Family-Outdoors

After a long, cold winter, Iowa paddlers are itching to get out this spring and enjoy the states many water trails by paddling and fishing. “Many new paddlers don’t realize that even though the air temperature is warm, the water can still be ice cold,” said Todd Robertson, a certified paddling instructor at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “As spring arrives, it takes a while for that water to warm up, making it necessary to have a wetsuit or drysuit and a change of dry clothes in a dry bag in case you dump your boat.” Cold water is not the only danger this time of year. Recent ice breakups have caused many streams to gather downed trees and debris and deposited these “strainers” at the base of bridge pilings and the outside of tight bends in the river. “Having good boat control skills and understanding how to navigate around hazards is crucial to remaining safe while paddling on the rivers,” he said. Safety Tips for Paddling Iowa Rivers  in Early Spring ...

Image via Wikipedia Image via Wikipedia Canoeists and kayakers anxious to hit newly-thawed rivers and lakes across the southern part of the state should consider the potential danger of cold waters, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). With temperatures predicted to be in the 70s for the next several days, many paddlers may be coaxed toward the water. Such weather can prove dangerous, or even deadly, if people don’t consider the consequences of cold water shock and hypothermia that can result from tipping into the water. Even though the air is warm, water temperatures are still in the 40s or lower. “Falling into cold water can cause immediate cold water shock,” according to Tim Smalley, DNR boat and water safety specialist. “That’s when cold water causes you to involuntarily gasp for air. If your head is underwater when that happens, drowning can occur in a few seconds.” The DNR recommends these safety tips for canoeists and kayakers: ·  W...

In early August 2010 we took our "Family End of the Summer Final Fling Trip."  Here is David's reflections on the events... As we arrived at the put in point, I felt the hottest, stickiest air the midwest can offer. The truck thermometer had just shown a temperature of 96 degrees, and the air was so humid you could pour it in a glass and drink it. This would have been very bad news for the next couple of days had we not chosen to float the Big Piney River. This cool, spring-fed stream, besides giving us a great time, would keep us tolerably cool over the next two days. As we were pushing our canoes in the water I had one thought in mind, the same thing that just about always occupies my thoughts: fishing. The Big Piney is an excellent smallmouth bass river, and I was looking forward to trying my hand at catching them. My Dad and my older brother Daniel were surely thinking the same thing, while my Mom was probably wondering how she was going to survive two days of fl...

Image via Wikipedia There is an art to approaching a stream that you have never fished before, and truthfully, fine art is not created by beginners. However, any art student begins with certain fundamentals and then creates his or her own techniques by building on these fundamentals. I would encourage the reader of this article to look into other advice beyond that related here to devise his or her own approach with which they are comfortable. This is how the author advises those whom are new to the sport and are fishing a new area and looking for a methodical approach. Initial Research Know as much about the trout stream as you can. Know what hatches may be occurring at various times of the year. Know which species of trout are present. Try to develop a knowledge of fly types that work on the water you will be fishing. Whether streamer flies, nymphs, or dry flies, try to get as specific information as you can get. Know specific colors and sizes and have as many of tho...

Catch Image via Wikipedia ing bass in the hot summer months is not only possible, it may be the best time to catch bass. There are a couple of things the angler should keep in mind. In this article we will try and dispel some myths and hopefully arm the summertime bass angler with the knowledge and confidence to go catch fish. 1. Bass Fishing Slows Down in the Summer Months Bass do not stop feeding in the summer. On the contrary, bass feed MORE often and digest food faster in warmer temperatures. In fact, evidence seems to suggest that bass fishing slows down in the summer for two reasons. First, fishermen fish fewer hours in the hot summer sun. Less time with your bait in the water means less fish. Second, and the evidence for this is merely anecdotal, fishermen have heard the myths about bass fishing in heat and have less confidence and this negatively impacts their fishing. I can speak from experience that a bait that I had not previously had success with gets fished less we...

As the car crawls down the old, dusty road, I am filled with anticipation. Around the next corner, I will be able to see the stream. There it is. A ghost-like fog hangs over the clear, rushing water. As I leave the car and enter the fresh, crisp world of a spring day, I have a feeling this is going just what I need to get my mind back in a position to face the world at large. I slip my waders on, rig my rod, and begin the short walk to the stream. When I arrive, I reach down and put my hand in the stream. Yes, this is the cold, clean water that I have come to know and love. I quietly wade upstream a few hundred steps, until I reach a pool of beauty beyond describing. A fast riffle rushes in at the top, and the water becomes slow, deep, and a perfect hangout for an elusive wild rainbow. I take a few casts into the pool with no result. Then on the next cast, I feel the sharp pull of a trout. Image via Wikipedia The fish takes a hard run to the other side of the pool. Then it takes the ai...