Root River - South Park - Minnesota
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Root River – South Park - Water Flow Chart
Root River – South Park - Weather report & radar
Root River – South Park - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Warmest part of day | #20-#24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| February | Midges | Warmest part of day | #20-#24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| March | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-#20 | Comparadun, WD-40 |
| Little Black Caddis | Late Afternoon | #18-#20 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| April | Hendricksons & Red Quills | Afternoon | #12-#14 | Hendrickson Parachute, Red Quill |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-#20 | Comparadun, WD-40 | |
| May | Sulphurs | Late Afternoon to Dusk | #16-#18 | Sulphur Parachute |
| Caddis | Late Afternoon to Dusk | #14-#18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| March Browns | Afternoon | #10-#12 | March Brown Sparkle Dun | |
| June | Green Drakes | Evening | #10-#12 | Green Drake Cripple |
| Light Cahills | Evening | #14-#16 | Light Cahill Dry Fly | |
| July | Tricos | Morning | #20-#24 | Trico Spinner |
| Terrestrials | Mid Morning to Afternoon | #10-#14 | Hopper Patterns, Ants, Beetles | |
| August | Tricos | Morning | #20-#24 | Trico Spinner |
| Terrestrials | Mid Morning to Afternoon | #10-#14 | Hopper Patterns, Ants, Beetles | |
| September | Blue Winged Olives | Late Afternoon to Dusk | #18-#22 | Comparadun, WD-40 |
| Terrestrials | Mid Morning to Afternoon | #10-#14 | Hopper Patterns, Ants, Beetles | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon to Dusk | #18-#22 | Comparadun, WD-40 |
| Caddis | Late Afternoon to Dusk | #14-#18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| November | Midges | Warmest part of day | #20-#24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| December | Midges | Warmest part of day | #20-#24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
Root River – South Park Access Points
The Root River – South Park offers numerous access points particularly favorable for fly fishing:
- Dam No. 4 Woods: Provides an excellent stretch for trout fishing and is a popular spot among locals.
- Lincoln Park: This area allows for easy access to the river, making it excellent for novice anglers. The slow, deep pool here is a hotspot for brown and rainbow trout.
- Horlick Dam: A significant number of steelheads, coho, and chinook salmon can be found here during Fall and Spring.
- Island Park: This stretch of the river, with plenty of vegetation, offers ideal conditions for trout.
- Quarry Lake Park: An all-around great spot for fishing, this park also features amenities such as restrooms and picnic areas.
- Washington Park: Home to several species of gamefish, it features swift currents and plenty of cover.
Root River – South Park Fishing Spots
Fly fishing enthusiasts will find numerous ideal places along the Root River – South Park. Some of these locations include:
- Quarry Hill Nature Center: Located just off the North Branch, Quarry Hill offers a variety of options for fly fishing due to its rich fish population.
- Soldiers Field Park: The portion of the river that runs through this park is a popular spot known for its deep pools and runs, making it perfect for fly fishing.
- Gamehaven Scout Reservation: This area offers something more tranquil and is also known for having a good diversity of fish species.
- Rochester Golf & Country Club: While access may be restricted, those able to fish here will find a section of the river that is particularly suitable for fly fishing.
Root River – South Park Local Fish Species
- Trout
- Brown Trout: Known for putting up a good fight, making it a popular target for anglers.
- Rainbow Trout: Drawn to the fast, clear water in the area.
- Brook Trout: These fish love the cold, clear water found in the Root River.
- Salmon
- Chinook Salmon: Also known as “king salmon” due to their large size.
- Coho Salmon: A more agile species, making them a fun challenge for fly fishing.
- Northern Pike: These larger fish thrive in deeper parts of the river.
- Smallmouth Bass: They’re attracted to the river’s rocky habitats.
About the Root River – South Park
The Root River meandering through South Park presents a breathtaking snapshot of mother nature’s beauty. This river brims with history and stunning landscapes! Dating back to Native American times, the Root River served as a hub for fishing and transportation. It received its name from the Native American word “Chippecotton“, meaning ‘River with many roots’.
- The river stretches an impressive 80 miles, winding through scenic Wisconsin landscapes before ushering its outflows into Lake Michigan.
- South Park is a noted feature along the river, serving as a recreational hotspot for locals and tourists.
- The park’s mature trees offer shade and shelter, while the river provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and, in the right conditions, even rafting!
Visiting the Root River- South Park is like stepping into a historical painting. The vibrant wildlife, pulsing waters and lush surroundings provide an engaging journey into nature’s splendor and our shared historical past.
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