The Trout Angler's Edge

[spinner1]

When fishing in early season Wisconsin you need to think stream temperatures. Fast water typically means no trout in cold water.

They need to expend too much energy to hold in place in fast water.

Andy and I had mapped the bottom the year prior in this hole. There were a couple of deep bellies in this hole that trout could lay in and stay out of the fast current.

Lots of folks tell you to stay out of the holes after you fish them. I am quite the opposite. I do recon for the next trips. I do a fast cursory check for future trips.

[spinner1]

It was 90 degrees out.

This spring temp was 42 degrees.

It was 22 degrees out.


The spring temp was 40 degrees.

Are you understanding what I am saying here?

[spinner1]

Was skunked the first few times I fished this stretch. It is non-designated water and a little on the warm side in summer.

The big arrow points at a small trickle coming into the stream. You can not see it when the grass is high.

Both of these trout were caught there in early season. The water is cold typically this time of the year.

That trickle makes the stream considerably warmer in early season. It is a trout magnet during cold and warm conditions.

SCOUT during early season.

Small trickle feeds in here.

It had his nose in the trickle opening morning.

[spinner1]

January 02, 2016 is opening day.

I typically look for ice free holes in the March opener. The January opener it may be a hard find.

One of my late morning January 02 stops I believe.

another possibility.

[spinner1]

The view from the bridge might look inviting but if you think that....so has every Tom, Dick and Mary.

Do a little exploring in 2016. Fight that urge to bridge fish.

300 yards from that bridge you could be rewarded handsomely.

[spinner1]

The proper way to revive a trout prior to release is to hold it facing upstream facing a mild current. Do not row the trout back and forth. It will let you know when it is time to release it.

[spinner1]

Be mindful of spring heads in your fishing area in January opener. Where they feed into the main streams could be an excellent wintering spot for trout seeking the warmth of the spring.

[spinner1]

High tomorrow will be 28 degrees. Don't hit the water too early.

No shell ice on any streams.

Keep thermals in mind tomorrow.

Find your springs feeding in. I am standing where one feeds in.

The current is too strong there for trout to hold in winter.

The other side of the bridge ruins that is a different story. The bottom is much deeper and has a slow current.

Deeper with a slow current is worthless without a current to bring the food into the hole.

Deeper hole with current at the top of it optimal.

Don't go to your places you scored in the summer.

That hole in the dead of winter is not so appealing and has no feed lane for the trout to wait on the edge for food.

[lee s]

GREAT lessons Spinner.
.....lee s.