Trout streams in the driftless region are prime right now! Warm, sunny days have caddis hatching like crazy across the area.
Standard black and tan elk hair caddis patterns in size 14-16 are producing lots of fish throughout the day. Swinging various caddis pupa patterns has also been effective. We are finding a lot of nice sized brown trout.
If fish are being finicky, which is likely with the super low and clear conditions, fishing with small black or brown midge patterns on light tippets has worked well too.
The Minnesota fishing opener is this weekend, and that means we can soon chase bass and pike on the fly again! The main rivers we fish (St. Croix and Mississippi) are in great shape and are also unseasonably low.
Murdich minnows and clouser minnows are great early season patterns.
Talk from across the border in SW Wisconsin is that some bass are already eating topwater frog imitations, so don’t be afraid to throw top water this weekend!
That is our latest report on the bite in the driftless region. Book your summer fly fishing trips today! Trout, bass, pike, muskie, carp- we can get you on them.
Evan Griggs
Outfitter/Head Guide- Bob Mitchell’s Fly Shop
550 Vandalia St Unit 119 | Saint Paul, MN 55114
Website: https://bobmitchellsflyshop.com
Email: guide@bobmitchellsflyshop.com or call 612-293-8058 to book a trip.
