The Upper Iowa River is a premier fishing destination that flows through northeastern Iowa and a small portion of southeastern Minnesota, eventually emptying into the Mississippi River. Known for its scenic beauty with limestone bluffs and forested valleys, the river carves through the unique Driftless Area—a region untouched by glaciers during the last ice age. This geological characteristic creates diverse habitats and cold water conditions that support an exceptional fishery. The river transitions from a typical coldwater stream in its upper sections to a warmer-water system as it approaches the Mississippi, offering anglers varied fishing experiences across its 79-mile length from the Minnesota border through Decorah to the Lower Dam about 11 miles northeast of the city.