Brilliant fall colors, clear water and hungry trout made for a memorable day in southeast Minnesota as members of Minnesota Trout Unlimited’s Riverkeepers Council, which recognizes donors who contribute $1,000 or more annually, gathered for a special day of fishing.

The group spent the day exploring and fishing two remarkable trout streams in Wabasha County: Mazeppa Creek and Cold Spring Brook. The outing gave donors a firsthand look at how philanthropic support and Minnesota’s Legacy Amendment funding are working together to improve coldwater habitats across the state.

Together, private support from Minnesota Trout Unlimited donors and public conservation investments have helped make possible about 150 miles of habitat restoration on trout streams throughout Minnesota. Both streams visited during the outing showcase the long-term value of that partnership.

Mazeppa Creek

After four years of planning, Minnesota Trout Unlimited completed a major habitat restoration project on Mazeppa Creek in 2024. The project rebuilt riffles, stabilized eroding banks, restored native vegetation and improved habitat throughout an important reach of this Driftless Area trout stream.

Just two years later, the results are already becoming visible. Native plants are thriving, stream functions are improving and high-quality habitat is taking shape throughout the restored section.

Riverkeepers Council anglers connected with brown trout, up to 16 inches, along with plenty of hungry creek chubs. Some elected to experience Tenkara fishing under the guidance of co-host Bob Luck of the Twin Cities Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Cold Spring Brook

Just a few miles away, Cold Spring Brook tells another important conservation story.

Minnesota Trout Unlimited partnered with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to restore Cold Spring Brook beginning in 2013. The project included streambank stabilization, installation of habitat structures and extensive native vegetation plantings designed to improve both brook and brown trout habitat.

When severe flooding struck the region in 2019, portions of the project sustained damage, demonstrating both the challenges and the long-term commitment required to restore and maintain healthy trout streams. Continued monitoring and stewardship have helped ensure that this stream remains a productive fishery today.

Although warm afternoon temperatures made fishing more challenging during our visit, trout were clearly abundant in the cool, clear waters of this spring-fed stream.

The power of philanthropy

The day served as a powerful reminder that successful conservation is a long-term investment. Restoring trout streams requires planning, partnerships, skilled habitat professionals, committed volunteers and financial support from people who care about the future of Minnesota’s coldwater resources.

Riverkeepers Council members play an essential role in helping make this work possible.

Last year, 45 Riverkeepers Council households contributed more than $170,000 to advance conservation, education and advocacy efforts across Minnesota. Their generosity strengthened our organization in numerous ways, including making it possible to hire our first communications director, Andee Erickson, whose work expands the communication of our conservation and restoration efforts, helping us to ensure we can continue our mission well into the future.

To every Riverkeepers Council donor: Thank you for your leadership, generosity and commitment to Minnesota’s trout streams.

And if you are looking for a meaningful way to deepen your impact on conservation, we invite you to consider becoming a Riverkeepers Council member yourself.

Coldwater conservation happens because people like you make it possible.