Minnesota
Knife River near Two Harbors
Location Snapshot
Knife River near Two Harbors is a Minnesota North Shore tributary flowing toward Lake Superior, combining resident coldwater habitat with Great Lakes-connected migratory fish. Rainbow trout are the primary supported target, with brook trout and coho salmon adding additional salmonid opportunity.
Current River Rating
Fair · 56
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Timing Evidence
Dawn low light is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 9.06 CFS
- Gage Height
- 25.82 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:00 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 04015330 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
40°F
Feels like
34°F
Wind
7 mph NE
Wind gust
15 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 4:30 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 5 AM
Clear
Temp 40°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 9 AM
Clear
Temp 44°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 1 PM
Clear
Temp 53°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Tue 5 PM
Clear
Temp 53°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 9 PM
Clear
Temp 46°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Wed 1 AM
Overcast
Temp 45°F
Chance 3%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Clear
High 56°F / Low 40°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 14 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 63°F / Low 45°F
Chance 5%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 12 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 56°F / Low 48°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 17 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Drizzle
High 56°F / Low 48°F
Chance 12%
Precip 0.01 in
Max gust 21 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Rainbow trout are in the mixed fishery on the Knife River near Two Harbors, a Great Lakes tributary.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Knife River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Migratory
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Coho Salmon
Oncorhynchus kisutch
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Migratory
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- Yes
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral anadromous streamer family. Not a salmonfly Hatch calendar.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for fly-presented salmon/steelhead water.
- Soft hackleGeneral swing-style family. Not an insect emergence claim.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Lake, Minnesota
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Lake
Management Category
Lake Superior tributary trout river
Regulation Scope
Knife River near Two Harbors.
Regulation Summary
Knife near Two Harbors: MNDNR inland trout / Lake Superior tributary rules. Confirm current official regulations.
Target Species
rainbow-trout, brook-trout, coho-salmon
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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