Copyright 2011 James Marsh
South Fork of the Root River, Minnesota
The South Fork of the Root River is one of Minnesota's
better trout streams. This is a limestone, spring creek
that for the most part, flows through pastures. Some of
its better fishing is below the dam, a top discharge dam,
in the little town of Lanesboro. Although we list it as a
limestone spring creek, much of its water comes from
rain and melting snow, so it's also termed a freestone
stream by some anglers. It does have lots of springs
along its way and is definitely influenced by limestone
water that has a high pH.
At one time the brook trout in this area of Minnesota
were all native trout but they were all caught out many
years ago. The brook trout in the upper part of the
stream are now stream-bred, wild trout. The brown trout
are a mixture of wild and factory raised trout but the
rainbows are mostly all stocked.
Most of the better parts of the stream is above Preston.
There the river is smaller and meanders close to roads
at a few points and pastures in other areas. The best
part of this section is in the Forestville State Park.
There's three miles of public water that can be accessed
in the park. Most of the other public access is at bridge
crossings. The sections of private property can usually
be fished if one will just take the time to ask the land
owner.
Seasons:
Mid April through mid September
Spring:
Late Spring is probably the best time to fish the stream
Summer:
Fly fishing the Root River can be slow in the lower parts
of the river during the hottest part of Summer
Fall:
Early Fall is an excellent time due to Trico hatches and
spawning brown trout.
Fly Fishing Guide to the South Fork of the Root
River
The South Fork of the Root River is one of Minnesota's
better trout streams. This is a limestone, spring creek
that for the most part, flows through pastures. Some of
its better fishing is below the dam, a top discharge dam,
in the little town of Lanesboro. Although we list it as a
limestone spring creek, much of its water comes from
rain and melting snow, so it's also termed a freestone
stream by some anglers. It does have lots of springs
along its way and is definitely influenced by limestone
water that has a high pH.
At one time the brook trout in this area of Minnesota
were all native trout but they were all caught out many
years ago. The brook trout in the upper part of the
stream are now stream-bred, wild trout. The brown trout
are a mixture of wild and factory raised trout but the
rainbows are mostly all stocked.
Most of the better parts of the stream is above Preston.
There the river is smaller and meanders close to roads
at a few points and pastures in other areas. The best
part of this section is in the Forestville State Park.
There's three miles of public water that can be accessed
in the park. Most of the other public access is at bridge
crossings. The sections of private property can usually
be fished if one will just take the time to ask the land
owner.
Seasons:
Mid April through mid September
Spring:
Late Spring is probably the best time to fish the stream
Summer:
Fly fishing the Root River can be slow in the lower parts
of the river during the hottest part of Summer
Fall:
Early Fall is an excellent time due to Trico hatches and
spawning brown trout.
Fly Fishing Guide to the South Fork of the Root
River
| Type of Stream Limestone Spring Creek Species Brown Trout (Wild) Rainbow Trout (Stocked) Brook Trout (Wild) Size Medium Location Southeast Minnesota Nearest Towns Lanesboro Preston Season April 18 through September 14 Access: Fair Non-Resident License State of Minnesota Weather National Weather Service Link Fly Fishing Guide Hatches and Flies Fly Fishing Gear |
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South Fork of the Root
River, Minnesota
River, Minnesota
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| Options For Selecting Flies: 1. Email us with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. 2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide which flies you need. 3. Call or email us with a budget for flies and we will select them and get them to you in time for your trip. Shipping is free in the U. S. Orders over $50 are shipped Priority Mail. |