FALL HOURS OPEN NOW!
CLOSED MONDAY- TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSD AY-
OPEN FRIDAY 9 AM TO 5 PM
​SATURDAY 9 AM TO 5 PM    SUNDAY 12 NOON TO 5 PM

WORLD CLASS FLY FISHING
​CLOSE TO HOME!
 southeast Minnesota streams
CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY
 SELECTED STREAMS WITHIN CITY LIMITS (PRESTON, SPRING VALLEY, RUSHFORD, CHATFIELD AND LANESBORO) AND STATE PARKS (Forestville/MYSTERY CAVE, WHITEWATWER AND BEAVER CREEK) OPEN FO C& R AFTER OCTOBER 15 UNTIL JANUARY 1, 2025​

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WE NOW OFFER LODGING IN THE SOUTH BRANCH SUITE ABOVE THE SHOP-JUST ONE BLOCK FROM THE SOUTH BRANCH, YEAR-ROUND CATCH & RELEASE WATER. CLICK THE LINK ABOVE FOR RATES AND AVAILABILITY
PLENTY OF GOOD WATER TO FISH-SHOP OPEN 3  DAYS A WEEK. OR CALL MEL 507-327-4276

GUIDED TRIPS 7 DAYS A WEEK

WE ARE  BOOKING GUIDED FLY-FISHING  FULL DAY OR HALF DAY TRIPS FOR THE 2025 SEASON (AND REMIANING '24), WITH OUR EXPERT CREW OF ORVIS ENDORSED GUIDES. WALK/WADE OR FLOAT IN OUR HYDE DRIFT BOAT. NOBODY KNOWS THE DRIFTLESS LIKE WE DO-GET ON THE CALENDAR BEFORE THE BEST DAYS FILL UP!

 IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA JUST STOP BY OR CALL FOR STREAM INFO OR JUST TO TALK FISHING-SAME GREAT SERVICE AS ALWAYS.

FREE SHIPPING ON  INTERNET ORDERS OVER $100-CALL AHEAD WITH WHAT YOU WANT AND WE CAN ALSO DELIVER IN THE AREA

THE ONLY ORVIS ENDORSED OUTFITTER IN MINNESOTA DRIFTLESS AREA-"WE KNOW WHERE THEY LIVE!" click here for Orvis reviews

FALL hours -open SIX days a week!
MONDAY CLOSED
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 9 AM TO 5 PM
 FRIDAY 9am to 5 pm
SATURDAY 8AM TO 6 PM
​SUNDAY 10AM TO 5 PM
​ALL STREAMS IN SE MINNESOTA open  FOR CATCH AND RELEASE 
THE SHOP IS OPEN WINTER HOURS  

WE STILL GIVE THE BEST INFO, TIPS AND DIRECTIONS FOR FREE.  WE CAN HELP YOU CATCH TROUT IN SE MINNESOTA!
                     THANKS, MEL

IF NOT OPEN AND YOU NEED SOMETHING CALL MEL AT 507-327-4276 for current conditions

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The next FREE Fly fishing Class is APRIL 5 2025 . These classes are every other Saturday during the season. Click on the classes tab to learn more or call the shop at 507-765-4915
TO REGISTER FOR ORVIS FLY FISHING 101 BEGINNER Classes just email mel AT [email protected]
DATES SEPTEMBER 7, 21
OCTOBER 5, 19
​LOOK TO 2025 FOR THE NEXT CLASSES AND FLY TYING 101 THIS WINTER

THE SOUTH BRANCH OF THE ROOT RIVER NEAR THE SHOP THROUGH PRESTON IS OPEN YEAR ROUND FOR CATCH AND RELEASE! STOP- BY THE SHOP AND FISH THIS GREAT STRETCH OF HABITAT IMPROVED WATER.

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WHY  WASTE YOUR HARD EARNED VACATION DAYS ON ANYTHING BUT THE BEST? USE THE TOP GUIDE SERVICE AND ONLY ORVIS ENDORSED GUIDES IN SE MINNESOTA-THE DRIFTLESS FLY FISHING CO! 

​CHECK OUT THE REVIEWS!

1. Dave Ruane
   · 3 months ago  
   Magic Trout fishing, great guide! I went out for a day with Brennen mid-September in bright and hot fall conditions - the spring creeks were running clear and air temps got up to 88 F. Even with the brightness and heat, he found us some shady spots and put me on fish all day from early morning until 8pm when we called it a day. Over 2 dozen caught (all C&R), and a fair few takes missed (by me).
   It was the most fishing fun I have had, for the chats, the tranquil surroundings and the full-on fishing experience; also my best days catch. Brennen was kept busy too swapping me in and out of rods like nobody's business, when I was caught dancing too close to overhangs or far banks. I got to try different rod weights and lengths from the latest Orvis offerings, which added something extra to the whole experience. I also got to see different waters, catch the 3 local trout varieties and test different methods; my deep nymphing experience was limited before this trip.
   If you want a great days fishing, you have got to go Preston, MN and try the Driftless Fly Fishing Company. In my case I needed all the gear (waders, rods, the lot) which was ready to go as well as refreshments (fresh water was much needed that day) and lunch was great. Before I hired them, I saw all the 5 star reviews and reckoned these guys can't get it so right all the time. Well they did for me and the team I met (Brennen and Mel) are fantastic gents, pleasant, willing to share fishing stories and super professional; both a credit to their business and the Orvis brand. I can't wait to get out with them again and hit the many streams we didn't get to yet. I would highly recommend them to old hands who want to just fish on great and varied waters and equally to someone who has never tried spring creek fly-fishing for trout, truly a not to be missed experience.
   
   ✔ Yes,
   I recommend this product.

The Driftless Fly Fishing Company, Minnesota | Orvis
Click Here for reviews on Orvis site

CALL MEL AT 507-327-4276 OR EMAIL AT [email protected]

The Driftless Fly Fishing Co. is the only Orvis Endorsed Guide Service in SE Minnesota-go to Orvis.com for five star reviews of Mel and his crew.

Fly Fishing the Beautiful Driftless Region

The Driftless Fly Fishing Co. is an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Outfitter who have the experience, gear and knowledge to help you catch trout and enjoy the Driftless area like no others. Our love for the area and MISSION to show others the unique beauty and trout habitat in the Driftless area inspired the Driftless Fly Shop. Come visit us!   

 -GIVE THE GIFT OF THE OUTDOORS WITH GEAR OR GUIDED TRIPS. GIFT CERTIFICATES/CARDS AVAILABLE. GO TO THE GIFT CERTIFICATE PAGE-OR JUST EMAIL MEL, CLICK ON THE TRIP PAGE. THE RECIPIENT JUST PICKS THE DATE AND CALLS MEL. ALL SET. INCLUDES ALL LOANER GEAR, FLIES, TACKLE AND STREAMSIDE LUNCH.

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TESTIMONIALS FROM CLIENTS
MEL, I just wanted to let you know my sincere appreciation for what was a fantastic days fishing for me Saturday.

The whole experience was exactly what I wanted - chill time on a wide variety of beautiful fishing water with a knowledgeable and passionate expert, using the various rods and gear he brought. But it went from great to brilliant because of the amount of fish Brennan put me on, some of which I managed to catch ;-). We counted 28 netted at the end of the day. This was my most enjoyable and successful days fishing. 

And I am sure with some cloud cover and more hatch activity we could have seen even more. We finished up after 8pm fishing into the dark on Willow in the wide meadowed banked area, where the trout of the day was caught on a green nymph. 


I left wanting more - just a pity I had to fly East  otherwise, I would have fished a day or 2 more. 
I will be sharing my fishy tales on the area and your business with my fishing network. If I can provide you with any reference or quotes that would help your business - just let me know.


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Thanks again and I am hoping I can get back to Preston for more sooner rather than later, needless to say I am now hooked on Driftless!
Dave
Customer from Dublin Ireland

Mel.
A belated “thank you" for all your services RE my October 3rd guided trip.  The Access line worked great. We learned a lot.

Richard caught a good sized Brown as his first fish on his new hand-made rod. He also caught a couple brookies. I caught a rainbow and two browns. While bringing in the last brown I fell over in the pasture, everyone had a good laugh, but I didn’t loose the fish! Roxane is a bait fisherman, and I had hoped she would get into FF. Last I spoke with her she was talking about getting a rod, so there is hope! (I know she appreciated Scott’s good efforts to help her cast, even if she was not the best student.)

The best part for me was walking back at night through the river a couple miles to the car, under the bright stars and the milky way. Once again you guys showed us an outstanding day on the water. I’ll see you in the Spring (if nothing comes-up before then).

All the best.

Tom h


★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars.
Whelen35
· 3 years ago  

Again and Again; I have fished with Mel for several years. Not only is he a great guy, he will get you into fish and some of the most beautiful places SE Minnesota has to offer. 2014 will be my 10th year fishing with Mel and I intend to keep on doing so until one of us can't. I love the float trip!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE REVIEWS AT ORVIS

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