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

Root River, South Fork - MN

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

50

Driftless Flyfishing Co.'s Tip of the Week

Open for Catch and release, artificial flies and lures only. Too damn cold. Tie flies or go south!

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 1/19/26

Opens for Catch and release fishing (artificial only)1/1/26

Techniques & Tips as of 1/19/26

Nymphs or streamers 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):
Adams Classic 20-14
Birchell's Hatching Midge 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
I Can See It Midge Fly all 12-10

Adams

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Item #0330

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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:

Olives/midges 20-16

Best Time to Fish:

Early and late

Best Stretch:

WMA to bridge at Choice

Best Access:

Choice-Million dollar bridge