“When would you like your license to start?” the clerk asked. I was a little confused because I had already told him I wanted it for the next day. I soon learned that in Minnesota, they have a 24 hour daily license and the angler must choose the exact time their license will start. Well I should have started the clock at that moment and run down to the stream, because heavy thunderstorms blew out Trout Run Creek over night.

Frank Angelotti, the president of TU’s Hiawatha chapter, and I met on the stream the next morning. The water was dirtied beyond “chocolate milk,” running almost as thick as a chocolate milkshake. Sure we took a few casts, but they were token gestures to the fish gods. In lieu of fishing, we spent the morning touring a few of the chapter’s stream improvement projects.

Trout Run has endured the same erosion, sedimentation, and agricultural runoff problems that that have plagued most Driftless area streams (please see my 6/16 “Drifting in the Driftless” entry for more info). The chapter has been proactive in restoring bank slope and vegetative cover, implementing lunker structures and other habitat improvements, and working to protect riparian buffers.

Last summer, the chapter restored the stream in a beautiful meadow. The improved stretch is long enough to provide the patient angler with a full day’s water. I saw no reason for the angler to rush up this stream. The surroundings are peaceful and scenic and the water appeared to offer great fish habitat, although I couldn’t see half an inch beyond the surface film. Trout Run normally runs clear and I’ve been told it supports a great population of wild brown trout, some of which exceed 20 inches.

This upcoming summer, Hiawatha TU will be restoring another nice meadow section. Frank and I started driving the unimproved road down to this stretch, but we encountered some deep mud. Right where the road surface turned from grass to dirt, we decided to turn around, but we were a hundred feet to late. I got my truck all bogged down and did a number on the new road in the process. We abandoned the truck and hiked to this summer’s project site.

The site will receive the usual treatments including bank stability work and instream habitat improvements. These projects require a lot of time and hard, physical labor. "Kudos" to the TUers across the country who invest their time, energy, and back muscles into stream restoration.

One unique aspect of this restoration project is the source of the funding. The Guadalupe River Chapter in Texas has donated generously to their Hiawatha brethren, making the restoration possible. Opportunities for instream habitat work are limited in Texas, and the TUers down there wanted to ensure that some of their chapter funds went to worthwhile hands-on conservation work.

After an hour and a half wandering the hills in search of someone with a tractor and a tow chain, Frank and I returned to the truck. Fortunately, the mud had dried slightly and my tires gained enough purchase to rally out of the slop.

Relieved, we returned to Frank’s car and shed our waders. As we prepared to leave, Frank realized he had locked his keys in the car, a horrible feeling I’m sure we have all experienced. At this point, our day of misfortune was almost comical. We went to a local burger joint and waited for Frank’s wife who kindly brought down his spare keys.

I hope to return to Minnesota in September for TU’s national meeting. By then, Hiawatha TU will have completed their summer work and I look forward to seeing the final product. I also hope that the river will be clear, the roads less muddy, and that Frank and I can capture a few of Trout Run’s resident browns.

See a few photos by clicking HERE