Brown Trout

If you're chasing brown trout in central Minnesota, don't overlook the streams near Pease. While not as famous as some of the Driftless Area streams to the south, these smaller waterways offer surprisingly good brown trout fishing. Many of these are spring-fed creeks that maintain cool temperatures even in summer, crucial for brown trout survival. Look for access points along county roads that cross the creeks; many have small pull-offs. Early spring (after ice-out) and late fall are prime times, as the browns become more active in cooler water. Stealth is key here – these are often clear, shallow streams, so approach quietly and use natural-colored lures or flies. The browns in these streams tend to be on the smaller side, but what they lack in size, they make up for in their wild, native beauty. Consider packing a light spinning rod or a fly rod with a floating line.