It rises in Frankville Township in Winneshiek County, south of Iowa Highway 9, and flows north to join the Upper Iowa River in Glenwood Township, east of Decorah.

It is joined from the west by a major tributary, Trout Creek.

The river and creek should not be confused with another Trout Creek (and Trout Run) which flow into the Upper Iowa River 5 miles (8 km) to the west at Decorah.

The river is noted for its excellent trout fishing.

This article related to a river in Iowa is a stub.