What flies are hatching on the Root River right now?

Current and seasonal hatches on the Root River include Blue-Winged Olive, Hendrickson, Sulphur. Use the AI Hatch Advisor on this page for a live, temperature-aware recommendation.

What's the current flow on the Root River?

The Root River is running at 909 CFS at the Root River near Houston, MN gauge. Readings update every 15 minutes from the USGS Water Services API.

Is the Root River fishable today?

Root River is rated marginal right now. Flow is 909 CFS at the Root River near Houston, MN gauge. Go in prepared — heavier tippet, cautious wading, or target edges and seams.

Root River Fly Fishing Conditions

Live Conditions

Root River — Root River near Houston, MN

Marginal

909CFS

Discharge

4.05ft

Gauge Height

—

Water Temp

Updated 56 min agoView on USGS ↗

7-Day Flow

↓ Falling

RisingFallingStable

24-Hr Pressure

29.13 inHg · → High/stable

Falling (good)RisingHigh/stable

Local Weather

43°FClear sky

Wind 13 mph29.13 inHg Low & stable

Tough conditions — fish deep

Today

☀️

Clear sky

58° / 32°

Tomorrow

☁️

Overcast

61° / 42°

Mon

☁️

Overcast

62° / 39°

Tue

☀️

Clear sky

66° / 43°

Cold front incoming — go deep with nymphs, surface activity likely slow.

Weather by Open-Meteo · No API key · Updated every 30 min

What should I fish today?

⚡ AI

AI-powered recommendation using today's live flow, temperature, and hatch data.

6

Time of Day

Using: 909 CFS · BWOs strong

What should I pack?

Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's Root River conditions.

🪰 Hatch Calendar

Root River · October · Fall

Full calendar →

Showing typical dates — water temperature data unavailable for live hatch predictions.

Select month

JanDec

BWOs strong (size 18-20). Brown trout pre-spawn aggressive on streamers. Most sections close mid-late October per MN DNR — verify section-by-section closures.

Blue-Winged OliveStreamer

River Map

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USGS Gauge (click for site ID)Fishing Access / SectionScroll to zoom disabled — use map controls

About Root River

The Root River mainstem winds through southeast Minnesota's Driftless coulee country — a medium-sized limestone-influenced river holding strong populations of wild brown trout, with brook trout in the cold tributary headwaters. Lanesboro is the heart of the Root River fishery and serves as a base for floats and walk-wade access. Larger water than the small spring creeks of the SE MN Driftless, with deeper holding water for trophy browns.

Blue-Winged OliveHendricksonSulphurCaddisTricoTerrestrials

Regulations

Minnesota fishing license required ($25 resident annual) + $10.75 trout stamp. Season opens second Saturday in April (2026: April 11). Verify Fillmore County and Driftless special-regulation sections in current Minnesota DNR trout regulations. Many SE MN Driftless reaches have artificials-only or reduced-bag designations — check the MN DNR trout stream map.

Learn More

Guides to help you fish Root River with more confidence.