Stream report

[uffdapete]

Finally took a morning off and fished the north branch of Root. Water level is still approx. 2 feet over normal, so there wasn't much of a bank to walk and crossing was dangerous. Clarity was okay - 16"+; water temp was 66, so am guessing most of the trout are or already have headed up the cooler smaller designated streams. I managed one 16 and one 12 and a couple white bass.
Then to the South Branch of the Root and found water level about 1 foot over normal and clarity a little less than the North branch. Didn't take the water temp there.

Spring Valley Creek was in very good shape and picked up a couple 12", and that was late morning with high sun. Should've gone there first.

[Jim W]

uffda,

Thanks for the report! I personally like the additional flow, especially for throwing them "over-sized" raps!
Still using the yozuri? Did you notice any hatches going on? keep the rods bendin!!!
Jim W

[Jim W]

Went out for an hour last evening and the trout bite was on HARD! Managed 6 fish, missed 4 or 5 and nothing under 12 with one pushing 20 inches!!!!! All caught and released(as usual). I was using my favorite lure for large browns, the #11 original floating rap, "Shiner"!!!
Streams are flowing very well, so if you haven't had the chance to do some troutin', get out there soon!!! Jim W

[uffdapete]

Wednesday there was a major hatch going on the North branch of the Root starting about 8AM, but not sure what it was. Fish were rising constantly.

Wished I would've had the time and been in the canoe on Wednesday. Crossing where I was, was dangerous to put it mildly and then there was no bank to stay on. A canoe would have allowed access anywhere.

At what water temp do browns move into smaller, cooler streams? The 2 I caught were very "washed out" so I thought maybe that was a sign the water temp was too warm.

We did well on Spring Valley Creek Friday morning, and again Friday afternoon in deeper pools. Lots of recent flood damage down in that area.

Jim W. we've got to hook up sometime and walk a stream.

[Jim W]

Uffda,
I had written a wonderful response to a question you never asked. Then I re-read your question and deleted about 10 minutes of writing! Oh well!
I have found browns in Smallmouth water all season long. If they can find cover and water that provides decent oxygen supply and forage, they'll stick around. If the stream gets too warm they will move back into the feeder trout streams.
I guess I couldn't give you an exact temp. to look for, but I do know that one of the best temps to look for active trout is 50-52 degrees! Now that doesn't mean you won't find acrtive trout in warmer water. I would have to say that anything below the low 60's(61-2) will generally have trout in it(if all conditions are present)If the water temp reaches 70 degrees and up and your catching trout, I want to see the trout!
So to answer your question, when the smallmouth river(or where ever) reaches to warm for trout and you know of a nearby feeder like Torkleson, good bet they're headed up.
I would like to point out that there has been a significant improvement in the water quality of SE MN streams and rivers just in the last 5 years. This is in direct relationship to the CRP program. Yes there are issues related to each farmers needs etc. But putting aside land for CRP was one of the best ideas in a long time!! Let's hope they do not remove an idea that has a positive affect on our wonderful Streams and rivers. Heck I continue to see trout where there hasn't been trout for decades!! Uffda, I've rambled like usual, I hope I helped? Yes we will have to hook up soon. LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY FROM SMALLMOUTH TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jim W