2/3 Report

[WxGuy]

A friend and I fished the Middle Branch of the Whitewater today. It was the first trip out for us this winter season, and the weather was great...a little chilly to start but it warmed up quickly. We caught quite a few browns and a couple holdover 'bows from last years stocking. The fish were holding toward the tail of the pools where it started to slack. Hits were light, but not so soft you couldn't tell when they were on.

Orange scuds, size 12 & 14 did the trick with a few others taken on small PT's, Pink Squirrel, and Midge Larva patterns. I had to leave around noon, but my friend continued on and saw the trout started rising to midges around the early afternoon.

Enjoy the winter season! I had a great time getting out the waders for the first time this year. Check the regs on the DNR site to see what streams are open for the C&R barbless season. It continues right up to the end of March.

[so haaad]

Thanks for the post. It's always strange to hear of that first report. It's also hard to believe the "preseason" for Wisconsin is just over a month away! I better start tying more...

[Jim W]

I was wondering if all that "talk" about nice weather wouldn't find you on the water! Good for you! Sounds like a good time was had!

I am looking forward to the Catch and

Release pre-season , but have other species on my mind to target first!

Thanks again for the repo!

Jim

[tie flyer]

Yes, well done. I have been tying obsessively now and when not tying I'm obsessing about open water. On the North Shore we have the most anywhere but not the most accessible fish, especially right now. It is good to hear about your successful outing.

[turiprap]

A friend and I fished a stretch of the So. Branch and a stretch of the Middle Branch on Tuesday. Very nice day to be outdoors. Caught a brown on my second cast and thought I'd tear 'em up on the day, but not so. The takes were very light and I had so many layers of rust to knock off my fishing that the fish were not well hooked. The snow has been melting hard the last couple days, but when things settle down, I recommend a fishing trip as a great way to stave off the shack nasties.

[tie flyer]

Thanks for the report, Turiprap. I am definitely getting cagey. There is a massive pile of flies in my basement and I just started building my new 4-wt.

I wanted to sell the wife on a romantic Valentine's getaway to the illustriuous town of Elba, MN. Her work schedule would not permit. So for now I'm just enjoying the reports.

Keep them coming guys. I would say I'm jealous but I'm more happy to hear news of fish.