John Weiss

John Weiss

John Weiss was a full-time reporter for the Rochester Post-Bulletin for 41 years and wrote the Back Roads column for more than 10 years. His passions include hunting, fishing, birding, nature photography, hiking and just kicking around.

Author's Archive

A large building with peaked roof and tall windows with a stone sign in the front.

Driftless Center a Must Stop on the Great River Road

John Weiss learns more about the Driftless region during a visit to a learning center just south of the Minnesota-Iowa border.

A group of people bend and stand over small bushes being planted in a dry grass field. A hill with leafed out green trees is off the the left and back of the photo.

Hundreds of Shrubs to Protect Vesta Creek Streambank

John Weiss joins a crew of volunteers and conservation groups on a planting project to restore Vesta Creek’s floodplain with native and climate-adapted shrubs.

Four high school students, two in chest waders, stand knee deep in a trout stream.

High Schoolers Learning from Trout

John Weiss checks back in with Rushford-Peterson students as they complete their Trout in the Classroom project with a stream release.

A man in a bright yellow vest stands in a creek under a cement bridge covered in dried brush.

The Bridges of Fillmore County

John Weiss tours the bridges of Fillmore County with the crew who keep them in good shape.

photo of blooming blue flower

April Springs to Life

Root River Current photographers capture the arrival of Spring in Southeast Minnesota.

A man stands in a stream up to his thighs and reaches out with a wood handled net to scoop up a trout.

2025 Trout Season Looks Promising for Local Anglers

John Weiss opens the 2025 catch-and-keep trout season with a primer on the state of trout fishing in southeastern Minnesota.

A tiny trout floats in water surrounded by groups of tiny bubbles.

Trout in the Classroom | Opening a New World To Kids

John Weiss introduces us to high school students and their hands-on learning about rainbow trout and the delicate balance of conditions needed to grow them into big trout.

man at table with book and magazine covers

On His Own Terms: The Writing Life of Tom Driscoll

A southeast Minnesota writer and publisher chronicles his journey as a heart transplant recipient: John Weiss shares the ‘story behind the story’ captured in a soon-to-be-published book by author Tom Driscoll.

A woman bundled up with a knitted green hat, knitted green mittens, and a plaid scarf gives a thumbs up outside on a winter day.

Longest-Running Community Science Bird Project Celebrates 125 Years

John Weiss joins in with birders at Whitewater State Park to collect data during the annual Christmas Bird Count.

High school football — an autumn tradition — has Caiden Reiter running for a Kingsland Knights touchdown against Spring Grove. (Photos by John Weiss)

Behind Friday Night Lights

High school football is more than what happens on the field — John Weiss takes us behind the scenes of a Kingsland High School football game in Spring Valley.

EllenTitus of The Nature Conservancy checks on the goats helping restore goat prairie.

Conservation Ballot Initiative Key to Trust Fund Renewal

John Weiss reports on the conservation trust fund initiative on the Minnesota November 2024 ballot. Voters are being asked to extend the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund through 2050.

<span style="font-size: 14px; color: #6c6b6b; ">Brady Thill, 9, Josie Swing, 10, and Harper Hines, 10, all of Galesville, Wis. have fun in kayaks during the BaseCamp event in Winona. (Photo by John Weiss)</span>

Outdoor Adventures Abound at BaseCamp

Participants in the annual BaseCamp outdoor adventure held in Winona learn about the Mississippi’s history and those who have worked to protect it for future generations. John Weiss shares insights from the 2024 summer gathering.

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