It's hot. Summer time is wet wading time and fish early and late. We floated a good section of the South Branch of The Root River rom Carimona to Preston in our new fly fishing kayaks. It was a great way to stay cool and cover a lot of water, It was a little tough in the heat of the day but as the shadows grew long a few rising fish cooperated on Cadis and emergers. These new boats are ideal for small water fishing. Quiet, equipped to protect your rods, stable in the rocks and shallow spots. This is the way to do a float rip! Cone on down while it's still warm and test drive one.

With the warmer temps of summer upon us, target the waters in the early morning hours and again in the evening. That's not say that trout totally quite feeding during the midday doldrums, just means you have to fish smarter, not necessarily harder.  These "off-times" will find trout seeking refuge from the sun and heat in trees shaded areas of the stream or tucked in by undercut banks. A well placed sub-surfaced nymph or in yesterday's case, a Dave's Hopper, will still entice a trout to grab a quick snack. Although terrestrial season is not here yet in earnest, it is quickly approaching and is personally my favorite season! As evening came yesterday, I still witnessed a decent Caddis hatch and my hopper pattern quickly went away and on went the Elk Hair Caddis that produced several Browns to the net. The streams are running a good, some are a bit low (depending on area) but all are very fishable and producing fish! Enjoy the weekend and make your way into the gorgeous Driftless Area of SE Minnesota!

Brian Schumacher

A buddy and I have ventured out a couple of times at night now and I find myself longing to get out there again. Fishing after dark with mouse patterns has proven to be not only productive but a complete and utter adrenaline producing adventure. Explosive and aggressive blind takes at the surface have proven to be very addictive and habit forming, in fact, we are heading back out this evening! The big predatory Browns come out at night to hunt. Have a safe and enjoyable Holiday weekend and get out on the streams in the beautiful SE Minnesota and discover what incredible trout fishing opportunities we have!

Brian Schumacher