MADISON - Fish biologists within the Department of Natural Resources report strong trout populations statewide for the March 1 opening day of the early trout season. Trout streams are open in 46 Wisconsin counties including Green, Rock, Grant, Dane, Lafayette and Iowa counties.
The early season is catch-and-release and requires the use of artificial lures with barbless hooks, no live bait. The early season ends April 27.
Weather will play a big role in determining angler success during the early season, said Larry Claggett, DNR coldwater specialist. The snow covering much of the state may make it more difficult for anglers to get to trout streams but will help replenish the groundwater the streams depend on.
Last year's flooding and heavy rains caused some damage to fisheries in southwestern Wisconsin, say agency officials, but may have improved streams filled in with sediment.
"Pools that have been inundated with sediment have been scoured clean, leaving new places to fish," said Dave Vetrano, fisheries team supervisor in La Crosse.
Gene Van Dyck, fisheries biologist in Dodgeville agrees.
"The flooding created a lot of good clean gravel for spawning," he said. "Heavy rains in August, 2007, eliminated the drought conditions that had persisted for several years. All streams have returned to normal or slightly about normal condition. The water volume is up and the water quality is currently very good."
According to Claggett, an estimated 165,000 anglers fish for trout in Wisconsin, based on license sales. However, not all of these will fish the early season, Claggett said. Across both the early season and the regular inland season, trout anglers caught an estimated 1.6 million trout in 2006-07, he added.
More information is available on the DNR website at www.dnr.state.wi.us. When maneuvering through the screens, however, start with the feature article, "The early bird catches the" which will lead you to this year's regulations and season dates.
Following the path of fishing, fishing regulations and inland trout will direct your attention to last year's info. The early trout season always opens on the first Saturday in March and ends on Sunday of the last weekend in April, this year, April 27.
VISIT MADISON FISHING EXPO THIS WEEKEND
Billed as the largest show if its kind in the Midwest, the Madison Fishing Expo is expected to draw more than 20,000 visitors to the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Center in Madison, Feb. 22-24.
The Expo features a diverse lineup of fishing tackle, equipment and boats from leading manufacturers and dealers. More than 100 exhibitors will demonstrate the latest fishing gadgetry, book excursions to various fishing destinations and describe guide services available.
Youth activities include casting contests, face painting, balloons and Kids Teaching Kids. A variety of speakers will offer advice on catching bass, walleye, muskies, panfish and salmon.
An antique lure display adds to the atmosphere of fishing traditions. Got an old lure gathering dust in a closet? Bring it in for an expert appraisal.
Madison Fishing Expo, Inc. is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that donates all of its show proceeds to fund fishing-related projects throughout south central Wisconsin.
Show hours are 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. Sat. and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults, children 12 and under free. Parking is $5. For more information, go to www.madfishexpo.com.
- Lee Fahrney can be reached at (608) 967-2208 or at fiveoaks@mhtc.net.
The early season is catch-and-release and requires the use of artificial lures with barbless hooks, no live bait. The early season ends April 27.
Weather will play a big role in determining angler success during the early season, said Larry Claggett, DNR coldwater specialist. The snow covering much of the state may make it more difficult for anglers to get to trout streams but will help replenish the groundwater the streams depend on.
Last year's flooding and heavy rains caused some damage to fisheries in southwestern Wisconsin, say agency officials, but may have improved streams filled in with sediment.
"Pools that have been inundated with sediment have been scoured clean, leaving new places to fish," said Dave Vetrano, fisheries team supervisor in La Crosse.
Gene Van Dyck, fisheries biologist in Dodgeville agrees.
"The flooding created a lot of good clean gravel for spawning," he said. "Heavy rains in August, 2007, eliminated the drought conditions that had persisted for several years. All streams have returned to normal or slightly about normal condition. The water volume is up and the water quality is currently very good."
According to Claggett, an estimated 165,000 anglers fish for trout in Wisconsin, based on license sales. However, not all of these will fish the early season, Claggett said. Across both the early season and the regular inland season, trout anglers caught an estimated 1.6 million trout in 2006-07, he added.
More information is available on the DNR website at www.dnr.state.wi.us. When maneuvering through the screens, however, start with the feature article, "The early bird catches the" which will lead you to this year's regulations and season dates.
Following the path of fishing, fishing regulations and inland trout will direct your attention to last year's info. The early trout season always opens on the first Saturday in March and ends on Sunday of the last weekend in April, this year, April 27.
VISIT MADISON FISHING EXPO THIS WEEKEND
Billed as the largest show if its kind in the Midwest, the Madison Fishing Expo is expected to draw more than 20,000 visitors to the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Center in Madison, Feb. 22-24.
The Expo features a diverse lineup of fishing tackle, equipment and boats from leading manufacturers and dealers. More than 100 exhibitors will demonstrate the latest fishing gadgetry, book excursions to various fishing destinations and describe guide services available.
Youth activities include casting contests, face painting, balloons and Kids Teaching Kids. A variety of speakers will offer advice on catching bass, walleye, muskies, panfish and salmon.
An antique lure display adds to the atmosphere of fishing traditions. Got an old lure gathering dust in a closet? Bring it in for an expert appraisal.
Madison Fishing Expo, Inc. is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that donates all of its show proceeds to fund fishing-related projects throughout south central Wisconsin.
Show hours are 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. Sat. and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults, children 12 and under free. Parking is $5. For more information, go to www.madfishexpo.com.
- Lee Fahrney can be reached at (608) 967-2208 or at fiveoaks@mhtc.net.
