National Trout Center

The National Trout Center seeks to conserve our natural and cultural heritage of trout and their coldwater environments by engaging the public through education, practice and awareness.

Preston, MN, is the heart of the three state driftless area and home to one of the country's most remarkable freshwater resources - with over 600 coldwater limestone spring-fed creeks supporting a world-class trout fishery. Several thousand miles of mineral-rich streams weave across the landscape and represent one of the highest concentrations of the rarest forms of freshwater on Earth. These streams support abundant populations of trout, which in turn, attract tens of thousands of anglers to the region each year.

The National Trout Center convenes hands-on workshops and clinics on stream ecology and the fishing arts. Subjects may include fly casting, knot tying, fly tying, lure making, rod building, nature photography, insect identification and water quality sampling. Visitors to the Center are encouraged to suggest additional topics for workshops.