Brown Trout

If you're looking for a less-pressured brown trout fishery in Minnesota, consider Floodwood. The area's small, winding rivers and streams, like the Floodwood River itself and its tributaries, hold surprisingly good populations of browns. What makes Floodwood unique is its remoteness; it's not a destination fishery, so you'll often have stretches of water all to yourself. Spring, just after ice-out, and fall, when the browns are staging for their spawn, are prime times. Summer can be good too, especially early mornings or late evenings. A local tip: focus on areas with good cover like undercut banks, downed trees, and deeper pools. Wading is the most common way to fish here. Be aware of water levels, as these streams can fluctuate rapidly after heavy rains. The browns in Floodwood aren't known for their size – most are in the 10-14 inch range – but they are wild and eager to take a well-presented fly or small lure. Check the MN DNR website for stream regulations, as some sections may have special restrictions.