Fishing Season: opens for C&R 1/1/26

Root River, South Fork - MN

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

46

Driftless Flyfishing Co.'s Tip of the Week

Open for Catch and release, artificial flies and lures only. Getting hot. Get up early. Take a siesta and stay late.

Directions open in app

Map of Root River, South Fork

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Driftless Fly Shop

5-Day Outlook as of 8/20/26

Excellent ? fishable

Techniques & Tips as of 8/20/26

Nymphs or streamers. Caddis are hatching Dark Nymphs deep. Some Hoppers showing up

Local Species Available opens for C&R 1/1/26

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

Driftless Flyfishing Co.'s Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Elk Wing Caddis Classic 18-14
CDC Emerging Caddis Classic 14-18
Blue Winged Olive Classic 18-16
Black Nose Dace Gray 14-18
Bead Head American Pheasant Tail Tan-Black 18-14
Dave’s Cricket all 12-10
Green bead scud green 12-18
Prince nymph black 16-22
Midges any 16-22

Elk Wing Caddis

The must-have Elk Wing Caddis dry fly offers the realistic presentation of an insect irresistible to trout.

2.49

Item #0378

Buy Now

Driftless Flyfishing Co.'s Recommended Gear

Description: About Root River, South Fork

This stream has a different character throughout its course. From a small spring creek through woods and pasture it becomes a major stream in this bluff country watershed. One of the top trout streams in the Driftless it harbors wild brook and brown trout.

Nearest Airport:

Rochester, Mn

Hatches:

Caddis-tan and black 1-14 Olives/midges 20-16Hoppers 12-14

Best Time to Fish:

anytime

Best Stretch:

WMA to bridge at Choice

Best Access:

Choice-Million dollar bridge