Wisconsin Trout Fishing

Mornin' to everyone dreaming, praying, manifesting warm weather. This is the Wiscampsin Weekly - the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here. 

*Hey der neighbor. We've still got a few of our State Bird art prints in the Wiscampsin store. If ya haven't checked 'em out, give it a look real quick once!

What we're reeling in this week:

• Wisconsin Trout fishing 🎣

• Purple trees? 🌲

• Public toilet index 🚽

Wisconsin Trout Fishing

Ah, the garage freezer. The Holy of Holy's. Cold beers down below, wild game and fish filets above. 

Wait - what's this? It's EMPTY?!?!

Don't worry, folks, the beer is well stocked. But we're out of filets! 

To save ourselves from another night of frozen pizzas, let's dive beneath the surface and take a look at one way to fill the freezer this spring:

Wisconsin Trout Fishing

• Four types of trout in WI - Brown, Rainbow, Lake, and Brook

• Best done in spring and fall, during cooler temps

• Found in streams and rivers across the state, but optimal in the Driftless Area

A fish tale

We'll be honest - you never really see trout on the menu at the Friday Night Fish Fry. 

In fact, 'Scons prefer white fish over all else here in Wisconsin, as discovered by some polling by the DNR. Anglers seek out Walleye (63%), then Bluegill (50%), then Crappie (44%), and Largemouth Bass (33%). Meanwhile, Uncle Joe seeks anything willing to bite his lure...

But before you pull your line, know that trout fishing is not only a great way to explore some new waters in our state, they're also pretty dang tasty too, if prepared right. 

Still, Wisconsin ranks 11th in the nation for trout fishing interest, which always starts to peak in April. 

When to cast a line

Generally speaking, the best time to go for trout are in the spring and fall months, for a few reasons:

1) Water temperatures are cooler for these finicky fish

2) Trout may be stocked during these times, so theres plenty of 'em

3) Springtime hatchings of bugs (like Mayflies) means dinner is served, and so too is your lure

Where to cast a line

Unlike other species of fish, the trout prefer things a bit cooler. And what makes for cooler water temps? 

Deep, ancient rivers and streams, such as the ones created in the limestone of the Driftless Area. 

Famous for its scenic bluffs, the Driftless Area was saved from the glacial drift that flattened the eastern side of the state. 

The waterways from long ago have burrowed deeper and deeper into the rock, forming ideal conditions for our four trout species: the Brown (most abundant), Rainbow, Lake, and Brook (the only native species to the state). 

You can hear about plenty of hot spots on the internet (or your neighbor's garage). 

And uh, how to cast a line? 

Though you can troll for the Lake trout in Lake Michigan (like I used to do with my Opa), most like to catch trout via fly fishing. 

In a nutshell, fly fishermen use lures that imitate flies, preferably the species native to that particular area. If you're lucky, a passing trout will believe the ruse, and WHAM - strike from below! 

If you've never been, it's a very peaceful, scenic, way to get in nature and fill the freezer. For those that get a little tense at crowded boat launches (ahem Dad, every 4th of July), this might be for you. 

So look into hiring a guide, read up on the DNR regulations, and get out der!

Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

Well, no shock here. Last week 77% of you said you'd prefer more snow over more ice. Honestly, we were hoping for something more like 99% but... As said by Alfred in The Dark Knight: "Some men like to watch the world burn."

NEW: Wisconsin Events

Butt glued to the couch? Here are some great Wisconsin events to get you out 'der:

MAPLE FESTIVAL at MacKenzie Center - Poynette, WI on Saturday, April 1, 2023, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

BEES, BLOOMS AND YOUR NATIVE GARDEN WORKSHOP at Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center at N7725 Highway 28, Horicon, WI on Saturday, April 1, 2023, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

LEARN TO HUNT TURKEY-WAUKESHA COUNTY at Whale Tales Archery 109 Main St. Dousman, WI 5311 on Saturday, April 1, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Know a WI Outdoors-related event happening? Reply to this email with the details and we will share the week before the event!

Nuts and Seeds 🌰 

🌲  Purple trees: No, you're not imagining it (though you should NOT have eaten that wild mushroom); That's really a purple tree, or rather, a purple X sprayed on a tree. In the past, landowners would do this to signify that whoever can see it is trespassing, and it's a trend that's coming back. So if you see it... 

💩 Madison ranks No. 1 in public toilets: Yep, we may have missed the NCAA basketball tournament, but at least we rank #1 on the Public Toilet Index. Not only is Madison a very bike friendly city, it's also very bowel friendly, in that there are many restrooms available to the public. 

💰 Thanks Uncle Sam: A great victory for Wisconsin conservation, Wisconsin received a record $47 million in federal wildlife funds. This will help to expand access and enjoyment of wild spaces via the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration programs. We ranked 8th in the nation for funding of this type received. 

Meme of the Week 😂 

A review from the Trail... Well shucks, Kayley Hackett is to thank for that! We're just writers...