Water levels are dropping, creeks are clearing, and the fish are a-biting. Every day I am hearing about a new 20+ inch brown trout pulled out of this or that creek or even seeing the trout with my own eyes.
      Thankfully, we all have another couple weeks until the end of the catch and release season for most creeks. Now is the time to fish your favourite stretch or to catch a big brute out of quiet little creek you've never fished before but have had your eye on. In a day or two the South Branch through Preston will be ready to kayak or canoe for practiced boaters, and a few more rainless days after that will provide a prime stretch of river from Preston to the Old Barn Resort for those seeking a leisure cruise or a big brown trout bonanza.
      This recent cool Autumn weather will not last forever. Take advantage of the peaceful trickle of a clear creek around bends and boulders, birds singing your worries away, and an eager trout awaiting the retrieve of the next pass of the streamer from the back of your box that you've never thought of using.
 
Scott Blake


The trout pictured below was caught using a heavy leech pattern streamer in crystal clear water on a small South-East Minnesota creek only two days after the last massive rain event.

After some very heavy rain events at the end of last week, I didn't have high expectations today of finding much fishable water let alone catch trout but like so many times before, the Driftless Area of SE Minnesota did not disappoint! It was one of those Epic afternoons - slightly stained but clearing water combined with cooler temps and cloudy skies proved to be the key ingredients for success. With Fall inching its way ever closer and trout approaching the pre-spawn / spawn period they are on the move - feeding and moving to their Redd locations. I was throwing my hand-tied Wooly Bugger and Streamer patterns and landed well over 20 Browns, including this nice Brown. With conditions improving everyday, be sure to explore the streams while you still can!

Brian Schumacher

Multiple rain episodes have blown out all streams in SE Minnesota, The South Branch of The Root River will take some time to recover. Small streams are high, muddy and unfishable. We will continue to scout the headwaters and report when some clearing occurs and fly fishing is possible in Driftless Streams. In the mean time go to your favorite bass pond, trout lake or tie flies in preparation for  great fall fishing in The Driftless Area of Minnesota.

Before

SAME SPOT FROM TH BRIDGE AFTER MANY DAYS AND NIGHTS OF RAIN HERE. WHOAA!

Small streams are clearing and fishing can be great. Go upstream to find clear and fishable water. It is out there. While the main branches in The Root River system are high and murky the small streams are very rapidly becoming fishable and trout are hungry. Some nice trout being taken on nymphs, streamers, hoppers, you name it.. Leaves are changing and we don't have much of this great weather left so come on down and get out there while you can!

OVER 2 INCHES MORE OF RAIN IN SE MINNESOTA ON ALREADY SATURATED GROUND HAS MOST STREAMS  HIGH AND MUDDY AND NOT FISHABLE FOR A COUPLE DAYS. STAND BY FOR UPDATES.  YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO ENTER ORVIS 20 DAYS IN SEPTEMBER CONTEST AND WIN A RECON ROD OR OTHER GREAT ORVIS GEAR. GO HERE TO CHECK IT OUT.  http://www.orvis.com/news/fly-fishing/day-one-2016-20-days-september-contest/