Fishing Season: town and park catch and release season

South Branch Root River - MN

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

49

Driftless Flyfishing Co.'s Tip of the Week

Go deep in the big holes and woodpiles. Streamers and nymphs midday. The in-town water and state parks are open for catch release year round.

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 12/15/25

Good

Techniques & Tips as of 12/15/25

various midges, mayflies and caddis hatching on warmer days. Tungsten bead head and streamers deep in pools Midday when warmer is best now

Local Species Available town and park catch and release season

  • Fish Icon

    Rainbow

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    Brown Trout

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    brook trout

Driftless Flyfishing Co.'s Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Adams Classic 16-20
Bead Head American Pheasant Tail Classic 12-18
Adams Parachute Dry Fly grey 16-14
Tunghead Marabou Muddler all 14-10
Baby Brown trout classic 12-14
Cone/bead head wooly bugger black/grey 12-14
English Pheasant Tail black 20-22
Woolly Bugger tan 10-12

Adams

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Item #0330

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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 In Forestville State Park and City of Preston and Lanesboro.

Nearest Airport:

Rochester, Mn

Hatches:

midges hatching-Be prepared with small nymphs too

Best Time to Fish:

Midday

Best Stretch:

Forestville State Park to Old Barn resort

Best Access:

Preston, Mn.