First Timer here

I’m heading out next weekend with my daughter to go trout fishing for the first time. I was planning on bringing a 7′ ML spinning combo for myself, and a shorter one for her. A friend told me to go longer, so I will probably go pick up a longer rod for myself.
Anyone care to share some decent areas in SE MN, or any other pointers? Neither one of us eat fish, so I’m not worried about any slot limits, or size. Just want to keep her occupied for a few hours catching fish.

Thanks for any tips.

Pockets – Do you guys plan to stay in southeast MN over ther weekend or just a day trip? Want easy hiking or willing to bushwack? Spinners, crawlers? What general area were you thinking? How long are you willing to drive?

Either a day or weekend; playing it by ear right now. Easier hiking is always appreciated, but I don’t mind a little walk. I was planning on bringing both spinners and nightcrawlers. Right now I was thiking of heading as far south as Winona. Looking over the DNR maps right now at work.

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Looking over the DNR maps right now at work.

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Nice!!

Trout Run Creek below Bucksnort Dam is easy fishing, easy open pasture section. Tons of HI. Consider HI and easement sections if Pine south of I-90. Pine also has lots of pasture sections. Do the satelite and terrain views in google. Mark some spots. Mark the HI sections.

Maybe on your way back try Cold Spring by Zumbro Falls from mouth of river to first mile 1/4 mile upstream of first bridge, vegetation gets hairy. Caught one bruiser there this year. Also hear there are some giant brookies to be had closer to the mouth of the river assuming the Hmongs did not get them all already.

HI? I know I’ll probably sound stupid, but what is that?

Also, I noticed a lot of farmland in the area. How often do people allow you to fish on their property?

Trout Run creek downstream of Bucksnort Dam is good.

Bucksnort Dam, Trout Run Creek

So is Hay Creek downstream of the 325th bridge.

HOWEVER both of these do not allow bait. Pine would be a good choice. Same with Rush next door. Whitewater are great options. Looking for Brookies, try Beaver Creek where it joins main branch of WW. Plenty of options.

So the maps are color coated. The easement sections are marked in gray. Easy huh? Special regs are colored in green or pink (so they stand out) I believe.

SE MN trout stream maps

So if you are just starting out I’d stick to easement sections. Otherwise if the land is posted I suggest asking landowner permission (best to do ahead of time). Personally I like to do this ahead of time. Look up GIS maps for the county. Zoom in. ID landowner. Then search web for phone number. Call ahead or stop by (but not day of fishing trip). MAJORITY of time landowners love it when people ask. They may post no trespassing to keep out the masses, keep litter down. Keep in mind some are preparing to hunt on their land and may not welcome new requests this time of year however.

Good luck! I hope I was of some help to you. Let us know how you do OK?

Tight lines,

Mark

I would stay away from the Whitewater area especially on the weekend. Besides the fishing has been tough around that area lately. Rush Creek and Pine Creek would be good options. If you are not having much luck their you can head south on hwy 43 to choice and fish south branch, maple creek, or wisel. There are many options in that area. Good luck to you!

Thanks for the info everyone.