Fishing Season: Entire length open season

South Branch Root River - MN

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

63

Driftless Flyfishing Co.'s Tip of the Week

The South Branch is open for catch and release, artificial only in Preston and Lanesboro and Mystery Cave/ Forestville State Park. Please release all fish for the future of the fishery.

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 6/30/25

High and muddy- give it a few days

Techniques & Tips as of 6/30/25

various midges BWOs hatching on warmer days Tungsten bead head and streamers deep in pools Caddis are sporadic!

Local Species Available Entire length open season

  • 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):
Adams Classic 16-20
Bead Head American Pheasant Tail Classic 12-18
Blue Winged Olive grey 16-14
Tunghead Marabou Muddler 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

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 year round In Forestville State Park and City of Preston.

Nearest Airport:

Rochester, Mn

Hatches:

BWO and other midges hatching-Be prepared with small nymphs Caddis are on!!!

Best Time to Fish:

any time

Best Stretch:

Forestville State Park to Old Barn resort

Best Access:

Preston, Mn.