This Airbnb Has Iowa’s Most Underrated Fishing Spot

While Iowa may not immediately come to mind as a major fly fishing haven, the state’s northeast corner is home to some chilly waters where trout thrive. There’s nothing better than stepping out of your Airbnb to amble down to your own patch of a rolling creek. Imagine casting a line in an underrated fishing spot, where you won’t be competing with other anglers to lure in the big ones. This is exactly what you can do at the serene Trout Lodge Airbnb in Waterville. 

Iowa’s national-park-status-worthy Driftless Area is home to unique geology, scenic landscapes, and the state’s best trout waters. You’ll find plentiful spring-fed creeks, which stay cold enough for trout to live (not always an easy find in the Midwest, where high summer temperatures heat most waterways). Here you’ll find Paint Creek, a hidden gem of a trout run. The rugged bluffs and undulating hills of the Yellow River State Forest create a stunning backdrop as you flick your line into the waters.

Now that you know where you want to go, you need to know where to stay. I’ve found the perfect Airbnb for a fishing adventure in Iowa—fish are even part of the name. Just south of Waterville, Trout Lodge is located directly on Paint Creek, giving you a fishing haven all your own with no need to even leave the land. What could be more convenient?

Not only will you find a picture-perfect fishing hole, you’ll also find a truly great place to stay. The Trout Lodge features a large main cabin that sleeps up to eight and a smaller cabin that sleeps four. Whether you rent the spot with friends and family or just for yourself, you’ll have plenty of room to truly unwind in this peaceful valley, where the Paint Creek lazily rolls through the grasslands and forested hillsides.

While some folks can spend their whole vacation fishing, if that’s not for you, you still won’t be disappointed by the Trout Lodge. You can relax on the wrap-around porch, gather around a campfire, or hop in the hot tub—all while taking in the views. The property also has large open grassy areas, perfect for a game of catch. Make sure to bring your camp chairs so you can take them from the porch to the creekside and back again.

Start your day by making bacon in the large kitchen and end it by grilling freshly caught trout on the BBQ grill. Inside, the main cabin features two bedrooms and a large open gathering space, where you can host family game night or hang out and watch a movie. Kids will especially love the smaller cabin, where a wooden ladder leads to a loft, adding a bit of a treehouse vibe. This space gives kids, friends, or family a little privacy, all while being accessible to the main cabin.

When the demands of the world wear you out, book a stay at the Trout Lodge. Disconnect from life's stressors to reconnect with nature and family. When you stand in the silence along the creek with a fly rod, it’s easy to forget about everything else. Who knew you could find such a serene trout fishing spot in Iowa? Check now to see if Trout Lodge is available for your next fishing excursion!