Trout Stream Reflections

Subhead

The early trout season is here and not too soon. It is a chance to break out our gear from last fall when in October the in-land waters season closed. Although the skies over Central Wisconsin were gray it did not reduce the fisher’s enthusiasm, since low clouds and darkened skies encourages trout to be less cautious. This advantage for fishers was likely off-set by our rusty skills not practiced for several months and the challenges of fishing under chilly conditions.

The air temperature was a pleasant 27F but still caused fly lines to collect ice on sections exposed to the stream and grate against ice clogged guides. Stream side trees in winter were still as effective as ever in capturing flies from an errant backcast. No matter though it was so worthwhile to initiate the new season.

 

The snow muffled the deep woods into silence, even ravens, nuthatches and chickadees were quiet. The woods were far from unoccupied though. Signs in the snow of otter and mink, the real professional fishers, were about the margins of creeks showing local fishing to be a sustainable bargain. As for two footed fishermen, no footprints were evident in the snow at the favored deep runs and current flushed holes of past winters.

Being first to the stream cannot be overrated. During the approach to these little known sites, mental images of past fishing successes and specific casting methods came to mind: “at the oxbow curve, stand at stream left with your back to the ash tree with overhead limbs, drift the wet fly downstream to water-load a sidearm cast directing the fly upstream into the current tongue that will carry the fly deeply along the bottom of the scour hole”.

The fly choice was a pattern shared by Steve Devitt, WDNR Wild Rose Trout Management Team, several winters ago and remains an essential contributor to winter fishing success. The tug on the line never gets old and reflexes, renewed from last season, are sufficient to minimize exposure of the trout to the chilled air prior to release.

For some of us, this time is most suitable to renew acquaintances with friends from past seasons. So, clear the snow from a felled tree log and sit awhile with a cup of coffee or other in hand. Recall plans that changed last season and confirm with conviction to make real those of the coming season.

It is not all about fishing though, it is appreciating the wonders of Central Wisconsin’s trout streams that attracts us in many cases. The beauty of one particular stream is evident when looking down into its valley where springs flow creating a dendritic pattern through snow fields crossing the valley floor to the stream.

 

The pattern is bright green in color where watercress grows in the warmth of spring water and is bordered with feathery rime ice formations adorning the stalked remains of last summer’s vegetation. The stream is clear as flowing glass and speaks in quiet tones through riffles. It is the persistent presence of groundwater that sustained the gift of trout streams, a gift to be cherished and protected.

There are numerous reasons to be among trout streams, however; there is no need to list them here since we, who transverse these watersheds, know the reasons. Those unfamiliar with streams will eventually notice us and that will be our opportunity to be welcoming and share our experiences.

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  • Brown trout
    Brown trout