Minnesota
Root River near Houston
Location Snapshot
Root River near Houston is a southeastern Minnesota river reach in the Driftless region, distinct from Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan tributary at Racine. Brown trout are the primary supported target, with brook trout in colder water and smallmouth bass adding a warmer-water component.
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
- 966 CFS
- Gage Height
- 4.15 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:45 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 05385000 · 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
41°F
Feels like
37°F
Wind
2 mph NE
Wind gust
4 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 4:45 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 41°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 9 AM
Clear
Temp 45°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Tue 1 PM
Clear
Temp 63°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 5 PM
Clear
Temp 64°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 9 PM
Clear
Temp 50°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Wed 1 AM
Clear
Temp 47°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Partly cloudy
High 66°F / Low 41°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 12 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Clear
High 70°F / Low 43°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 10 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 71°F / Low 51°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 10 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Overcast
High 71°F / Low 51°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 34 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
The Root River near Houston is one of the trout streams Minnesota describes in Houston County.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Root 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
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- 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
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Houston, 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
Houston
Management Category
Driftless trout river
Regulation Scope
Root River near Houston.
Regulation Summary
Root near Houston: MNDNR inland trout stream rules. Confirm current official regulations.
Target Species
brown-trout, brook-trout, smallmouth-bass
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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