and has some good hiking trails. It’s even reachable by those in the Twin Cities.

Just my 2c.

Just a quick note to let you know. Everything went well I have a new joint costom made one of a kind. Just like me, LOL. Looking down the long road to recovery.

Good deal!

old_salt: "As of now, I could probably do any weekend in October. I don’t want to plan this. To get the discussion moving, I am ok with Lake McBride, though it’s a bit far for me.


Another suggestion is for Pike’s Peak SP near McGregor and Prairie du Chien, WI. It might entice some Cheeseheads to cross over. It’s on the Mississippi with paddling and fishing and has some good hiking trails. It’s even reachable by those in the Twin Cities.


Just my 2c."

+1 for McBride

I would come from central Illinois to McBride. Had fun at the mini-wing there last year. Also lets me visit my college student at UofIowa.

Great news Bob, I will huff and puff up a fire if you show up at wing.
McBride was a good time with plenty of wood, good camping sites and a nice lake. I am still open for areas a little farther northeast but will rely on locals to be more specific.
The only bad weekend for me in October is the 27-28th and November is open except for Thanksgiving weekend. Let's set a date.

Great news on the surgery, now the fun starts.

I hope we can do this in October. Any later and we lose DST and the weather gets dicey.

Third weekend of October is now out for me. Let’s set a date.

Ok date is set. How about where

Did I miss something? What’s the dates?

old_salt: "Did I miss something? What’s the dates?"

I miss read your post. I thought it said you wanted the third weekend. Sorry my mistake

No problem! I thought you were being ‘funny’, picking the date I can’t come.

How about last weekend of October? Does that work?

As for places, I’m not familiar with Iowa enough to know. Anything within a reasonable drive from Rochester.

bhouse46: "I have been told there are some nice rivers in NE Iowa and the Rockstar is looking for chance to get out of the garage. I have looked into some of the parks and good group options exist. To anyone in that area, what could we expect for water levels and options to do a river float?"

I live in Decorah - depends on what the weather is like, but if you want to bank on a float (and decent fishing) I would absolutely recommend the Upper Iowa River. The area around Bluffton is the most scenic, absolutely gorgeous.

Here is a great site, gives info on the route and includes links for water level:
Miles Paddled

You can find the new paddle guide to the upper Iowa in the link:
Here

Reach out to me if you need other recommendations, fishing tips, etc.

Any suggestions for a camping place to gather? State Parks, etc?

October 26-28? Bluffton area?

Some camping options in the Bluffton area: We have usually camped at Chimney Rock Canoe Rental and Camp. There are limestone bluffs right across the river from the tent. It is $20 per tent, so we have used larger tents, when camping there. Randy's and Hruska's also provide camping nearby.

Chimney Rock Park (county park) is just upstream with river access, has pit toilets, and is free primitive camping. I'm not sure how many it will hold.

Kendallville County Park is upstream and open thru October. $10 per tent. Sometimes there is not enough water to put in at Kendallville.

Decorah has a city park, Pulpit Rock, on the river. $15 per tent and open until Nov 4.

Several bridges were out when we paddled in May. The Cattle Gate Road bridge, Chimney Rock Road bridge, and the bridge by the Hutchinson Family Farm/campground were out. Also, cell service is extremely limited when shuttling on these roads.

DownStrm: "Some camping options in the Bluffton area: We have usually camped at Chimney Rock Canoe Rental and Camp. There are limestone bluffs right across the river from the tent. It is $20 per tent, so we have used larger tents, when camping there. Randy's and Hruska's also provide camping nearby.

Chimney Rock Park (county park) is just upstream with river access, has pit toilets, and is free primitive camping. I'm not sure how many it will hold.

Kendallville County Park is upstream and open thru October. $10 per tent. Sometimes there is not enough water to put in at Kendallville.

Decorah has a city park, Pulpit Rock, on the river. $15 per tent and open until Nov 4.

Several bridges were out when we paddled in May. The Cattle Gate Road bridge, Chimney Rock Road bridge, and the bridge by the Hutchinson Family Farm/campground were out. Also, cell service is extremely limited when shuttling on these roads. "

I agree with all said above. Randy's and Hruska's are convenient as they are right next to each other and at a good take out spot just after "calendar corner". They can get a little loud, though this would probably be not as much as a problem in October.

We like Hutchinson Family Farm Campground, as it is quieter and less touristy. It is basically a big open field with some nice sites near the river that have some limited shade and trees. It is actually nice that their bridge is closed, you don't get the dust and traffic over the bridge as before. It is also right on the river, so is an easy place to take out - though depending on the water levels may be another 1-2 hr paddle from Bluffton downstream. However, with a group, shuttling would be easy.

It is about a 2 hr paddle from the Chimney Rock Road put in to Bluffton, which has to be accessed from Bluffton Road as the bridge is out. If you all decide to come up here for a group night, I am happy to help with what I can. Decorah is a fun little town - lots to see and do, including Pulpit Rock Brewery and Toppling Goliath - I'd recommend grabbing some growlers for after your paddle. ;)

Fishing can be excellent in the river - we did the paddle down to Bluffton a month ago and I caught two nice brown trout and a smallie working my way down. If you know where to look, find the holes, walleye can be found.

Hi Scott,
How much of a beating do you think I would put on a Kevlar Bell Magic, if I brought that to paddle (realizing it is not the optimal small stream craft, by any means...)?

rtallent: "Hi Scott,
How much of a beating do you think I would put on a Kevlar Bell Magic, if I brought that to paddle (realizing it is not the optimal small stream craft, by any means...)?"

It totally depends on the water levels, and which section(s) you select. Flow usually dips in the fall, but highly variable depending on rainfall. Right now it's rockin'. If you head up this way you are welcome to give me a shout and I'll let you know. My email is stimm@iastate.edu. Otherwise - check out the USGS current conditions here, you need at least 150 cfs to not be walking it:
Bluffton Gauge

Off topic, but... your email is via Ames (Iowa State) and you are up at Decorah. Gotta be a story there.

I had previously posted the 27-28th are out for me. Sorry I did not post sooner, but have been visiting family in Colorado. I can come in on the 20th for that weekend or do the first weekend, the 6-7th but that is only one week after the big event in Minnesota. Since the 2nd weekend, the 13-14th will not work for Old Salt we are left with the 6-7th or the 20-21st and I would vote for the later.

The options on the Iowa River are appealing. I use a hammock so trees are a must and do have a warbonnet set up if anyone wants to try it out. With all the rain I am sure levels are high and some fun rapids, perhaps too much so?

Can we get a consensus on date?

old_salt: "Third weekend of October is now out for me. Let’s set a date."

October 19-21 is out for me, but if it works for most, go ahead and plan it. I can possibly slip away for a few hours.

October 13-14 is ok for me.

Whatever you guys settle on, I will shoot to make it.

If you have never paddled the Upper Iowa River near Chimney Rock, you need to make this. It is so beautiful, you won't believe you're still in Iowa. October is my tough month at work, so I may not be able to make this one.

rtallent: "Off topic, but... your email is via Ames (Iowa State) and you are up at Decorah. Gotta be a story there."

I am a state-wide Extension guy with Iowa State University. After 9 years in SE Iowa, I was lucky enough to have an opportunity to relocate to NE Iowa. Great schools for the kiddos and closer to my folks in the Twin Cities. Oh, and then there's the fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and hunting. Life is good, we are blessed!

Ah, mystery solved. Extension has lots of great programs.

Is there someone in Iowa who can coordinate this? Perhaps everyone interested in participating can post their availability dates? And location preference? If Decorah area is not too far away from Quads, the float sounds like a good idea. We need to decide on a campground and dates. I’m pretty flexible on dates and location. A picnic shelter would be nice if it rains as a gathering place.

old_salt: "Is there someone in Iowa who can coordinate this? Perhaps everyone interested in participating can post their availability dates? And location preference? If Decorah area is not too far away from Quads, the float sounds like a good idea. We need to decide on a campground and dates. I’m pretty flexible on dates and location. A picnic shelter would be nice if it rains as a gathering place."

So, as mentioned, I can pitch in if it is needed/helpful and we choose the Upper Iowa as a spot. I can scout and call around for locations and see if I can secure something to fit needs, though many campgrounds are first come/first served up here. That being said, I can zip out early on a Friday or Saturday morning and stake out a large area. Also, I have never attended one of these events, so a list of what the weekend looks like and what the group needs will be, what to expect, etc. would be super helpful. If someone can provide some guidance, I'm on it. With the exception of prime bowhunting, all my weekends in October are free, so the sooner people can respond with free dates the better. I can probably, if lucky hunting, bring my Pit Barrel Cooker to the campsite and smoke a bunch of venison for one evening. My son expressed a lot of interest in a campout and my wife showed interest as well, so I think we are in.

And quad cities is 3hrs from Decorah.

Sounds like October 13-14 may work for Old Salt and Bhouse....? I am good for then, also.
Scott, my experience with a few of these in eastern Iowa/ western Illinois is that it can be hard to have an accurate headcount until right on top of the thing. PlumbBob put time and effort in to planning several in past years and sometimes had fewer than expected show up (I am as guilty of that as any). They are a lot of fun, though. At present, looks like it might only be a few or 6 people, but the get-togethers can increase at the last instance. Some folks may only be able to show for an evening...
Most folks bring camping gear and canoe, and it should not be hard to work out a shuttle for a few hour (?) paddle. We also bring various stuff to cook and have a potluck on Saturday night. Nice thing about October is that it can be easier to get campsites, although I was surprised to find Yellow River Forest campground pretty full, one weekend last October...

Ray, that’s a good general plan.

Scott, you sound willing to find a place to gather. The second weekend of October is about as good as it gets. Go ahead and work out logistics and post back when you have something. Alaska fish sounds great. I’ll check the freezer.

Yep, your halibut disappeared last time before I could try a piece, but the silver salmon sure was good! I could cook some humble beans... They also make some good bread, here in IC.

The weekend of the 13th, 14th sounds good and is in my books. And early thanks to Scott for locating a place. NW Iowa sounds awesome.
I am excited that rains will have the river levels up...I do hope not too much so. The Rockstar has been itching to get into a river again.
I can bring a peach pie or if enough sign up a second pie and will fix an egg bake in the dutch oven for breakfast that can feed at least five of us.

I will plan on a day trip up there and sit around the camp fire with you

Sounds good. October 13-14 it is, and I'll do some checking on potential spots on the Upper Iowa between Decorah and Kendallville - I'll try to do some recon this weekend or early next week. I'm guessing Pulpit Rock or Hutchinson might be best, and at least one person needs trees for a hammock. Sounds like the group will be between 6-15 people, and some sort of a pavilion or larger shelter would be good in case it rains. Can I assume that the best option would be free camping, but $15 is not too much if that is the better option (more trees, shelter, etc)? Sometimes the private sites are nice because they allow you to use their private landing and they have better facilities. I'll mark the 13/14 in my calendar, and reply as soon as I get a site nailed down. Happy to welcome you all to NE Iowa and hang out.

I am reasonably sure I can be there... looking forward to it!
Scott - thanks for doing the leg work! Also, I can't wait to hear about Ray's far north trip.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Wally 13 signs up when he returns from his canoe trip. ;-)

My wife and I are near Muscatine but always can use an excuse to paddle the Upper Iowa. That'll be in the middle of harvest so we won't know if we can come till the day or two before and can see the forecast.

Thanks Scott! Camping fee such as $15 OK here...

I’m fine with camping fees and I think most folks are ok with it.

fee okay here. kinda sucks it costs more than the BWCA, but perhaps we too often overlook how good it is.

Bump.

So after doing some looking around, I think Chimney Rock Canoe Rental and Campground may serve our needs best. Deb has offered a reduced rate as we are just a few days before their fall prices - $15/tent or $7.50/hammock. They have a pavilion by the river, a simple rec-center if the weather is really fowl, and she said it will likely be quiet or we might have the place to ourselves. She doesn't need a reservation, has penciled us in for the 13th/14th of October, she just would like an update on numbers the week before so she knows what to expect. It is a nice spot right on the river, so if folks wanted to paddle we could put in right there and it's about 2hrs to Bluffton, depending on water levels. The bridge is out to the north of her, there are alternative directions on the website, which you should check before coming up. Sound good to folks?

Here is their website:
Chimney Rock Canoe Rental and Campground

Sounds good here. Thanks for your work! (I like that part of the directions that says: Do Not Rely on GPS... :)

Thanks Scott! Looks like a great choice. Looking forward to it.

cyclones30: "My wife and I are near Muscatine but always can use an excuse to paddle the Upper Iowa. That'll be in the middle of harvest so we won't know if we can come till the day or two before and can see the forecast. "

Come ahead, if conditions allow! And hope your harvest is good (i.e., some dry weather for a while).

I am going to try and make it up there Saturday if possible.

If there’s gonna be a planned paddle, it would be nice to know when and where to meet...

I can contribute Alaska smoked red (sockeye) salmon, along with crackers and cheese.

Bring your own wine...

I didn't realize i was in such close proximity to many of you. Living near the Tipton area I'm some what close to the QC, IA City and Muscatine.

I will attend Wing Night Oct 13-14th. Beautiful location.

One concern is that I have a Bell Magic Kevlar solo canoe which is flat water lake canoe. I am not sure how it matches up with paddling the Upper Iowa? Is the area of the Upper Iowa that we plan to paddle ... rocky ? swift current ?

Maybe I could hook up with someone who has a Royalex or aluminum tandem canoe that can better handle river paddling?

Rs130754: "I didn't realize i was in such close proximity to many of you. Living near the Tipton area I'm some what close to the QC, IA City and Muscatine."

Plan to head north and join the fun!

Glad to hear you can make it Mike. Yeah...and RS130754 join up and have some fun, too.
I also am interested in who would want to do some time on the river and when that will work. I can carry two canoes or one canoe and one kayak with the rack system I have. Sunrise is about 7:30 and sunset about 6:30. We could float Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning, or both.

Mike and others,

It looks like they have rental canoes. From pictures, they appear to be aluminum. The rate is $40 per day. Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning would work. If two share a canoe, that works out to $20 each. For my money, that makes sense. I am willing to share a rental. This includes transportation of canoes.

You can still bring your own seat, paddle, and PFD.

I'll let them know that we will likely be renting a canoe or two. I might have a couple of the cheap plastic kayaks I could lend as well. I have a trailer that can fit two canoes and a couple of kayaks. We can put in right from the campground, hire them to shuttle or do it ourselves. Maybe closer to that weekend we can set the paddle day according to weather, or just plan on one day or the other. Doesn't matter to me.

And if you are thinking of fishing the Upper Iowa - I've had best luck with panther martin spinners and small Rapalas for trout. Typical smallie tackle works for smallies, and those same small to medium Rapalas for walleye. For walleye, you really need to find deep holes to get them. These usually occur around bridges or river bends. No leeches up here, though worms can be found.

We could plan for Saturday, with Sunday as a rain day or an alternate day...

Scottim

I have a kayak paddle and I would like to reserve one of your plastic Kayaks if you will have one available to use. A plastic kayak would be the bomb for the Upper Iowa. Let me know.

Thanks for putting this together.

I am still planning to be there. I doubt I will be bringing the Northwind solo, so will probably rent and am open to doubling up with someone.
We are going in at Moose River North on Sept 23 and head to Iron. After returning, I will confirm my plans for the wing ding on the Upper Iowa ... really looking forward to it!

I'll probably watch the river gauge and decide at a closer date. If it is higher, say above 250cfs, I may use the Magic. Otherwise, will pair in with someone on a tandem.

Or I can hook up with someone and rent a tandem ... open to any option.

I'm pretty sure I won't be able to get away from work, but I would feel much better if at least my canoe got to join in the fun. My royalex 16' Prospector would love to catch a ride to the festivities. I live in Muscatine, but work right on I-80 at Exit 284. Someone probably drives by there everyday. It already has lots of character (scratches), so no worries about adding more.

I am still planning on coming up on Saturday. What time do you think you'll have the pot luck dinner at. And would you like me to bring.

I doubt if there’s any official time for dinner. Just bring a comfortable chair and whatever food you want. A lantern may prove helpful, along with a stove if you’re cooking anything. Or a charcoal grill. Mike tells some great fish stories.

Might want to retitle this thread. Perhaps Tri-State Wing Night, given proximity to Minnesota and Wisconsin. I bet a lot of folks aren’t reading this because of Quad Cities. Just a thought...

"Greater Quad Cities Area Wingnite" :)

I agree - there could be a decent crowd from MN - we're only 2hrs from the twin cities, 20 miles to the MN border. 45 min to the WI border. Maybe start a new thread?

Why don't I start a new thread, link it to this one?

scotttimm: "Why don't I start a new thread, link it to this one?"

That makes better sense. Thanks.

2nd thread started here:
Tri state midwest wingnight

I HIGHLY recommend folks pick up a growler in Decorah, Pulpit Rock or Toppling Goliath, for Saturday eve. Pulpit is only a couple blocks away for me, and our favorite!