For fishing the tiny headwaters of streams such as the West Beaver in Minnesota, or the mid-sized reaches of the Waterloo in Iowa, a 3-weight rod is ideal. Medium- to fast-action rods at least 71/2-feet long are capable of handling weighted flies and keeping your backcast out of the bankside vegetation. Casting distances are generally short and rising trout usually are taking small flies, #18 and smaller, from the surface and film. For fishing larger rivers with minnow imitations, leeches, and large terrestrial patterns, a 4- or 5-weight rod with medium to fast action is best.

For these small, intimate creeks, I prefer a quiet reel. Judging by the reactions of small birds and animals nearby, a loud reel must sound like an alarm call. On these streams, I also prefer a dull gray or green fly line that does not frighten fish. A George Harvey-style leader with a stiff butt and terminal section of softer material with tippets 4X through 7X works best for me on these streams.

FUZZBALL

HOOK: #18-20 Tiemco 921. THREAD: Rusty dun 8/0 UNI-Thread. TAIL: Wood duck flank fibers. ABDOMEN: Olive-gray beaver. WING: Snowshoe hare's foot fibers. THORAX: Same as abdomen.

Waist-high, breathable stocking-foot waders, kneepads, and wading boots that have the sticky rubber soles (such as Aquastealth from L. L. Bean or Simms) are a good combination for coulee-area streams. The waist height rarely limits stream crossing, yet it allows you to sit on the bank (even in the stream on hot days) without getting a wet butt as with hip boots. The sticky rubber-soled boots perform well on wet, grassy banks and snow.

The limestone spring creeks of the Driftless Area have great appeal to the fly fisher who values high quality streams, challenging fishing and beautiful surroundings.