While MN is best known on this forum for BW fishing, the driftless area is world class for trout fishing. I'm planning to fish there this week with three great MN friends. Our base will be Preston, MN.

For those who have never visited this area of MN it is a real gem. Pretty hills and valleys, small trout streams in idyllic settings, not overly crowded, good eats, good biking and hiking, and the mainstem of the Root River has good canoeing and fishing.

I’ve fished the Root river many times. So fun to match the hatch. Beautiful area that sometimes when I’m in a stream I stop fishing and just look around at the scenery.

My family spent time down there 2 years ago. We camped at Frontenac state park and day tripped from there. Nice country.

The Driftless is one of the gems of the midwest.

Don't forget right across the Mississippi, Vernon County also has -"Pretty hills and valleys, small trout streams in idyllic settings, not overly crowded, good eats, good biking and hiking"- too!

I agree that the driftless area is a treasure. I have been going most April's to camp, fish, hike and take photos of the huge variety of birds and wildflowers. Most years it is Whitewater State Park but I have gone to Forestville State Park and the Root River a few times too. When at Whitewater I always take a day trip up to Carley State Park for a different branch of the Whitewater with decent fishing and incredible wildflowers.

I have dozens of photos which I want to show those who have not been down there but rather than post them here I am going to link to a post in the Photography in the BWCA category so it is optional if you want to view them or not.


It is definitely one of my favorite areas of MN and I look forward to this trip a lot every year. Highly recommend it if you like any of the things mentioned - hiking, birding, wildflowers and decent fishing...and PEACE.



Photos of the Driftless area

World class might be a bit exaggerated but I agree it’s a great place to trout fish in the spring. I’ve been making April/May fishing trips to my spots down there for over 20 years.

Just got back from my trip. Fishing was good but not fantastic, in part because water was high in many streams due to rain. Nonetheless had a great time with friends and enjoying the scenery and wildlife. Many turkeys were out and the trees blooming. Weather was good for us. Will be back

By the way, Trout in this area are very colorful.