We finally received our much needed rain. Unfortunately we received it in a short period of time. The rivers and streams in Southeast Minnesota are very high and brown. The Root River went from a CFS flow of 175 cfs3 to 1504 cfs3 in less than 48 hours. The smaller streams are high and brown as well. 

If the weather report is to be believed, we will have some respite from the rain for a couple days before we get more. This would be a good time to prepare your gear for when the rivers begin to clear. This is also a time for throwing streamers. Get them in front of their faces with tasty meat. 

Southeast Minnesota received just under 1/2 inch of rain last night. This rain will not have much impact on the rivers and streams around the area. Expect them to stay clear or clear up quickly if any off color is detected. In the mean time nymphing is still good and using flies like a San Juan in any cloudy water should produce. 

Terrestrials are still hopping near the weed banks, particularly in windy days. There are still Trico hatches in various streams in the area. 

Waters in the area continue to drop. Low water temps are holding steady. High air temps are in the forecast. Lack of rain recently has produced clear waters. Terrestrials are working well. There are still some Trico hatches happening in the mornings. 

SOME RAIN IN SE MINNESOTA HAS RELEIVED CONDITIONS ALONG WITH SOME COOLER NIGHTS. FISH ARE BEING CAUGHT ON NYMPHS AND DRIES MOSTLY EARLY AND LATE WHEN THE SUN IS NOT ON THE WATER. SEEK OUT THE DEEPER POOLS IN THE MAIN BRANCHES AND SPRINGS IN THE HEADWATERS. THEY GOTTA EAT EVEN WHEN IT'S HOT.

BLUE WINGED OLIVES ARE DANCING AND TROUT ARE HUNGRY. ALL STREAMS NOW OPEN FOR CATCH AND RELEASE AND ALL VERY FISHABLE. SOME BIGGER FISH REPORTED ON SREAMERS AND DRY FLY ACTION ON BWOS AND MIDGES. SHOP IS NOW OPEN DURING THE WEEK 11 AM TO 6 PM AND WEEKENDS SATURDAY 8 A TO 6 PM AMD SINDAY 12 NOON TO 6 PM. NEW ORVIS GEAR AND NEW FLIES ARRIVING DAILY GREAT DEALS UP TO 50% OFF SOME OF LAST YEARS STUFF.

Cold weather is here right now but will turn into a mild end of the season. With the heat is going away, expect trout to be moving out of the deep water to find small 18-22 size bugs or small bait fish. Any Further questions feel free to contact us.

P.S hours have changed for Monday through Thursday it is now 12pm-6pm 

-Matt  

The south branch of the root river is high but fishable in preston and better  to Forestville. tributaries in the area are looking very good but varied.  barring any deluges tonight should be plenty of fishable water for "social distancing" this week. some rain is predicted. the trout are hungry from the long winter and will take a well placed pheasant tail nymph or similar offering (14-18). rising fish are looking for small appetizers like parachute adams, blue winged olives or gray midges in small sizes 18-20. the shop can provide any flies, terminal tackle or whatever you need by just calling the number on the door or buying on line. we will bring out what you need at the curb or mail it priority asap. the Driftless fly fishing co. appreciates all of our customers who are supporting us with on line orders and calls and emails of support. we fish on because that is what we do. we recommend getting out there! it's good for the body and great for the mind. a trout is a bonus. free Driftless coffee cup with any $50 or more on line purchase-book a trip now and get the mug full of bugs and $50 off the trip when it happens. a $100 deposit gets you on the calendar and gets the mug o' bugs now. dates to be determined. if we don't get  a date or can't reschedule refund will be made in merchandise from the shop and you keep the mug. Thanks again for your support the first six years and hope for many more.

South Branch Root River and it's Tributaries of the greater Fillmore County and Preston areas have just about fully bounced back from the rain just a few days back. South Branch is still showing some stain, but is otherwise completely fishable. Most all small-mid sized streams have just about fully recovered with crystal clear waters flowing through many. Water temperatures are beginning to move upward towards the golden zone and the Trout are FEISTY!!! The Spring feeding frenzy has begun!!! Many of the Houston County streams have been running clear for days now and are starting to offer up abundant hatches of Midges and Mayflies. Some minor hatches of Little Black Stoneflies and Early Season Caddisflies have also been observed. The time is now to get out there and enjoy miles of stream to yourself! Call or stop by the Driftless Fly Fishing Co. in downtown Preston for more information and any gear you may need. We're offering many new products this year and we have some great bargains to be found.
25% off all Encounter Boots and Waders until they are gone! Also $10 T-Shirts shipping FREE! Many new Fly Patterns have been procured along with an abundance of new fly tying materials thanks to our friends over at Umpqua Feather Merchants! Stop in and see what's changed in our little shop since last year!
Spring Shop Hours:
M-F 12noon-6p
Sat 8a-6p
Sun 10a-6p