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Lateral view of a Male Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun from Mystery Creek #43 in New York
Blue-winged Olives
Baetis

Tiny Baetis mayflies are perhaps the most commonly encountered and imitated by anglers on all American trout streams due to their great abundance, widespread distribution, and trout-friendly emergence habits.

Dorsal view of a Setvena wahkeena (Perlodidae) (Wahkeena Springfly) Stonefly Nymph from Mystery Creek #199 in Washington
As far as I can tell, this species has only previously been reported from one site in Oregon along the Columbia gorge. However, the key characteristics are fairly unmistakable in all except for one minor detail:
— 4 small yellow spots on frons visible in photos
— Narrow occipital spinule row curves forward (but doesn’t quite meet on stem of ecdysial suture, as it's supposed to in this species)
— Short spinules on anterior margin of front legs
— Short rposterior row of blunt spinules on abdominal tergae, rather than elongated spinules dorsally
I caught several of these mature nymphs in the fishless, tiny headwaters of a creek high in the Wenatchee Mountains.
27" brown trout, my largest ever. It was the sub-dominant fish in its pool. After this, I hooked the bigger one, but I couldn't land it.
Troutnut is a project started in 2003 by salmonid ecologist Jason "Troutnut" Neuswanger to help anglers and fly tyers unabashedly embrace the entomological side of the sport. Learn more about Troutnut or support the project for an enhanced experience here.

HighFlyer
Minnesota

Posts: 24
HighFlyer on Aug 11, 2008August 11th, 2008, 7:17 am EDT
Hi, first time poster, just found this site.

I looked through a few pages and didn't see any threads regarding fly fishing for trout in the SE Minnesota area. Is there anyone on here who fishes this area?

A buddy and I started fly fishing this summer and have both fallen in love with the sport. We've visited a few different southeastern Minnesota streams already this summer; Hay Creek, Middle Branch Whitewater River, Trout Run Creek, North Branch Whitewater River, Little Cannon River, Spring Creek. We've had limited success, due to just learning. I did just catch my first good sized trout two days ago; about a 9 in. Rainbow.

I'd love to get any and all advice/tips that anyone has to offer. And of course if anyone has any specific knowledge of the streams in this area, that would be awesome. I intend to visit the area of Whitewater and Trout Run Creek a lot more often, as it's absolutely beautiful.

Even advice you think might be common knowledge... throw it at me. I want to soak up as much as I can and I very well might be missing some basics in the process.

Thanks in advance.
"Calling Fly Fishing a hobby is like calling Brain Surgery a job."
~by Paul Schullery~

"Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after."
~by Henry David Thoreau~
Dreedee
Posts: 16
Dreedee on Aug 12, 2008August 12th, 2008, 5:37 am EDT

Hello High Flyer:

I have fished SE Minnesota often, though it's now been a few years.

I would advise that you learn your streamcraft, and learn about the aquatic insects. The caddis and mayflies in SE are generally small. Fish with Elk Hair Caddis in about #18. Parachute Adams in #18 to #22. Griffith's Gnats in #20-22. Pheasant tail nymphs and hare's ears are always a good bet. During August and September, add tricos (for the morning hatch), a #14 beetle, and a small hopper pattern, like Shenk's Letort Hopper. Keep those tippets long, and around 6x.

Best of all, get to know the good fishermen in the area.

Hope this helps.
HighFlyer
Minnesota

Posts: 24
HighFlyer on Aug 12, 2008August 12th, 2008, 11:26 am EDT
Absolutely it helps! Like I say, I'm brand spankin' new to the sport, so everything helps.

Thanks!
"Calling Fly Fishing a hobby is like calling Brain Surgery a job."
~by Paul Schullery~

"Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after."
~by Henry David Thoreau~
PCfishes
John Carrier

Posts: 3
PCfishes on Aug 14, 2008August 14th, 2008, 2:09 am EDT
I live in SE MN, and am available for guiding and fly fishing instruction. CHEAP, too!

But, so as to not make this seem like a bald-faced advertisement.... Feel free to side bar with me for a chat on particulars.

I live in Winona, which is shooting distance from a great diversity and number of trout streams, ranging from little brushy creeks and native brookies to large, easy to fish broadwaters.

So, blowing out my usual reticence to reveal hotspots, the three best spots to try: Beaver Creek in the Sheldon area (Houston County), Garvin Brook near Stockton (Winona County), and the Whitewater River (traverses three counties. The Root River is also excellent, but it is a lot of water, swift, and you kind of need to know where to go on its many branches. My favorite is a stretch near Choice in Filmore County.
http://pcfishes.com/
- -
I'm for hire! Fly fishing guiding, fly fishing lessons, fly tying.
Email me, if you would like to set a date to go fishing sometime.
pastor_carrier@mac.com
HighFlyer
Minnesota

Posts: 24
HighFlyer on Aug 14, 2008August 14th, 2008, 6:42 am EDT
Hey John,

I could see my friend and I hiring you some time. We don't know any experienced fly fishermen to learn from, so hiring someone might be the best way to have someone critique us and give us some helpful hints... while also guiding us to the fish.

We were just down at Whitewater and I caught my first Rainbow there. We were fishing the wrong time of the day and I was using the wrong flies. Next time I should do better. I also want to go back to Trout Run sometime. The wild Brown's in there were taunting me, telling me to come back when they're hungry. So an early morning trip will be in order there.

Thanks!
"Calling Fly Fishing a hobby is like calling Brain Surgery a job."
~by Paul Schullery~

"Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after."
~by Henry David Thoreau~
Flybyknight
Milton, DE

Posts: 82
Flybyknight on Aug 14, 2008August 14th, 2008, 1:50 pm EDT
About 50 years ago I was on maneuvers in Camp Ripley, MN.
The headwaters of the Mississippi are just to the North.
As I recall the current was really ripping through the
reservation. It looked like a great trout stream. Can anyone
confirm or refute that premise?
Thanks,
Dick
Lightly on the dimpling eddy fling;
the hypocritic fly's unruffled wing.
Thomas Scott
HighFlyer
Minnesota

Posts: 24
HighFlyer on Aug 15, 2008August 15th, 2008, 1:09 am EDT
Flybyknight,

The headwaters of the Mississippi are actually more well known for smallmouth bass. It is a destination that is on my list. If no one else has any feedback, I'll make sure to update whenever I go (which probably won't be till next spring at this point).
"Calling Fly Fishing a hobby is like calling Brain Surgery a job."
~by Paul Schullery~

"Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after."
~by Henry David Thoreau~

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