This week saw a bit of a break in the deep freeze that has blanketed SE Minnesota for the last week or so, which provided an excellent opportunity to hit the trout streams. I was able to obtain what I call the "Driftless Trifecta", that is in one day, I caught all species of trout found here and all were from the same stream! Black BH Wooly Buggers, Zebra Midge nymphs and Pink Squirrels were the hot flies. 

Brian Schumacher

Yesterday we had a break in the cold which allowed for some very productive time on the water. Winter fly fishing (or anytime of the year for that matter), requires one to be willing and able to adapt .... change is the name of the game. Many fly patterns were successful but it took staying one step ahead and the wiliness to make changes to what the fish were interested in. First thing out (mid morning) Black BH Wooly Buggers were working, when they stopped being effective, Pink Squirrels were the hot commodity and during the "warmth" of early afternoon, soft hackle wet flies and small dry fly midge patterns found much success. Unfortunately, a "deep freeze" with subzero weather is once again forecasted, so this may be a perfect opportunity to check that calendar and book a guided fly fishing trip with us, do some shopping in the Driftless Fly Fishing Company's online store or better yet, stop in at the fly shop in Preston, Minnesota and get all of your fly tying supplies. flies, terminal tackle and gear so when that warmer weather returns in a week or so, you're ready!

Brian Schumacher

COLD WEATHER TIP: SMEARING CHAPSTICK IN THE GUIDES OF YOUR FLY ROD WILL PROLONG ICE BUILD UP IN THEM, GIVING YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO FISH LONGER BEFORE NEEDING TO CLEAR THEM.

I once again fished the waters of SE Minnesota yesterday and although the temps never climbed above freezing the action was hot so I didn't mind one bit. Black BH Wooly Buggers, BH pheasant tail and Zebra nymphs along with pink bellied scud patterns all produced trout to the net. Interesting story ..... while fishing a Pheasant tail nymph with a pink indicator, I had a trout attempt to eat the indicator on two consecutive casts. I promptly changed flies, this time putting on a pink scud (which was the same color as the much desired strike indicator). On the very next cast, WHAM! ..... a nice Brown was hooked. Sometimes, fish will tell you exactly what they want to eat :-)

Brian Schumacher

What a way to start 2016! I kicked off the new year by hitting the streams of SE Minnesota today. The Driftless area is now covered with a blanket of snow, making for an absolutely beautiful backdrop for fly fishing . It was a very productive outing with many Browns landed but the highlight of the day was most definitely when I caught a gorgeous Tiger trout. A Tiger is a rare Hybrid of a Brown and Brook trout .... a true "unicorn". This was the second one I've had the great fortune of catching in as many years. It was caught on a BH Black Wooly Bugger but all the others were caught on a nymph pattern called a "Root River Special". Be sure to stop by the Driftless Fly Fishing Company fly shop in Preston, MN and pick several up for your fly box. As of 1/1/16 all streams are open so go exploring!

Brian Schumacher