What is the closest trout stream(s) to the SW suburbs?

[Sonicrunch]

Chaska area.

Stream, river, whatever. NOT lake.

Thank you in advance.

[WxGuy]

From the SW suburbs, I would guess the closest trout stream (with the most fishable water) to you would be in Goodhue county in Southeast Minnesota. W-Central streams in Wisconsin probably not too much farther.

There's also a trout stream in Dakota county near Farmington, but there isn't as much access. Here's a link to southeast Minnesota trout stream maps.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/trout_streams/south_mn_maps.html

[turiprap]

Eagle Creek in Savage is alleged trout water.

[JP Z]

The Vermillion is supposed to be a good trout stream.

[DEADhead]

access to both Eagle Creek and the Vermillion is the biggest obstacle in finding good trout water. There are some fish in Eagle creek, but it's pretty tough angling and fish numbers are low. You would have a lot more success fishing the Vermillion. Things to keep in mind while down there, public access at this time are limited; if you are not on an easement, make sure you have permission from the landowner to be there, or that may jeopordize future efforts by the DNR to acquire easements along the Vermillion corridor. Also, the public areas get hit pretty hard, so fish are often pretty selective. Finally, being in the urban setting that it is, it is highly susceptible to runoff and pollution. Sometimes the river runs like chocolate milk. Also, due to all the manmade structures, i.e. parking lots, roads, etc., during large precipitation events, thermal pollution is often a big factor. There have been some efforts to reduce this, but not enough IMO. Keep a stream thermometer handy to monitor water temps, water temps above 60 degrees will start to become stressful on fish and fish released in those kinds of water temps have a much higher mortality rate.

FYI, just about the entire reach of the good trout water is catch and release.

Another good water worth trying is Hay Creek in Red Wing.

Good Luck!

[Lucky Dogg]

also don't forget The Vermillion is catch and release of all brown trout! year round. you can keep rainbows and catch them at the city parks. later, Dogg