The Early Bird Catches the...

Rick Stewart enjoyed early trout fishing last year on the Rush River, Pierce County.

Trout anglers, you've been dreaming about it since September 30 and it's finally here. Early trout season is open and runs through Sunday, April 26 until midnight. Early trout season regulations have not changed since last year.

Improving Your Early Trout Season Experience

Mike Miller, Stream Ecologist, Bureau of Fisheries Management, offers some great Tips to Help You Find and Catch Trout During the Early Season [VIDEO Length 3:16]

"Tried and True" Trout Waters

If you’re in the market for a new adventure, try some of these waters that DNR fish biologists, supervisors, technicians and hatchery personnel identify as their favorites for the early catch and release trout season.

Early Trout Season Forecasts 2009

The early trout season is open on all waters in 46 counties and on at least one water in 18 more counties. Fish biologists provided the following fishing forecasts and description of their habitat work on some of the more popular waters open for this catch-and-release season.

More Resources

Check out these other trout resources to make the most of your time on the water.

Information on Trout and Salmon, including identification of the various species.
Inland Trout Regulations
Wisconsin Trout Stream Maps
Arranged by county, this listing will help you find a prime stream to fish opening day.
Public access to trout streams on public lands
This interactive guide shows where you'll find state public lands providing easy access to trout waters.
Wisconsin Trout Stream Classification
Information about, and a listing of, the 10,000 miles of classified trout waters. Learn which streams have naturally reproducing trout populations, which are stocked to jump start naturally reproducing populations, and which are maintained entirely by stocking.

Natural Resources Magazine Articles

Last Revised: Wednesday April 15 2009