3 Days Camping + Fishing the Driftless (THIS Is the Midwest?)

[@tenkarapondfishing4611]

So glad you posted this beautiful video, to show us fly and tenkara anglers....there's more to life than trout. I go bluegill, bass, and even crappie fishing with a fly or tenkara rod all the time....and have a blast doing it.

[@FlickyFlies]

Heck yeah! A big tenkara rod for carp is still my most thrilling fishing of all time. They are also so perfect for having fun with sunfish, and bass can put up an awesome challenge depending on the rod! Totally agree. Thanks for commenting.

[@michaelsmith7193]

What a wonderful outing you shared! That natural soundtrack brought back memories of Ohio Valley smallmouth streams of my youth. And by the way, that lovely fish at about 19:35 appeared to be the common shiner (Luxilus cornutus). Can’t be 100% sure, but that’s most likely given the locale and habitat where you caught it. Your work is visually compelling, as always.

[@FlickyFlies]

Funny enough, living in Colorado now ... I really enjoyed listening to all the birds during the edit as well. Reminds me of my time living back east. I used to be able to identify every bird species I'd come across by song alone. I'm rustier now, especially out here in Colorado. Thanks for the ID. I really enjoyed that shiner ... along with the hornyhead chub. Cool catching new to me species, for sure.

[@nextlevelangling]

I'm dying to get out there and chase the smallies with my new Tenkara rods. Unfortunately, it's still damn cold here in Michigan, smallies should be coming into the rivers in the next 2-4 weeks though! Great video.

[@FlickyFlies]

Soon!! Thanks for dropping by and leaving another comment!

[@tenkaraintheiowadriftless]

Great video Chris! Thanks for the memories. Seems like forever since the Driftless creeks had decent flow volume. Due to the drought, so many of them now are down to a trickle and suffering from beaver dam atherosclerosis.

[@FlickyFlies]

Oh no! Hopefully you guys will be in for some nice prolonged wet weather soon.

[@teslah2997]

I love your vids so much! So inspiring for catching fish and so relaxing to watch!

[@FlickyFlies]

Thanks so much! That's my goal, so glad you like them!

[@stevewalcott9546]

Great video Chris! Loved the mix of smallie and trout fishing. You are truly living the life!

[@FlickyFlies]

Appreciate it Steve! I definitely feel that way a lot of the time :)

[@rambling_rob7035]

Great stuff, Chris. Got to get a head net and stick it your pack. Wish I'd known of the Driftless when I lived back there. Love the sound of your line singing in the breeze. I sometimes miss the Midwest, just not the grey winters and humid dog days. Cheers.

[@FlickyFlies]

I have one, too! Just didn't think to bring it for some foolish reason. Since I've backed off from music in my videos I've really been digging being able to hear the tenkara line sing as well! Thanks for watching.

[@c.p.1688]

Good video, again. You are such a talented video maker! Thanks!

[@FlickyFlies]

Appreciate you my friend! So glad you're digging all the videos.

[@oldsmugglerflyfishing]

Great video mate

[@FlickyFlies]

Appreciate it my friend!

[@tenkarapondfishing4611]

Those beautiful stacked cliff formations at about 21:00. Limestone?

[@FlickyFlies]

Indeed! Love a nice lush limestone cliff. Reminds me of where I grew up in Upstate New york, too.

[@MrRourk]

The bird was giving fly recommendations

[@FlickyFlies]

What fly was he recommending?!

[@MrRourk]

Looked like a green caterpillar

[@FlickyFlies]

@@MrRourk Ah yes!! I get you. For sure! What's that green fly that's popular in Pennsylvania again? Said to mimic an inchworm. Perhaps one of those would have fit the bill. Not that the fish were too picky :)

[@carlosandreblatt]

Shared 🤩🔥

[@FlickyFlies]

Thanks so much Carlos!

[@nextlevelangling]

When you set your second camera up at a spot to film yourself fishing, what do you typically use? A tripod, flexible tree mount, or something else?

[@FlickyFlies]

A tripod! I'm using the Gitzo 1541T carbon fiber pod. It's a bit old these days but crazy stiff for the weight. One of the true luxuries that I have, and it really is nice that it's on the lighter side when I'm moving it around all day.

[@nextlevelangling]

@@FlickyFlies Thank you 🙏

[@MCS-pe7gr]

Come fish the Minnesota side. I love your videos and would love to see what you can do on my home waters: the tributaries of the Root River in Southeast MN.

[@FlickyFlies]

I'd love to! It's on the list for sure.

[@GaryChang1959]

I have Tenkara Rod -SATO ,Nice Creek !

[@FlickyFlies]

Gotta try that one still! Thanks for watching.

[@ronaldhoppus9015]

First time in the Driftless and you are able to fish 3 awesome areas. How do you find them? Also looks like you wear crocks and normal pants. How are you not freezing and losing your shoes in muck? Always enjoy your videos. Thanks

[@FlickyFlies]

I'm pretty obsessed with researching! I like to look at satellite maps and follow the feeder creeks that flow into bigger stuff. Usually my Croc Bistros (gotta be the Bistro model - really good wet grip) work well, but I'll admit I was wishing for some waders in the driftless. Perhaps with real boots that don't get sucked into the silt. The driftless was kind of unforgiving. Caught me off guard a bit how chilly it was in the morning combined with those spring creeks, phew! Normal pants, yeah, just your standard nylon hiking pants. I do have some neoprene socks that I use to keep my feet a bit warmer.

[@jackmichel8826]

Have seen a red spotted purple, red admiral. and a wood nymph so far.

[@FlickyFlies]

Thank you!!

[@johnbennett1162]

How is the Kita with bigger fish? I have the 380, and I don’t want to get into anything that’s going to snap it.

[@FlickyFlies]

I was a bit scared to hook into some bigger smallmouth. It's a very mid flex rod. Then again, mid flex has a shocking way of tiring fish and protecting tippets. I personally wouldn't *want* to catch smallmouth much bigger than 14-15 inches on that rod, but I bet it could be done?

[@mathewbrust398]

Fish at 19:00 = common shiner

[@FlickyFlies]

Thank you Matthew!