With a cumulative 6-9 inches of rain falling over the area in places over the last week and a half, finding suitable water to fish can be a little bit of a chore out there. Driftless Fly Fishing Co. scouting runs have determined that the further East one travels, the better the water looks. Keep to the smaller streams and/or higher in the watersheds as most creeks/rivers mid size and up are still in the recovery phase. The majority of rain seems to have fallen in the Spring Valley, Preston, Chatfield and Rochester areas. Stop in to the Driftless fly shop at 208 Saint Paul St in downtown Preston for the best gear and for detailed info.  Also, with C&R Season upon us and river fish moving in for spawn, come on down and let us guide you to some of the best locations fall has to offer!
Craneflies and Caddisflies and Mayflies... OH MY! Blue Winged Olives galore! Residual hatches of Tricos can be found in suitable waters in the early A.M., Pale Evening Duns in the P.M. (Usually starting around 4 or 5pm and hatching into the evening). Plenty O' Midges! Hoppers, Beetles and Cricket patterns are a must! And... perhaps considered blasphemy to many... but with every rain event comes a San Juan Worm hatch. Worm patterns are best fished deep with an occasional and subtle jigging twitch to liven up the material while in the target zone. Practice patience through the trouts investigative nips and wait for the physical take. Strike quick and strike swift to minimize chances of your hook penetrating too deeply into the fishes mouth. Fish smarter, not harder. Egg patterns are beginning to produce, along with Egg Sucking Leech patterns and big juicy streamers as well. Feed and get acquainted with those big fish before they become solely focused on their spawning responsibilities!

Stay fishy my friends!
Brennen Churchill
-Driftless "Bluff Country" Native & Orvis Endorsed Guide

 Next FREE Fly fishing Class ON  9/21/19. Just email Mel at Melvin@minnesotaflyfishing.com, call 507-765-4915 or stop by the shop to get signed up! It's going to be awesome! Kid friendly-Under 12 need to be accompanied by adult for the on the water portion. You also need a Minnesota Fishing license for this portion. All inclusive-loaner gear if needed.

Fall fishing has been great-Hoppers are beginning to slow down but many fish being taken on nymphs, Caddis-Yes Caddis, Blue Winged Olives and still some ants beetles and hoppers.
streams are in good shape and expecting some rain this week- out next  Orvis 101 beginner class will focus on fall tactics, streamers and terrestrial -just email mel if you want to sign up-will do a couple more in October weather permitting. remember, we  get you in the water to catch a trout in our beginner class! here's tiffany !her very first time with a fly rod on the south branch of the root river right by the shop!