The Root River is one of the larger trout streams in Southeastern Minnesota and might hold some of the larger fish in the state. The river has both a North and South Branch, with the South Branch being more popular with trout fisherman. The area in the state park is also very popular and hold a high population of trout. We have seen an occasional fish in the 4+ pound range and a 5-8 pounder is usually caught every year. The Chatfield area and also below the dam in Lanesborro hold some of the larger fish in the river. The majority of the fish in the river are brown trout, but an occasional rainbow can be caught.