Project Description
The Straight River, located near Park Rapids, Minnesota, has been considered one of the top 100 best trout streams in America! Declines in this premier trout fishery led Minnesota Trout Unlimited to undertake habitat enhancement projects over the past several years. In 2009 and 2010 TU proposes to continue our program of placing large trees in strategic locations in the stream channel to narrow and deepen the channel, provide fish cover and trap sediments. TU will continue to work closely with the Ecological Resources, Forestry and Fisheries divisions of the MNDNR, as well as local landowners.

The Straight River is approximately 15 miles in length, flowing southeasterly from its outfall below Straight Lake in Becker County to the confluence with the Fish Hook River south of Park Rapids, Minnesota, in Hubbard County. The Straight River has a naturally reproducing population of brown trout which is unique for a stream in this area considering its warm water source from the Straight Lake. The coldwater discharges from surrounding underlying aquifers cool the river and permit this wild population of brown trout to exist and flourish.