What flies are hatching on the South Branch Root River right now?

Current and seasonal hatches on the South Branch 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 South Branch Root River?

The South Branch Root River is running at 595 CFS at the Root River near Pilot Mound (proxy) gauge. Readings update every 15 minutes from the USGS Water Services API.

Is the South Branch Root River fishable today?

South Branch Root River is outside its fishable window right now. Flow is 595 CFS at the Root River near Pilot Mound (proxy) gauge. Check back when conditions return to the normal range.

South Branch Root River Fly Fishing Conditions

Live Conditions

South Branch Root River — Root River near Pilot Mound (proxy)

Unfishable

595CFS

Discharge

8.80ft

Gauge Height

—

Water Temp

Updated 41 min agoView on USGS ↗

7-Day Flow

↓ Falling

RisingFallingStable

24-Hr Pressure

29.23 inHg · → High/stable

Falling (good)RisingHigh/stable

Local Weather

42°FClear sky

Wind 12 mph29.23 inHg Low & stable

Tough conditions — fish deep

Today

☀️

Clear sky

58° / 32°

Tomorrow

☁️

Overcast

61° / 42°

Mon

☁️

Overcast

62° / 39°

Tue

☀️

Clear sky

66° / 44°

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.

2

Time of Day

Using: 595 CFS · BWOs strong

What should I pack?

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

🪰 Hatch Calendar

South Branch 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). Pre-spawn browns. Sections close mid-late October per MN DNR.

Blue-Winged Olive

River Map

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

About South Branch Root River

The South Branch of the Root River near Lanesboro is a classic SE Minnesota Driftless trout stream — limestone-spring-fed with strong populations of wild brown trout. Less crowded than the mainstem and ideal for walk-wade fishing. Trico spinner falls, Sulphurs, and summer terrestrials drive the dry-fly action.

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.

Learn More

Guides to help you fish South Branch Root River with more confidence.