What flies are hatching on the Paint Creek right now?

Current and seasonal hatches on the Paint Creek include Blue-Winged Olive, Hendrickson, Sulphur. Use the AI Hatch Advisor on this page for a live, temperature-aware recommendation.

What's the current flow on the Paint Creek?

The Paint Creek is running at 14.4 CFS at the Bloody Run Creek near Marquette (proxy) gauge. Readings update every 15 minutes from the USGS Water Services API.

Is the Paint Creek fishable today?

Paint Creek is rated marginal right now. Flow is 14.4 CFS at the Bloody Run Creek near Marquette (proxy) gauge. Go in prepared — heavier tippet, cautious wading, or target edges and seams.

Paint Creek Fly Fishing Conditions

Live Conditions

Paint Creek — Bloody Run Creek near Marquette (proxy)

Marginal

14.4CFS

Discharge

4.08ft

Gauge Height

—

Water Temp

Updated 36 min agoView on USGS ↗

7-Day Flow

↓ Falling

RisingFallingStable

24-Hr Pressure

28.83 inHg · → High/stable

Falling (good)RisingHigh/stable

Local Weather

79°FPartly cloudy

Wind 5 mph28.83 inHg Low & stable

Tough conditions — fish deep

Today

🌧️

Rain

77° / 67°

0.11"

Tomorrow

☁️

Overcast

87° / 69°

Tue

☁️

Overcast

91° / 67°

Wed

☁️

Overcast

87° / 68°

Weather by Open-Meteo · No API key · Updated every 30 min

What should I fish today?

⚡ AI

AI-powered recommendation using today's live flow, temperature, and hatch data.

6

Time of Day

Using: 14.4 CFS · BWOs returning

What should I pack?

Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's Paint Creek conditions.

🪰 Hatch Calendar

Paint Creek · September · Early Fall

Full calendar →

Showing typical dates — water temperature data unavailable for live hatch predictions.

Select month

JanDec

BWOs returning (size 18-20). Tricos continuing. Cool nights, active wild browns.

Blue-Winged OliveTrico

River Map

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USGS Gauge (click for site ID)Fishing Access / SectionScroll to zoom disabled — use map controls

About Paint Creek

Paint Creek in Allamakee County is a small northeast Iowa Driftless spring creek with strong populations of wild brown trout and brook trout in cold headwater reaches. Less famous than Bear Creek or Bloody Run but consistently productive. Cold limestone-spring water in classic coulee terrain — short rods, stealth, and small flies.

Blue-Winged OliveHendricksonSulphurCaddisTricoTerrestrials

Regulations

Iowa fishing license required (~$22 resident annual + ~$14.50 trout stamp; 2026 fee changes — verify current rates on Iowa DNR before publishing). Year-round trout season on most NE Iowa streams. 5-fish daily limit on most streams. Verify Allamakee County special-regulation sections in current Iowa DNR trout regulations.

Learn More

Guides to help you fish Paint Creek with more confidence.