Free Resource · Updated 2026
The Straight River in Dodge and Steele Counties is a cold spring creek with a consistent hatch schedule and quality wild trout fishing. It flows through the agricultural landscape of southeastern Minnesota and holds brown trout in good numbers year-round.
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Straight River Hatch Calendar at a Glance
The Straight River drains Dodge and Steele Counties before flowing into the Zumbro River system. Cold springs maintain low water temperatures through summer and keep the stream productive even in July and August when surrounding warmwater rivers are too hot for trout.
Wild brown trout are distributed throughout the main stem. The upstream sections hold some brook trout. The Straight River has been an important wild trout stream in the Zumbro watershed for decades. DNR surveys consistently show good brown trout density in the upper reaches near the headwaters.
Hendrickson hatches in late April start the dry fly season. Sulphurs peak in May and June. Trico spinner falls in late July and August produce methodical morning fishing on the flat pool sections. The Straight River offers solid fishing for anglers looking for less-pressured Driftless water outside of Fillmore County.
See the full Minnesota Fly Hatch Chart for hatch timing across all of Minnesota's top trout streams.
Check Conditions Near Straight RiverWhat to Fish
Ephemerella dorothea
Sulphurs on the Straight River peak in May and carry through June with consistent evening hatches. The flat pool sections produce the most visible rise activity. Fish a size 16-18 parachute or comparadun in the last two hours of light.
Recommended: Sulphur Parachute #16-18
Tricorythodes spp.
Trico spinner falls on the Straight River start in late July and peak through August. Early morning is the window with fish feeding steadily in the slow pools. Long tippets and small patterns are essential for success.
Recommended: Trico Spinner #22-24
Ephemerella subvaria
Hendricksons are the first significant dry fly hatch on the Straight River, appearing in late April on warm afternoons. The fish are eager after winter and the hatch can be dense on good days.
Recommended: Comparadun #12-14
Baetis spp.
BWO hatches on overcast April and October days provide reliable surface action. These small dark duns hatch in the riffles and fish feed actively on them across the width of the stream.
Recommended: BWO Parachute #18-22
Common Questions
The Straight River flows through Dodge and Steele Counties in southeastern Minnesota. Access is available at road crossings and through state-managed land. The upper reaches near the headwaters hold the best trout water.
Yes. Cold groundwater springs feed the Straight River and maintain cold temperatures year-round, making it a productive trout stream even in mid-summer when surrounding rivers are too warm.
May through June for Sulphur hatches is the peak season. Trico fishing in July and August is productive on calm mornings. Spring and fall BWO hatches on overcast days are also worth targeting.
Live readings from USGS gages on the river.
FlyFishFinder combines hatch knowledge with live gauge alerts, Prime condition indicators, and real angler intel so you show up on the right day, not the wrong one.
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