The Root River
Choose; to fish for Brown and Rainbow Trout on the South Branch, Camp Creek, Duschee Creek, South Fork, or the Root River, Brown Trout on Trout Run Creek, or the annual Redhorse Run on the Root River.
Single Angler Day Trips begin at $175, per angler, for up to three anglers.
Book your trip today!
Or choose to float the Root River by canoe or kayak to access hard to get to places. We offer three runs. Lanesboro to Eagle Cliff (Six Hours), Eagle Cliff to Peterson (Eight Hours), Peterson to Rushford (Six Hours).
Single Angler Day Trips begin at $250, per angler, and includes lunch, beverages, and canoe or kayak.
About – The Root River maintains timelessness as it represents the fine scenic and historic qualities which is characteristic of southeastern Minnesota. The Root River has gentle to moderate flow with a few riffles. The water level varies substantially with rainfall. The river offers wonderful opportunities for family day trips, and towns along the river offer historical sights, services, and hospitality. Those who are more adventurous can take advantage of the canoe campsites for overnight trips. Root Map (Instructions for printing large PDF maps.)
Water characteristics – check the water level report.
The water flow on the Root River ranges from gentle to moderate. From Chatfield to the Mississippi River the river falls 310 feet for an average drop of 3.4 feet per mile. River levels peak in mid-March and once again in June. Though the watershed has many spring-fed clear water tributaries including the South Branch, the Root River is somewhat cloudy due to erosive soil types in the watershed.
Landscape – Formed of two branches in the west, the North and Middle, the Root River winds past towering bluffs topped with oak and hickory. Joined above the town of Whalen by the South Branch, a tributary which flows from Mystery Cave, the river continues its way past bluffs and outcrops until Rushford. There the river straightens as the valley broadens considerably. The scenery then settles into a gentle plain of pastureland and mixed cottonwood and maple with wooded rolling hills visible in the distance.
Fish and wildlife – There are many species of fish inhabiting the river including smallmouth bass, channel catfish, rock bass, sunfish, crappies, and rough fish. Most of these can be found in the active stretches of pooled areas of the river. Brown and Rainbow trout are found in the clear and cold spring-fed system. All anglers fishing in the designated trout waters are required to have a current trout stamp. The Root River supports over 40 species of birds. It is quite common to see blue herons, egrets, and wood ducks moving about the river’s edge. Raptors in the area include red-tailed hawks, osprey, turkey vultures, and bald eagles. Wooded shores harbor mammals such as deer, gray fox, red fox, coyotes, raccoons, woodchucks, squirrels, weasels, and badgers. River otters and beaver can be found in the water. Lizards such as the skink, racerunner, and many species of snakes, including the timber rattlesnake, can be found along the banks and outcrops.
Cultural Information – This area served as a gateway for cultures moving north. The “Mississippian Tradition,” a striking example of cultural development, moved northward about A.D. 900 to 1000. They farmed the fertile bottom land and built terraces above the rivers. In the 1640′s, with the onset of European exploration, France claimed this part of the “New World”. The newly formed United States, in turn, bought it from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The native Dakota Indians continued to inhabit the land until the 1852 Treaty of Traverse de Sioux forced their removal, thus opening the door for further expansion. Soon hardwood stands were cleared and fields were cultivated. Development of water resources and poor land management led to a negative impact on the area’s environment. Catastrophic erosion gradually led the people of southeastern Minnesota to initiate wiser use of the land. Eventually the state established what is now known as the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest to restore and prescribe sound multi-use land practices.
-http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/canoeing/rootriver/
The Root River System offers anglers of all abilities challenges while chasing Brown and Rainbow Trout and Brook Char.
Your guide will assist you with maximizing your time on the water in the Root River System according to your skills and desired experience. Trips in the Root River System are offered January through October. Canoe trips available April through October.
What to bring – a rod, reel, waders, hat, polarized sunglasses, rain coat, and beverages. Concessions and hot food are available in Preston, Spring Valley, Lanesboro, Whalen, and Peterson.
The Root River System.
Choose; to fish for Brown and Rainbow Trout on the South Branch, Camp Creek, Duschee Creek, South Fork, or the Root River, Brown Trout on Trout Run Creek, or the annual Redhorse Run on the Root River.
Single Angler Day Trips begin at $175, per angler, for up to three anglers.
Book your trip today!
Or choose to float the Root River by canoe or kayak to access hard to get to places. We offer three runs. Lanesboro to Eagle Cliff (Six Hours), Eagle Cliff to Peterson (Eight Hours), Peterson to Rushford (Six Hours).
Single Angler Day Trips begin at $250, per angler, and includes lunch, beverages, and canoe or kayak.
Book your trip today!
Accomodations -
Hotels and Motels -
Stone Mill Suites
100 Beacon St E
Lanesboro, MN
(507) 467-8663
Website – Directions
Guest Hus Motel
610 Parkway Avenue South
Lanesboro, MN
(507) 467-3512
Directions
Green Gables Inn
303 Sheridan St W
Lanesboro, MN
(507) 467-2936
Directions
Lanesboro Motel
303 Sheridan St W
Lanesboro, MN
(507) 467-2936
Directions
Country Trails Inn & Suites
809 Highway 52
Preston, MN
(507) 765-2533
Website – Directions
Trailhead Inn
112 Center
Preston, MN
(507) 765-2460
Directions
Berwood Hill Inn
Preston, MN
(507) 765-2391
Directions
Camping -
Eagle Cliff Campground
35455 State Highway 16
Lanesboro, MN 55949
(507) 467-2598.
Website
Forestville State Park
RR 2 Box 128,
Spring Valley, MN
(507) 352-5111
Website – Directions
Valleyview Campground
23750 US 52
Preston, MN
(507) 765-2227
Website – Directions
Maple Springs Campground
21606 County 118
Spring Valley, MN
(507) 352-2056
Website – Directions
Hidden Valley Camp Ground
29596 Ideal Dr.
Preston, MN
(507) 765-2467
Directions
Deer Creek Speedway & Campground
RR 3
Spring Valley, MN
(507) 346-2342
Directions
Highway 250 Campground
2100 Highway 250 North
Lanesboro, MN
(507) 467-3395
Directions
Old Barn Resort
3 Preston Street Northwest
Preston, MN
(507) 467-2512
Website – Directions