Fishing Season: Open for C & R season 2022

South Branch Root River - MN

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

60

Driftless Flyfishing Co.'s Tip of the Week

The South Branch is open for catch and release only in the town of Preston and Lanesboro and Forestville State Park.

Directions open in app

Map of South Branch Root River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Driftless Fly Shop

5-Day Outlook as of 10/2/23

Cooler weather and some rains have helped. nymphs and mayfly/caddis

Techniques & Tips as of 10/2/23

Streamers, nymphs deep. blue wing mayflies, and Caddis variable some days. Plop and twitch caddis.

Local Species Available Open for C & R season 2022

  • Fish Icon

    Rainbow

  • Fish Icon

    Brown Trout

Driftless Flyfishing Co.'s Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Tunghead Pheasant Tail Classic 12-18
Adams Classic 12-18
Bead Head Prince grey 16-14
Schroeder's Hi-Vis Hopper all 14-10
Baby Brown trout classic 12-14
Cone/bead head wooly bugger black/grey 12-14
Elk Wing Caddis dark 20-22
Woolly Bugger tan 10-12

Tunghead Pheasant Tail

Adding tungsten beads to mayfly patterns is relatively new.

2.99

Item #144J

Buy Now

Driftless Flyfishing Co.'s Recommended Gear

Description: About South Branch Root River

The South Branch of The Root River is listed as one of the 100 top trout streams in the USA. It begins at Mystery Cave/Forestville State Park and winds through beautiful bluffs and agricultural land until it meets the North Branch below Lanesboro to form The Main Branch of The Root River. It is a designated trout stream the entire length with some spring creeks joining along the way. All are designated trout streams have some special regulations including catch and release water. Check the DNR web site or get the reg book for special regulations. The South Branch is open year round for catch and release year round In Forestville State Park and City of Preston.

Nearest Airport:

Rochester, Mn

Hatches:

Some mayflies and Caddis.

Best Time to Fish:

early and late

Best Stretch:

Forestville State Park to Old Barn resort

Best Access:

Preston, Mn.