Southeast Mn Stream Conditions

[Manny]

I have been out fly fishing on southeast MN streams twice since this past Saturday, and most areas are in outstanding shape.  the exception to this would be the Root River system, particularly the lower reaches that receive lots of agricultural drainage, as well as drainage from other watersheds.  The upper reaches of the Root is in great shape clarity wise, but it is high and very cold.

Hatches to recognize right now: midges in the AM through out the day; baetis (BWO) anywhere from 10:00 throughout the afternoon hours; Dark Hendricksons (were going very far south on Saturday and should start to get going further north as the week/weekend progresses) from about 1:00 to 2:30.

Basic nymph patterns like scuds, PT's, and hare's ears have been working well.  For dries, BWO in #20 and Dark Hendrickson patterns (an Adams would suffice) in #12-16.

Regards,
D.A.

[Mayfly]

Thanks for the report and welcome to Mn Outdoorsman!!

Looking forward to more

[7Pines]

D.A.'s on board...Hoo hoo!
Dave guides down in the SE part of the state and is a wealth of knowledge.  I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Dave face to face, but he and I are on a couple of fly fishing sites together.
Very cool to have you here and a great resource for the fly angling community!
Dan

[Manny]

Well, I'll chime if I can.  They picked a good moderator for this forum for sure.

Later,

D,A,

[7Pines]

Not to continue too much with the love-fest, but, D.A. really does have his finger on the SE MN pulse, not to mention a wealth of knowledge pertaining to the watersheds and politics that effect our valuable resources down there, so chime away good buddy!
Again, it's great to have new folks aboard.  We'll take all comers.  The more the merrier!
Dan

[Spinach]

Welcome to the site D.A.  :) Please help us in spreading the word of our new website, let all your online buddies know of the new address.

[Manny]

A  side note on stream conditions:  It's pouring all across southeast MN.  That doesn't mean that all streams will be blown out, but it does mean that larger watersheds that receive a bulk of the drainage (lower ends of streams, areas in heavily tiled, agricultural areas) will get the bulk of the water.

The headwaters and spring creeks clear the fastest, and while I doubt the D. Hendricksons will be out in full force, cooler temps may delay the hatch a bit and prolong it into Monday and the following weeks.

Baetis, on the other hand, will continue to hatch throughout the region.  Next up by mid-April: gray caddis.

Later all,
D.A.

[jigglestick]

D.A. thanks for you insight to the fly angling in your region. we are so new that there isn't a large following yet, but with quality reports like yours and Dan's, people will come and take notice in the advice you offer.

can you offer up any links to help us see what you are talking about with the different types of bugs/hatches and or flies you use.