Trout Fishing in the Whitewater Valley

The southeast is laced with small, spring-fed creeks that course through deep valleys beneath timbered ridges and limestone bluffs. Though relatively small, these productive waters support a surprising abundance of trout.

Throughout southeastern Minnesota, anglers can find public access to almost every trout stream. Some streams flow through public parks and forests. Along others, the DNR has purchased access easements from landowners. In addition to allowing anglers to reach these stream segments, the easements allow the DNR to improve trout habitat on productive streams.

The DNR collects spawn from long-existing wild brook trout populations to develop hatchery stock that produces  brookies for reintroductions. The DNR continues to stock rainbow trout and brown trout in the southeast, too, but planting policies have changed over the years. Catchable-sized (11-inch) rainbow trout are stocked in some waters, but more often brown trout fingerlings (2 inches) are used so the fish have time to grow a bit warier before anglers try their luck. Streams that have sufficient natural production are not stocked.


Larson's cabin is located located at the 44 Mile Marker on Highway 74 directly across State
Highway 74 from the confluence of the South Branch and Main Branch of the Whitewater River.
The Whitewater and its tributaries boast over 210 miles of unsurpassed angling for brown trout, brook
trout and rainbow trout. Fly fishing is excellent. Be sure to check out the weekly brown trout contest at
Mauer Brothers Tavern in Elba. More and more fisherment prefer catch and release. Tom Larson is a
Trout Unlimited contributer and has special tips for Trout Unlimited members.

This young angler is pleased with his catch of a 1.5 pound brown trout.


Links to State of Minnesota Trout Fishing Maps
and Whitewater Maps:

Middle Branch Whitwater:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_and_wildlife/trout_fishing/pdf_maps/32-33.PDF

Main Branch Whitewater:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_and_wildlife/trout_fishing/pdf_maps/28-29.PDF

South Branch Whitewater:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_and_wildlife/trout_fishing/pdf_maps/34-35.PDF

North Branch Whitewater:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_and_wildlife/trout_fishing/pdf_maps/30-31.PDF

Other Minnesota Maps:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_and_wildlife/trout_fishing/map_index.html

For additional information on local Guided Fly fishing techniques
and Hot spots check out the minnesotatrout.com

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