“Come take a walk with us as we head into the fabled trout streams, creeks and rivers of southeastern Minnesota. A land relatively untouched with literally hundreds of miles to explore. Raw, natural beauty at every turn makes this one of the most amazing and interesting ecosystems in Minnesota and North America.”
The Driftless Area takes up a large portion of the Upper Midwest forest–savanna transition. The Blufflands refers to the eastern section of the Driftless Area in Minnesota, due to the steep bluffs and cliffs around the river valleys.
Never covered by ice during the last ice age, the area lacks the characteristic glacial deposits known as drift. Its landscape is characterized by steep hills, forested ridges and deeply carved river valleys, with spring-fed waterfalls and cold-water trout streams.
This is characterized by caves and cave systems, disappearing streams, blind valleys, underground streams, sinkholes, springs and cold streams. Fishing in the Driftless is particularly known for brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout.
There are many small towns in the Driftless Area, especially in river valleys, at or upstream from the Mississippi River. The picturesque towns of Lanesboro and Preston are the cornerstone civilizations in the area.
There’s a secret spot in Minnesota where the trout practically jump onto your line. Imagine a place untouched by the icy fingers of the last Ice Age, a hidden gem bursting with natural beauty and brimming with brown, brook and rainbow trout: the Driftless Area of southeastern Minnesota, a land of steep hills, lush forested ridges and enchanting river valleys.
This area was never smoothed over by glaciers, so it’s kind of like nature’s own exclusive club. The landscape is wildly unique, with spring-fed waterfalls, and streams so clear you’d think they were made of glass. Fish thrive here. The cold-water streams are a trout’s dream, making southeastern Minnesota a top spot for anglers.
Whether you’re a fly-fishing aficionado or just casting your line for the first time, the abundance of wildlife and raw, natural beauty makes every fishing trip here an adventure. So grab your gear and join us at the Driftless Fly Fishing Company. Let’s explore the hundreds of miles of pristine streams and rivers where the great outdoors isn’t just seen — it’s felt. This is your invitation to the dance of the drifting flies and the leap of the lively trout. Come make a splash in Minnesota’s hidden fishing paradise!
Driftless Fly Fishing Company, Minnesota’s only Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing outfitter , has the experience, gear and knowledge to help you catch trout and enjoy the Driftless area like no others. Their love for the area is evident in their mission to show others the unique beauty and trout habitat in the Driftless Area.
ABOUT THE OWNER
Mel Hayner is the owner of the Driftless Fly Fishing Company and is an Orvis-endorsed guide. Mel has been fly fishing and tying flies for over 40 years. He has fished the Driftless Area for over 25 years and has guided people in the area for over a decade. Mel can show you how and where to catch trout on fly in southeastern Minnesota. His passion is to share the sport and the streams of Minnesota with others.
AIRBNB RENTAL ABOVE THE FLY SHOP
The Driftless Fly Fishing Company includes a suite for rent above the fly shop that includes free wifi, coffee, towels, silverware, cooking pans and utensils, streaming services and a flat-screen TV, located one block from the year-round fishing section of the South Branch of the Root River. Free one-day kayak rental is available with the two-day minimum rental. Be sure to ask about stay-and-play discounts for guided trips and lodging together.