Streamers!

      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.