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 5/26/26

Opens for fishing. Greaat flow

Techniques & Tips as of 5/26/26

Nymphs or streamers. Caddis and Sulphurs are hatching-spring has sprung Dark Nymphs deep

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
Green bead scud green 12-18
Prince nymph black 16-22
Bead Head American Pheasant Tail Tan-Black 18-14
Adams all 12-10

Elk Wing Caddis

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Item #0378

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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 20-16 Sulphurs 18-20

Best Time to Fish:

anytime

Best Stretch:

WMA to bridge at Choice

Best Access:

Choice-Million dollar bridge