Straight River trout fishing in June

Fishing easements on much of the Straight River allow for many fishing opportunities as the river heads south of Park Rapids. Image courtesy MN DNR

Canoes ready to take a dip into the gentle flow of the Straight River near Park Rapids. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

The hex fly is imitated in this fly pattern used during the hex mayfly hatch in May. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

Trout enthusiasts line the road crossings along the Straight River this time of year. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

Bill Evarts, a Minnesota DNR fishery specialist prepares to fish the Straight River in June. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

Bill Evarts holds his rod high as a big brown trout heads upstream on the Straight River near Park Rapids. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

The fly fishermen and women not only have to cast in the dark, but net their own fish as they prefer to distance themselves from each other until the fishing is over for the night. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

The prize for those battling mosquitoes and darkness can be a fine brown trout like this one caught by Bill Evarts. It was the only one that made it's way into the net and was swiftly returned to the water. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal

Dr. Ron Miller, of Fargo, has staked out his spot for the night on the Straight River. Many regular anglers head out hours before fishing starts in order to claim a spot away from others. Those that know each other follow a certain fishing etiquette to avoid confrontations in the peak of the hex mayfly hatch. Michael Johnson/Pioneer Journal