Welcome to The Driftless Fly Fishing-Information Page

-WHY THE DRIFTLESS?-Millenniums ago when the glacial drift smoothed the Great Plains it moved south until it reached a point just south of Rochester, Minnesota. There it stopped and began to recede as the ancient earth warmed. The water ran off toward what is now the Great Mississippi River and carved the deep ravines and towering bluff country of Southeast Minnesota and bordering states. This long ago geological action created some of the most beautiful area on earth and one of the largest concentrations of spring creeks and natural trout habitat in the world. It was untouched by the glacial drift. It was, you might say Driftless-so the name. Not so long ago, I (Mel Hayner) traveled throughout the North American Continent in search of various things including trout. Some people might have called me a vagabond, transient, trout bum or even a drifter. I have found what I was searching for in southern Minnesota, and like the Tin Man in Oz I discovered that it was right in my heart all the time. I have grown to love the streams and valleys of Southeast Minnesota. Some might say I have become Driftless, so the name. I hope you can join me or may we meet on "The road of happy destiny."

Email melvin@minnesotaflyfishing.com

DUKE'S FIRST TROUT!

DUKE THE WONDER DOG-HE HUNTS BIRDS AND FISH!

GOOD BOY DUKIE!

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE FLY! IT AIN'T ABOUT THE FISH!

All streams will open in SE Minnesota counties starting April 12, 2008-What a year it wil be!!!!. Flooding and other factors hurt some water but most streams rebounded and are in good shape in The Root River Basin. This flooding was a direct result of current farming practices allowing runoff and plowing riparian areas close to streams. Join The Minnesota Trout Association to help or your local Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Special regulations continue to improve size and numbers in some areas. Some good bets to tie or buy for this season are nymphs (12 &14). Bead head or classic hare's ear, pheasant tail, prince nymphs. Adams dries and Elk hair Caddis will be coming but first those beautiful Blue Winnged Olives. Be ready!!!!

If you want to get out and enjoy cool weather awseom early hatches of Caddis, Blue Winged Olives and soon Hendricksons, drop me a line.

Go to the Minnesota DNR Website at- www.dnr.state.mn.us for more information on new special regs -it is a great resource of information.You will find the latest on special regulations and reports on the trout stream booklet available at state parks and hatchery in Lanesboro.

LARGE TROUT MANGEMENT CONTINUE TO IMPROVE POPOULATIONS OF LARGER TROUT-CHECK THE DNR WEB SITE! All of the years of hard work of many years for Trout Unlimited and Minnesota Trout Association is finally paying off-Big trout increased again in some areas in 2007 and will be even better in upcoming years!

With the fourth year for new regulations and good flows 2008 will be a great year despite flooding in some area! HAD GREAT YEAR IN 2007 NOW BOOKING TRIPS FOR IOWA OR MINNESOTA '08.

NOW BOOKING TRIPS FOR 2008-CALENDER FILLS UP QUICKLY FOR THE BEST WEEKENDS -CALL OR EMAIL NOW TO GET THE DATES YOU WANT! IT WAS AN AWESOME SEASON in 2007!!!!!!! THANKS TO ALL WHO FISHED WITH ME!

Support the Minnesota Trout Association

Nice Brownie!!

SE MINNESOTA SPRING CREEK BROWN TROUT-

The DNR has posted special trout regulations around the region! Trout Unlimited and The Minnesota Trout Association worked for years for special regulations in SE Minnesota! Hats off to the to the DNR! A three tier system similar to Wisconsin was implemented in 2005 in SE Minnesota. This was evident in bigger fish again in 2007 and wiil be even better in 2008!!! Hooray!!!!!!!!!. The booklet is available at DNR Sites, State Parks or at the hatchery in Lanesboro. It is well done and helpful for access and new regs. Good maps and clear marking for easements and special regs. Good job!!!!

GO TO LANESBORO.COM FOR ACCOMODATIONS NEAR GREAT TROUT WATER OR A STAY DURING YOUR GUIDED TRIP!

CLICK HERE TO FIND CANOE AND TUBE RENTALS-BIKE RENTALS FOR THE ROOT RIVER TRAIL AND MORE! LITTLE RIVER GENERAL STORE-LRGENERALSTORE.COM

Call 507-893-4849 or cell 507-327-4276 or email melvin@minnesotaflyfishing.com to talk to Mel about a guided trip in '08!

Support Hiawatha Chapter Trout Unlimited and Minnesota Trout Association

LOOK TO THIS PAGE IN THE FUTURE FOR DEVELPOMENTS IN THE LEGISLATURE, CONSERVATION LAWS AND HABITAT FOR WILD TROUT

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