209 Parkway Avenue N. • Lanesboro, MN 55949 • (507) 467-2577
Close your eyes and picture a cool, misty April morning in southeastern Minnesota. You are walking through the year’s new green grass and can hear that calming sound of the water flowing over limestone rocks as it makes its way to the Root River and onto the mighty Mississippi. You are filled with excitement for the unknown experience ahead, the opportunity to catch a fish, see a bald eagle overhead, or watch a whitetail run away as you spooked it from its resting spot. The rolling hills, precious streams, and rocky bluffs in and around Lanesboro bring you the calm only nature can provide. Make this vision your reality and experience Minnesota’s trout opener in Lanesboro, the best place to rest your head, dine at a variety of restaurants, enjoy local libations, and get access to some of the nation’s best trout streams.
After a long winter and that cabin-fever feeling, Minnesota’s April trout-opener always brings a sigh of relief that Spring is truly here and everyone can look forward to more green and warm days ahead. On Saturday, April 17, 2021, one can drive down into the valley of Lanesboro on Highway 16 and begin to see anglers focused and relaxed as they try to catch a brown, brook, or rainbow trout.
Southeastern Minnesota contains some of the nation’s best trout fishing streams. Because of the area’s karst geology, it is home to miles and miles of cold-water fed streams providing excellent habitat for trout and other fish species. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), brook trout are the area’s only native species. Brown trout were introduced over 100 years ago and are the most common to catch while rainbow trout are stocked in area streams and do not reproduce (Source). The opportunity to catch one of these trout species can happen in streams that are part of public land or easements.
There are over 530 miles of public fishing easements along trout streams in Minnesota that have been purchased with a variety of funding such as state bonding, the sale of trout stamps, and the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. An easement is a legal contract between the DNR and a landowner, and it is only allowed for anglers’ use and not for any other activity such as hunting, camping or trapping. Anglers and landowners can view the boundaries of a stream easement as the DNR marks it with signage. (Source). To learn more about easements, visit this brochure: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/recreation/fishing/trout_streams/easement_...
If you are new to trout fishing or a veteran, there are two excellent shops and guide services that can help with all of your fishing needs. Root River Rod Company is located in downtown Lanesboro, and their store sells an excellent variety of ties, hand-made bamboo rods, clothing, gear and more. They also run a guide service for individuals or groups with the option to wade or boat. Visit their website here: https://rootriverrodco.com/. In neighboring Preston, the Driftless Fly Fishing Company provides anglers with a retail storefront, fly fishing lessons, and guided fishing trips. They sell everything from kayaks to boots to rods to accessories, and they provide kayak rentals as well as guided trout fishing trips and fishing lessons. Learn more by visiting the Minnesota Fly Fishing website. With easy access to many area streams, online resources from the DNR, and two excellent local fishing guide companies, it is time to plan your trip to Lanesboro for trout fishing any time of the year.
View local stream, regulations, and trout fishing information from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.
