Barring any major rain event the Driftless streams are shaping up nicely. Some melting snow is mudding up some creeks in the PM but most are very fishable and lots of fish being caught on nymphs and streamers. Blue Winged Olives have been spotted but seem to have slowed down with the dropping temps. A warm up during the week should get them going again. It is officially spring in Trout Country. The shop is open 12 noon to 6 daily Tuesday through Thursday and 12 noon to 8 Friday. Saturday 8 Am to 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM. Orvis Fly Fishing 101 classes start next week April 6th and go through July every other Saturday. If you want to learn or have a friend who does, send an email to get signed up soon. We are filling them up fast! Look for our spring BIG FLY SALE with .99 cent dries and nymphs, 1 buck streamers and other great deals on Orvis Rain gear and clothing next weekend April 5, 6 and 7th!

The South Branch of The Root River is still high and muddy with a lot of debris coming down. The slow melt has been good for the trout and streams. Freezing at night  slows down the melt and warming in the day has been fairly gentle after the initial flooding. Tributaries in the headwaters of many Driftless spring creeks are clearing and very fishable early in the day. Blue Winged Olives have been spotted and some big fish taking refuge in small streams have been landed. Shake off the winter blues and turn them into rainbows, or browns or brookies. Its all good!!!!!!

The quick succession melt of a historic record  February snowfall paired with numerous rain events has drastically changed many of the area streams of SE MN this Spring 2019. As you get out scouting on these nice days ahead, you may notice that many of your very favorite trout streams look a bit differently than they did when last visited. With the high, turbulent melt waters just now receeding you will find many new cut banks, newly deposited sand and mud traps, cleared away and newly deposited log-jams among a host of other evolutions of a stream's life in accordance with mother natures most destructive, yet necessary force. Needless to say, you will need to re-learn some of the streams out there this fishing season! The angler never steps into the same stream twice.
With that being said, there are many streams that have become fishable and others becoming much more fishable by the minute. A few types of hatches have been observed over the last few "warm" days. Typical Midges, BWO's and also some little black Stones on select streams. Keep 'em small! Feed those hungry fish! Be delicate with the young of year you catch! They've had a hard life thus far!
Stop into The Driftless Fly Fishing Co. for more info on what's working and where to go! SPRING SALES ON SELECT FLIES & ITEMS!!!