This past Saturday was trout opener in Minnesota so Buffalo Media Group headed down to the heart of the Driftless in Preston and Lanesboro to hit up a few streams. This year was fairly low-key, we decided to ditch the waders and just walk the streams. Normally, we bring our travel trailer down there, pack the waders and the yaks and go. But, this was a great way to ease into the season. We live in Northfield which is only an hour from Rochester and the launching pad for 720 miles of rivers and streams that are all chock full of brown, ‘bows, and brookies.

There are few words to describe the rich feeling of being in trout country. The winding, meandering roads that pass by amazing bluffs, sheer limestone cliffs, and rural farms is simply beautiful. Things run at a slower pace here and you can easily get lost exploring dead end gravel roads that lead down to blue-ribbon trout streams. Rarely do you see other anglers unless you are downtown Lanesboro at the dam.

Our first stop was a quick hello at the Root River Rod Co. in downtown Lanesboro then onto the dam in town for a quick glance before heading out to fish. Just something about being reacquainted to the area after a long winter puts you in trout fishing mode.

Be sure to swing into Root River Rod Co. for all the latest, hottest gear and stream reports. These guys are extremely knowledgable of their trout fishing paradise and offer guided trips as well. Grab some streamers and a trout map book complimentary of the Minnesota DNR and you are ready!

After spending the good part of the afternoon walking the banks of the Root River and Mill Creek, we ended up catching over a dozen trout, mostly 10-inch browns but were able to land a few 13'-inch browns and rainbows for table fare. It was a great trout opener and will most likely be extending into the coming weekend as well, weather permitting.